Tours, FranceChillTrip

City guideFrance

Tours

Tours travel guide · Europe

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Tours is the largest city in the Loire Valley, elegantly situated between the Loire and Cher rivers in west-central France. Known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, vibrant medieval old town, and world-class wines, it is the perfect base for exploring the legendary châteaux of the Loire Valley. The city is also celebrated for the supposed perfection of its spoken French and its rich culinary traditions.

01

Best time to visit Tours

aprilmayjunejulyaugustseptember

Spring and summer offer pleasant weather ideal for cycling along the Loire, visiting château gardens, and enjoying outdoor terraces in the old town. The Loire à Vélo cycling routes and outdoor events are at their best during these months.

02

What to see in Tours

Cathédrale Saint-Gatien de ToursChillTrip
Must-see
01church

Cathédrale Saint-Gatien de Tours

A magnificent Gothic cathedral featuring a monolithic façade, spectacular flying buttresses, gargoyles, and stunning stained glass windows. The adjoining Cloître de la Psallette adds to its historic charm.

FreeAbout 60 minculturehistory

AddressPl. de la Cathédrale, 37000 Tours, France

4.6/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday9 am–7 pm
  • Friday9 am–7 pm
  • Saturday9 am–7 pm
  • Sunday9 am–7 pm
  • Monday9 am–7 pm
  • Tuesday9 am–7 pm
  • Wednesday9 am–7 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Basilique Saint-Martin de ToursChillTrip
Must-see
02church

Basilique Saint-Martin de Tours

A grand Romanesque basilica built between 1886 and 1924, whose dome dominates the city skyline. Its crypt houses the tomb of Saint Martin of Tours, a major pilgrimage site.

FreeAbout 45 minculturehistory

Address7 Rue Baleschoux, 37000 Tours, France

4.6/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday7:30 am–7 pm
  • Friday7:30 am–7 pm
  • Saturday7:30 am–7 pm
  • Sunday8 am–7 pm
  • Monday7:30 am–7 pm
  • Tuesday7:30 am–7 pm
  • Wednesday7:30 am–7 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Place PlumereauChillTrip
Must-see
03neighborhood

Place Plumereau

The lively heart of the medieval Old Town, surrounded by beautifully preserved timber-framed buildings, cafés and bars. Known locally as 'Place Plum', it buzzes with life day and night.

FreeAbout 60 minculturehistorynightlife

Address37000 Tours, France

Open in Google Maps

Musée des Beaux-Arts de ToursChillTrip
Must-see
04museum

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours

Housed in the former Palace of the Archbishops, this fine arts museum holds an impressive collection including works by Degas, Delacroix, Monet and Rodin, as well as medieval religious art and tapestries.

Paid entryAbout 90 minculturehistory

Address18 Pl. François Sicard, 37000 Tours, France

4.3/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday9 am–6 pm
  • Friday9 am–6 pm
  • Saturday9 am–6 pm
  • Sunday9 am–6 pm
  • Monday9:30 am–6 pm
  • TuesdayClosed
  • Wednesday9 am–6 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Musée du CompagnonnageChillTrip
05museum

Musée du Compagnonnage

A unique museum showcasing the masterpieces of French guild craftsmen, including intricate tools, sculptures, decorated cakes and clothing. Especially engaging for families and children.

Paid entryAbout 75 minculturehistory

Address8 Rue Nationale, 37000 Tours, France

4.6/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday9:30 am–12:30 pm, 2–6 pm
  • Friday9 am–12:30 pm, 2–6 pm
  • Saturday9 am–12:30 pm, 2–6 pm
  • Sunday9 am–12:30 pm, 2–6 pm
  • Monday9 am–12:30 pm, 2–6 pm
  • TuesdayClosed
  • Wednesday9 am–12:30 pm, 2–6 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

03

Where to eat in Tours

La Maison des HallesChillTrip
01French

La Maison des Halles

An upscale restaurant located on the Place des Halles, near the covered market hall in the heart of Tours.

Price $$$

Address19 Pl. des Halles, 37000 Tours, France

4.7/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday12–1:30 pm, 7:30–10 pm
  • Friday12–1:30 pm, 7:30–10:30 pm
  • Saturday12–1:30 pm, 7:30–10:30 pm
  • SundayClosed
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday12–1:30 pm, 7:30–10 pm
  • Wednesday12–1:30 pm, 7:30–10 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

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04

Things to do in Tours

Le Petit Train de Tours

tourPaid entryAbout 60 min

A charming road train that follows a circular route through the city centre, passing all major landmarks. Departs from boulevard Heurteloup in front of the tourist information centre.

La Calèche

tourPaid entryAbout 45 min

A horse-and-carriage ride through the historic streets of Tours, departing from rue Bernard Palissy near Place François Sicard. Available May to September and during Christmas holidays.

La Gloriette

otherFreeAbout 90 min

A public park south-west of the city centre featuring an experimental vegetable garden and a treetop adventure park. A great free outdoor activity for families.

Loire à Vélo - Pont Wilson

bikeFreeAbout 120 min

Starting from Pont Wilson, cyclists and walkers can explore miles of scenic Loire riverbanks on both sides as part of the famous Loire à Vélo cycling network.

05

Where to go near Tours

Amboise

Train 20minCar 25min

A picturesque Loire Valley town home to the stunning Château Royal d'Amboise and the Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's final residence. A must for history and château lovers.

Chenonceau

Train 30minCar 35min

Home to the iconic Château de Chenonceau, one of the most visited châteaux in France, elegantly spanning the Cher river.

Blois

Train 40minCar 45min

A royal Loire Valley city featuring the magnificent Château Royal de Blois and a charming historic centre, easily reachable by train from Tours.

Orléans

Train 1hCar 1h

The regional capital of Centre-Val de Loire, famous for its connection to Joan of Arc and its beautiful Gothic cathedral. Reachable by train via the Intercités service.

Chambord

Car 50min

Home to the legendary Château de Chambord, the largest château in the Loire Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its French Renaissance architecture.

Nantes

Train 1h30Car 2h

A vibrant Atlantic city with a rich history, famous for its Château des Ducs de Bretagne and the extraordinary Machines de l'Île. Reachable by train in under 2 hours.

Poitiers

Train 45minCar 1h

A historic university city south of Tours with remarkable Romanesque architecture and the famous Futuroscope theme park nearby.

Paris

Train 1hCar 3h

The French capital is easily accessible from Tours by high-speed TGV train, making it a convenient gateway city for international visitors.

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