Tours, France Travel Guide

Discover the historic charm, culinary delights, and cultural richness of Tours, the gateway to the Loire Valley's stunning chateaux and vineyards.

Tours, nestled in the heart of the picturesque Loire Valley, is a city brimming with history and charm. Known for its stunning architecture, lively markets, and vibrant cultural scene, Tours offers a unique blend of old-world elegance and modern-day vibrancy. The city's rich past is evident in its well-preserved medieval buildings, grand chateaux, and the impressive Gothic Cathedral of Saint-Gatien. Strolling through the historic district, you'll find narrow cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses, quaint cafes, and boutique shops. The city is also a culinary delight, with an abundance of local markets, gourmet restaurants, and wine bars. As a hub of the Loire Valley, Tours is surrounded by some of France's most renowned vineyards and chateaux, making it an ideal base for exploring the region's wine country and architectural wonders. Don't miss the vibrant Place Plumereau, a bustling square filled with cafes and restaurants, perfect for people-watching and soaking in the local atmosphere. Tours is not just about history and food; it is also a city of art and culture. The Musée des Beaux-Arts, housed in a historic palace, boasts an impressive collection of European paintings and art pieces. For those who love the outdoors, the city's parks and the nearby Loire River offer plenty of opportunities for leisurely walks, cycling, and boating. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or an art lover, Tours has something to enchant every visitor.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tours.

Visit the local markets early in the morning to experience the freshest produce and local specialties.
Consider renting a bike to explore the scenic Loire Valley and its chateaux at your own pace.
Join a guided wine tour to fully appreciate the region's renowned wines and vineyards.
Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Loire River, especially during sunset for stunning views.
Learn a few basic French phrases; locals appreciate the effort and it enhances your experience.

Neighbourhoods in Tours

Cathédrale

Vieux Tours

Place Plumereau

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Tours

Explore Tours: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Tours

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La clinique du streetart

Explore the dynamic world of urban creativity at La Clinique du Streetart in Tours, a unique attraction showcasing stunning street art and interactive experiences.

4.9

Le Monstre - Xavier Veilhan

Explore the vibrant artistic landscape at Le Monstre - Xavier Veilhan, a stunning sculpture in Tours, France, that captivates art lovers and tourists alike.

4.2

Château de Chenonceau

Discover the elegance and history of Château de Chenonceau, the 'Ladies' Château' gracefully spanning the River Cher in the Loire Valley.

4.7

Loire Valley

Discover fairytale castles, world-class wines, and stunning landscapes in France's Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best landmarks in Tours

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Cathédrale Saint-Gatien

Explore the breathtaking Cathédrale Saint-Gatien in Tours, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with stunning stained glass and rich history.

4.6

Les Halles de Tours

Discover the vibrant Les Halles de Tours, a bustling market offering fresh local produce, artisan goods, and a taste of the Loire Valley's culinary delights.

4.4

Guinguette de Tours

Discover Guinguette de Tours: A vibrant live music bar and eatery that celebrates local culture through music, food, and unforgettable experiences.

4.3

Vieux Tours

Explore the enchanting Vieux Tours, a historical landmark in France, where medieval charm meets vibrant culture and local delights.

4.6

Best restaurants in Tours

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Le Turon

Experience the elegance of modern European dining at Le Turon in Tours, where every dish tells a story of French culinary artistry.

4.6

LA MAISON DES HALLES

Experience authentic French cuisine at La Maison des Halles in Tours—where tradition meets modern dining excellence.

4.6

Restaurant Les Canailles

Experience authentic French cuisine at Restaurant Les Canailles in Tours - where culinary excellence meets charming ambiance.

4.6

La Plume Blanche

Discover authentic French cuisine at La Plume Blanche in Tours - where every dish tells a story.

4.2

Best bars in Tours

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Bar Le Corsaire

Discover Bar Le Corsaire in Tours: A Nautical-Themed Bar Offering Vibrant Nightlife and a Diverse Drink Menu.

4.6

The Pale

Experience the vibrant charm of The Pale, a beloved Irish pub in Tours, offering great drinks, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere.

4.5

Café Bar concerts Le Strapontin

Discover the heart of Tours at Café Bar concerts Le Strapontin, where jazz meets delicious bites in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.4

La réserve

Experience the best of French wines at La Réserve, a delightful wine bar and restaurant in Tours offering exquisite flavors and a warm atmosphere.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Tours

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LE FEELING

Discover the lively atmosphere of Le Feeling Karaoke in Tours, where singing meets disco for an unforgettable night out!

4.5

LE PYM'S

Le Pym's in Tours: A premier disco club for unforgettable nights filled with music, dancing, and vibrant energy.

3.9

Le Marquis - Tours

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Le Marquis in Tours, a premier disco club offering unforgettable dance experiences and lively entertainment.

3.5

RED Club - club boîte de nuit Tours

Discover the electrifying atmosphere of RED Club in Rochecorbon, a premier disco club featuring live music, dancing, and unforgettable nights out.

4.2

Best shops in Tours

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L'Heure Tranquille

Experience the vibrant shopping and dining at L'Heure Tranquille, the heart of Tours, where fashion meets entertainment and culinary delights await.

