In this new article, we take you to discover a very charming city, full of surprises and beautiful discoveries to be made! We take you to visit Tours and discovering all the things to do and see in Tours. A city of exceptional richness whether from a historical point of view but also cultural, artistic, gastronomic, …
Surrounded by the many Châteaux of the Loire, the city of Tours is an essential stopover on your visit to the region. Here are the main places to do and visit in Tours.
Summary:
- What to do in Tours?
- Where to sleep in Tours?
- Practical tips for visiting Tours
- What to visit around Tours?
What to do in Tours?
First, let's take a look at the things to see and do in Tours. We will then see some practical advice to best organize your stay in the region and more specifically, your visit to Tours.
- The historic heart of Tours
- Saint-Gatien Cathedral
- Place Jean Jaures
- The Charlemagne Tower
- The castle of Tours
- Beaux-arts museum
- Saint-Julien Abbey
- The natural history museum
- The wine heritage
The historic heart of Tours, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
During your stay in Touraine, be sure to visit Tours. Its historic heart is full of architectural elements, each as remarkable as the next, as evidenced by the awarding of the City of Art and History label and the classification of the city center as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Essentially pedestrian, the historic heart of Tours can therefore be discovered on foot. During your visit, do not hesitate to stroll and get lost in the small cobbled streets in the middle of superb half-timbered houses, mansions, vestiges from all eras and lively shops.
Stop for a drink on Place Plumereau, the central element of the historic heart. Classified by the Lonely Planet as "the most beautiful place in France to have an aperitif", it is entirely surrounded by bars and old half-timbered houses dating from the XNUMXth century.
Saint-Gatien Cathedral
Built between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, this Gothic-style cathedral, classified as a historic monument, is erected on the remains of the ancient city Caesarodunum. The current building is the fourth religious building built on this site.
From the Radiant Gothic to the Italian Renaissance, several styles of architecture make the splendor of the cathedral whose two towers reach a height of 70 meters. A monumental portal adorns the western facade of the building; once it has passed, the proportions, the light filtering through the sumptuous XNUMXth century stained glass windows and the height of the vaults offer a superb spectacle to visitors.
Several chapels border the building; one of them houses the monumental tomb of two of the children of King Charles VIII and his wife, Queen Anne of Brittany.
The north facade of the cathedral is flanked by a recently restored XNUMXth century cloister.
Place Jean Jaures
Place Jean Jaurès is one of the city's most emblematic squares, surrounded by the town hall and the courthouse. It has also been nicknamed Place du Palais by locals since the construction of a courthouse in the Louis-Philippe style, to the northwest of the square, between 1840 and 1843. Converted into a semicircle a few years later, it is closed to the south by two rounded buildings matching its shapes. It is also adorned with two monumental fountains.
From 1896 to 1904, a new town hall was erected in place of the Papion du Château private mansion, in the extension of the courthouse to the northeast of Place Jean Jaurès. According to the plans of the architect Victor Laloux, the building is an architectural masterpiece. The facades as well as the interiors are richly decorated: Atlanteans, paintings and sculptures adorn the sumptuous building. A monumental staircase provides access to the rooms on the upper floor.
The Charlemagne Tower
The Charlemagne tower overlooks the historic heart of the city of Tours with a height of almost 56 meters. Along with the Clock Tower, it is the only remnant of the first Saint Martin basilica, destroyed during the Revolution. It constituted the north tower of the building's transept and owes its name to the tomb of Luitgarde, fourth wife of Charlemagne, whose ashes lie in the crypt of the new basilica.
Among the oldest buildings of the city's architectural heritage, it is one of the must-see monuments in Tours. Classified as a historical monument, the building is accessible to the public as part of the guided tours offered by the tourist office. After climbing 284 steps to discover remarkable Romanesque and Gothic rooms, access to the terrace of the building will offer you a breathtaking panorama of the city and the Loire Valley.
The Château de Tours, monument and exhibition center
Impossible to visit Tours, capital of the kings of France for more than a hundred years, without discovering its castle. Erected in medieval times and extensively remodeled over the centuries, it now includes vestiges from all eras, from Antiquity to our century.
Restored after being used as a military barracks, the castle now presents around ten exhibitions a year, created in line with the location and addressing themes related to art and history.
Beaux-arts museum
In the heart of the old centre, in the former episcopal palace adjoining the cathedral, the Museum of Fine Arts is one of the essential visits to do in Tours. Superb works of art by Monet or Rembrandt rub shoulders with the typical XNUMXth century architecture of the building, embellished with a superb French-style garden.
The Saint-Julien abbey and the museum of companionship
The abbey complex was built between the 1940th and 1944th centuries near old Tours. Despite bombings in XNUMX and XNUMX, several buildings were preserved and restored before being classified or listed as historical monuments.
It is still possible to visit the abbey church with its 25-meter bell tower, the cellars, the chapter house and the former clerics' dormitory which now houses the museum of companionship. The latter presents the history of the companions as well as many pieces of craftsmanship.
