Discover the Charm of Vieux Tours

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah / day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byehn. 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 vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• 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 pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [al-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah po-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh meh-deh-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-shay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhewst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vey voo bey-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uhr ay eel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [seht]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lahd-rehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vey voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Vieux Tours, the historic heart of Tours, has its origins dating back to Roman times when it was known as Caesarodunum. The area became a significant settlement due to its strategic location along the Loire River, serving as a hub for trade and military activities. Remnants of Roman architecture, such as the ruins of the Roman amphitheater, can still be seen today, highlighting the neighborhood's ancient heritage.

The 10th to 15th centuries marked a period of prosperity for Vieux Tours, particularly during the reign of the Plantagenets. The neighborhood became a center of commerce, with its bustling markets and fairs attracting traders from across the region. The construction of significant structures, including the Saint-Gatien Cathedral, began during this era, showcasing the Gothic architectural style that characterized the period.

In the 16th century, Vieux Tours experienced a cultural renaissance, driven by the patronage of the French kings who favored the Loire Valley as a retreat from the capital. This era saw the construction of beautiful Renaissance-style houses, which still line the cobbled streets of the neighborhood. The blending of Italian and French architectural styles during this time left a lasting impact on the urban landscape of Tours.

The late 16th century was marked by the Wars of Religion, which had a significant impact on Vieux Tours. The city became a battleground for Catholic and Protestant forces, leading to destruction and upheaval. The aftermath of these conflicts shaped the neighborhood's religious landscape, with the rebuilding of churches and the establishment of new religious institutions reflecting the tensions of the time.

During World War II, Vieux Tours endured occupation and subsequent damage, particularly from air raids. The post-war period saw extensive reconstruction efforts to restore the historical integrity of the neighborhood. Today, Vieux Tours stands as a testament to resilience, with its restored medieval buildings and vibrant cultural scene attracting both locals and tourists alike.

Vieux Tours is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Tours. You can walk from the city center, which is approximately a 15-minute stroll. For those arriving by train, the Tours railway station is about 1.5 kilometers away; you can take a local bus (Line 1 or 2) heading towards Place Plumereau or opt for a taxi for convenience. If you're coming from the airport, Tours Val de Loire Airport is around 7 kilometers away, and you can take a taxi or pre-arranged shuttle service to reach Vieux Tours.

Vieux Tours is best explored on foot due to its narrow, winding streets and charming architecture. Bicycles are also popular, with rental shops available nearby, and bike lanes on some roads. The local bus network (Fil Bleu) provides connections to other parts of Tours, with several stops around Vieux Tours. For a unique experience, consider renting an electric scooter available through various apps.

Vieux Tours is generally a safe area for tourists. However, it is wise to remain vigilant, especially in crowded places. Pickpocketing can occur, particularly around popular tourist spots like Place Plumereau. Avoid poorly lit streets at night and be cautious when interacting with strangers. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's best to stay aware of your surroundings.

In emergencies, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance in France. The nearest hospital is Centre Hospitalier Trousseau, located about 3 kilometers from Vieux Tours. For non-emergency medical situations, local pharmacies are available, and many pharmacists speak English. Ensure you carry travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Don't wear overly casual attire when dining in restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches; cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with 'Bonjour' during the day and 'Bonsoir' in the evening. Don't skip greetings as it may be considered rude. Eating & Drinking: Do try local wines and cheeses. Don't rush your meals; dining is a leisurely affair in France.

To experience Vieux Tours like a local, visit the lesser-known cafés and bakeries tucked away from the main tourist paths. Engage with local artisans in the shops around Place Plumereau, and consider joining a wine tasting session to learn about the region's viticulture. Participate in local events or markets if available, and don’t hesitate to practice your French, as locals appreciate the effort.