4.1

Galeries Lafayette Tours

Discover a world of fashion and beauty at Galeries Lafayette Tours, the ultimate shopping destination in the heart of France.

3.9

Galerie Nationale

Explore the chic shops, tech stores, and dining delights at Galerie Nationale in Tours, a must-visit shopping destination.

4.0

Nature and Discoveries

Explore the charm of Nature and Discoveries in Tours, a gift shop offering eco-friendly treasures inspired by the beauty of nature.

4.3

Explore Tours on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Tours, mapped for you.

Tours Essentials

Tours is located in the Loire Valley, approximately 240 kilometers southwest of Paris. The nearest major airport is Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), from which you can take a direct TGV (high-speed train) to Tours. The train journey typically takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, there is a smaller airport, Tours Val de Loire Airport (TUF), with limited flights from European destinations. If you prefer driving, Tours is accessible via the A10 motorway from Paris, a journey of roughly 2.5 hours.
Tours has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses and trams, operated by Fil Bleu. Tickets can be purchased at machines located at tram stops or directly from bus drivers. For exploring the city center, walking or renting a bicycle is highly recommended. Taxis are also readily available, and ridesharing services like Uber operate in the area. For trips outside of Tours, consider renting a car to explore the Loire Valley and its famous châteaux at your own pace.
The official currency in France is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments, local markets, and rural areas. ATMs are plentiful in Tours, especially in the city center, where you can withdraw money as needed.
Tours is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended and be cautious in crowded areas, such as train stations and popular tourist spots. While Tours does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, neighborhoods like Les Fontaines and some parts of La Rabière have higher crime rates, so exercise additional caution if you visit these areas, especially at night.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the European emergency number for police, fire, and medical services. The main hospital in Tours is CHRU de Tours, which provides comprehensive medical care. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For lost or stolen items, contact the local police station.
Fashion: Do dress smartly, especially when dining out or visiting upscale locations. Casual attire is acceptable, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs in religious sites. Always dress modestly and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trams and buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Bonjour' (Good day) upon entering shops or restaurants. A handshake is a common form of greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like rillettes and Loire Valley wines. Don’t rush your meals; dining is considered a leisurely activity.
To experience Tours like a local, visit the Halles de Tours, the central market, where you can find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other local delicacies. Take a leisurely stroll along the Loire River and enjoy a picnic in one of the many parks. Engage with locals at the numerous wine bars and cafés scattered throughout the city. Don’t miss the weekly flea market at Place Anatole France for unique finds. For a cultural experience, attend a performance at the Grand Théâtre de Tours.

When is the best time to visit Tours?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Tours

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Tours. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
- YesOui
  [wee]
- NoNon
  [nohn]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo play/dee ryehn]
- Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah/day-zoh-lay]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar lah kart, seel voo play]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo play]
- Help!À l'aide!
  [ah layd]
- Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [al-lay voo zahn]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah po-lees]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay uh med-sahn]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shey...]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zheust]
- How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohn-byen sah koot]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vez voo bay-say luh pree]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell urr eh-teel]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh oon urr]
- Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees ehr ay duh-mee]
- MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
- EveningSoir
  [swahr]
- YesterdayHier
  [yair]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
- 1Un
  [uh]
- 2Deux
  [duh]
- 3Trois
  [twah]
- 4Quatre
  [ka-truh]
- 5Cinq
  [sank]
- 6Six
  [sees]
- 7Sept
  [set]
- 8Huit
  [weet]
- 9Neuf
  [nurf]
- 10Dix
  [dees]
- Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo eh...]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell eh lah-dress]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vez voo muh mohn-tray (surr lah kart)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn eh luh proh-shan (buhs)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of Tours

Tours, known as Caesarodunum during the Roman era, was established in the 1st century AD. It served as an important administrative center in the Roman province of Gallia Lugdunensis. The city's Roman roots are evident in its layout and archaeological remains, including the remnants of a Roman amphitheater and baths.
During the medieval period, Tours became a major pilgrimage site due to the relics of St. Martin of Tours. The Basilica of St. Martin, built to honor the saint, attracted pilgrims from across Europe. The city's strategic location along the Loire River also contributed to its growth as a commercial hub.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, Tours flourished under the influence of the French Renaissance. The city became a favored residence for the French monarchy. Notable Renaissance structures include the Hôtel Goüin and the Château de Tours, showcasing the architectural grandeur of the period.
In 732 AD, the Battle of Tours marked a significant turning point in European history. Charles Martel's Frankish forces defeated the Umayyad Caliphate, halting the Muslim advance into Western Europe. This victory solidified Tours' place in military history and helped shape the continent's religious and cultural landscape.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Tours underwent significant modernization. The arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century spurred economic growth and urban development. The city played a pivotal role during World War II, serving as a temporary capital of France in 1940 and later enduring occupation and liberation.
Today, Tours is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The city is home to numerous museums, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which houses an impressive collection of art. The annual Festival de la Loire celebrates the region's maritime history, while the vibrant local markets and gastronomy reflect Tours' enduring cultural vitality.