The natural history museum
Created at the end of the 1940th century, the Natural History Museum was originally located in a superb building on the banks of the Loire. Bombed in 40, its collections and archives have completely disappeared. It will take nearly XNUMX years to rebuild the museum's collections and find a new location for it.
Opened in 1989 in a former presidial (court of the Old Regime), the museum now houses many permanent and temporary exhibitions on the themes of animals, paleontology and the history of Touraine.
The museum is open all year round, from Tuesday to Sunday. Close to the old center, it is accessible on foot from the latter.
The wine heritage
Each region of France has its own specialties. Among the specialties of the Tours region, there are the vineyards of the Loire Valley! The wines produced in this region are of high quality and worth a visit, although they are less well known than some Burgundy or Bordeaux.
But I really invite you to discover them because they are surprising, and to taste them is to adopt them! These are light, fresh wines that can be drunk with great pleasure.
And who says wine, says wine route! From Nantes to Orléans, take advantage of some 800 kilometers of the Loire wine route to explore this wine-growing region and why not treat yourself to a tasting directly at the winegrowers'!
Where to sleep in Tours?
Given all the things to do and see in Tours, it is very likely that you will have to find accommodation in Tours, whether for one night or for a longer stay. As everywhere, the choice of accommodation can be a bit complex given all the possible eventualities: hotels, bed and breakfasts, lodges, apartments, etc. So to help you in this choice, here are some suggestions for accommodation to stay in Tours and enjoy the city and its region!
Hotels to stay in Tours
Let's start our accommodation suggestion with 3 hotels to stay in Tours. These 3 establishments are located in Tours itself. From top-of-the-range hotels to hotels full of charm but more accessible, here is a selection that can help you organize your stay.
Oceania L'Univers Tours
This is a very nice hotel located a stone's throw from the historic center of Tours. Spacious, well-equipped and well-decorated rooms, friendly staff and an on-site restaurant will meet your expectations! A great address for your stay in Tours. Upscale, Location Check Rates
Chateau Belmont Towers
For this second establishment, here is a magnificent castle perfectly renovated and offering beautiful rooms and a very charming wellness and spa area! The reception and the on-site restaurant are also assets of this accommodation located in a magnificent park not far from the city center. Upscale, Home Check rates
Swan Hotel
As a final proposal, here is a small hotel that is more accessible than the previous ones. But its price does not detract from the charm of this place and the hospitality of the staff. This accommodation offers unbeatable value for money for your stay in Tours. The rooms are carefully decorated and furnished and the breakfast is excellent. Price, Location See rates
Stay in Airbnb in Tours
Apart from hotels, you can also opt for self-catering accommodation such as an Airbnb apartment. You will be able to benefit from a certain independence and other advantages that you will not have in hotels. Airbnbs can also be interesting for longer stays because you have a kitchen and the rates can be cheaper.
Studio 2 pers.
Let's start with this magnificent studio in the heart of Tours. A spacious studio, renovated with great taste while retaining the charm of the old. Ideal accommodation for a romantic weekend, it is comfortable and very clean. Location, Decoration, Comfort See prices
Apartment 4 pers.
For this second accommodation, I have selected an apartment that perfectly combines the old and the new, also in the heart of Tours. Able to accommodate up to 4 people, it will be ideal for a family stay. Comfortable, calm and very practical, it is a safe bet in Tours. Location, Decoration, Calm
Central Park
Finally, here is a set of apartments available for rent. They all have a kitchenette and a bathroom, both of which are independent. You will have the choice between studios or apartments, for two people. Decoration, Calm, Comfort See prices
Sleep in a bed and breakfast in Tours
In the last category of accommodation, I wanted to talk to you about guest rooms. Increasingly widespread and popular, a beautiful bed and breakfast has nothing to envy to classic hotels! So if you want to discover magnificent places, run by people who share their passion for the region with great pleasure, don't hesitate for a second and opt for a bed and breakfast in Tours!
The Heraudiere
Let's start with this magnificent residence, located in the north of the city and with a quite striking environment. Indeed, this mansion is surrounded by a green park. The rooms are comfortable, the breakfast is homemade and delicious and the welcome from the hosts is very warm. A great place to stay in Tours for a weekend! Environment, Hospitality, Room See prices
The Jules House
In the heart of downtown Tours, this magnificent house is a great address to discover. Between chic and tasteful renovation, a warm welcome, comfortable rooms, an ideal location and an exquisite breakfast, this address has everything you need for a very pleasant stay in Tours! Location, Reception, Decoration See prices
La Closeraie
For this last bed and breakfast address, we depart slightly from Tours to go to Vouvray, about a 20-minute drive away. Another magnificent old building renovated with great taste. The welcome is charming, the cuisine delicious and the rooms very comfortable! Environment, Hospitality, Decoration See prices
Practical tips for visiting Tours
Now that you know all the must-see things in Tours and the places to stay to make the most of it, here are some practical questions you are likely to ask yourself when planning your stay in Tours.
