Parc de la Gloriette: Tours' Eco-Friendly Urban Oasis
Discover Parc de la Gloriette in Tours: a vast urban park offering nature, recreation, and environmental education for all ages.
Parc de la Gloriette, located south of Tours, is the largest urban park in the Tours Métropole Val de Loire area. This eco-friendly park spans nearly 200 hectares and is bordered by the Cher and Petit Cher rivers. Crossed by the Loire à Vélo cycling route, the park is dedicated to the environment in all its forms. The park provides a blend of leisure and learning with various spaces for recreation and education. Visitors can explore unique walking and cycling paths, as well as an experimental vegetable garden that showcases new cultivation techniques from June to October. Throughout the year, La Gloriette offers workshops and events focused on the environment, providing opportunities to learn, discover, and connect with nature. Parc de la Gloriette also hosts various events, including the Fête de Printemps (Spring Festival), Fête d'Automne (Autumn Festival), and music festivals like Aucard de Tours and the Potager Électronique. The park features a pumptrack, offering a unique circuit with bumps and raised bends suitable for all skill levels. A 50-meter introductory loop is available for beginners, those with reduced mobility and children, while a 170-meter loop caters to experienced mountain bikers. The park also includes picnic areas and playgrounds. Historically, the plain of La Gloriette was used between 2000 and 2010 as an experimental ground for garden projects. This led to the implementation of various developments and a unique relationship between project management and contractors.
Local tips
- Check the park's event calendar for festivals, workshops, and environmental activities throughout the year.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in the park's designated picnic areas, surrounded by nature.
- Explore the park by bike using the Loire à Vélo route that passes through it.
- Visit the experimental vegetable garden (June to October) to learn about different cultivation techniques.
A brief summary to Parc de la Gloriette
- 61 Av. de Pont-Cher, Tours, 37200, FR
- +33247216379
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Public Transport
From the Tours city center, take bus line 2 or 5 to the 'Jacques Monod' stop, which is a 2-minute walk from the Parc de la Gloriette. Alternatively, take tram line A to the 'République' station, which is a 7-minute walk to the park. A single Fil Bleu fare costs €1.80 and is valid for one hour, including connections.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Tours. A taxi ride from the city center to Parc de la Gloriette typically costs around €11, depending on traffic and the exact starting point. Taxi rates in Tours start at €2.00, with an additional €1.80 per kilometer. Ride-sharing apps like Uber are also available.
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Walking
From the 'L'heure Tranquille' tram stop, the park entrance is just 200 meters away. Follow the signs for a short, pleasant walk to the park entrance.