When to visit Tours?
The answer to the question about the best time to visit a city, in this case Tours, is going to be quite broad because it will depend on what you want to do during your stay. It goes without saying that the summer period remains favorite for its duration of sunshine as well as the low rainfall, but it is a very popular period and can therefore be quite busy.
If the hot summer temperatures are not a major criterion in your choice, then you can very well visit Tours between the months of April and October. Precipitation will be fairly constant during all these months and the temperatures will be ideal for visiting a city.
How to come to Tours?
Several solutions are available to you to get to Tours.
- By car :
Probably the simplest and most practical solution, coming to Tours by car. Tours is a city which is very well served by various highways from the 4 corners of France: from Paris, from the West, from the South, from the East. The advantage of going to Tours by car is that you can easily get out of town to visit one or more nearby Loire Valley Castles. - By train :
The train can be an ideal solution if you do not have a car or if you only want to go to Tours and do not need a car during your stay (you will always have the possibility of renting a car on site if necessary). There are two ways to get to Tours by train: arrive at Tours station located in the center; or arrive at Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station, located a few kilometers from Tours. Direct trains from Paris, Lyon or Bordeaux offer the route. - By plane :
Tours has a small airport which can be practical if you come from… Marseille, Porto, London, Dublin, Paris or Marrakech! These are examples of towns served directly by Tours airport. You can use a flight comparator to find the one that suits you best.
Excursions from Tours
During your stay in Tours, you may want to visit the nearby Loire Valley Castles without necessarily wanting to take your car. We have the ideal solution to enjoy with complete peace of mind: opt for excursions departing from Tours!
Among the existing excursions, here is one that combines transport, visit of the Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau and comments from a French-speaking guide. See prices
How long to visit Tours?
Tours is the ideal city for a weekend city trip in France! There are many things to do as we have seen previously, and the city is easily accessible whether by train or by car as detailed just before.
You can therefore very easily plan a visit to Tours over 2 or 3 days, leaving you plenty of time to visit all there is to see in Tours.
On the other hand, Tours can also be a perfect stopover for a road trip in the region!
Where to stay to visit Tours?
Whether you are spending one night or several nights, a trip to Tours is almost a must! So the question of housing will arise at some point. To answer as precisely as possible, we have devoted the previous part of this article to accommodation in Tours: hotels, bed and breakfasts, apartments, etc.
What to visit around Tours?
We spoke several times about the surroundings and the region of towers, which conceal places to visit! So here is a non-exhaustive list of visits that you can plan from Tours or during your road trip in the region.
- The castles of the Loire
- Beauval Zoo
- Trôo, un village troglodyte
- Saint-Cosme Priory
- The Presbytery Garden in Chédigny
The castles of the Loire
Of course, one of the first things to do outside Tours is to visit one or more Château(s) of the Loire! The most famous as well as the less known are located around the city. You will therefore be spoiled for choice when it comes to Château! Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry, Blois, Azay-le-Rideau, … To help you in your decision, we have written specific articles on some of the most famous castles. Do not hesitate to take a look, you may find THE castle to visit.
Beauval Zoo
Located about an hour's drive from Tours, this is an activity that will appeal to both adults and children. The Beauval Zoo has been talked about for a few years and for good. On site, you will be amazed! Both in terms of the diversity of the fauna present in this park, but also in terms of the zoo's commitment to animal welfare, the preservation or even the safeguarding of the most endangered species. Despite the fact that these animals are locked up, of course, these zoos have an important role because of the means at their disposal, but also by playing an educational role with the youngest populations. So do not hesitate to make a stop to meet the only pandas present in France!
Book your entry to Beauval ZooTrôo, un village troglodyte
Let's get off the beaten track a bit with this original village! Direction the village of Trôo, about 1 hour drive from Tours. Many historic and amazing places are to be discovered. Among other things, you can visit a petrifying cave, the oldest tourist site in the village; but also the Cave des Yuccas eco-museum, which reconstructs a troglodyte dwelling from the time; or the Cafforts, these galleries forming an impressive labyrinth.
For all visits, remember to consult the site for visits and other useful information: Trôo Tourisme.
Saint-Cosme Priory
Located at the exit of Tours, not far from the city center, I invite you to take a tour of the Priory of Saint-Cosme, which is also the residence where Ronsard came to end his days.
These gardens are a real haven of peace, they are full of plants, trees, flowers, all in perfect harmony with contemporary art.
The Presbytery Garden in Chédigny
To finish on the things to do around Tours, you can go to the small garden village of Chédigny. This village has a garden, called the Jardin du Presbytère, which has been awarded the Remarkable Garden label. This place has been renovated by various botanic specialists, offering a rich and exceptional place to discover. The whole village is flowered, making this place all the more attractive!
