Tours
Introduction
You will find yourself in Tours, the primary city and prefecture of the Indre-et-Loire department. Located within the Centre-Val de Loire region, this urban center serves as a central hub for the surrounding area.
Before you go
Prepare for your visit by noting that Tours serves as an ideal base for exploring the numerous châteaux of the Loire Valley. You can expect a rich cultural experience featuring local cuisine and several museums, with the city center situated between the Loire and Cher rivers. The surrounding region, known locally as Touraine, is celebrated for its wines and the high quality of the spoken French.
While you will find the city generally safe during the day, you should remain aware of your surroundings in specific areas. Avoid the neighborhoods to the southeast and east at night, as well as the areas surrounding the train station in the suburb of Saint-Pierre-des-Corps. If you do not speak French, be prepared for potential interactions with homeless individuals who may approach you on the street.
Getting there
You can reach the city by air via the local Tours Val de Loire Airport, which offers year-round flights from several European destinations and seasonal connections. For those arriving at larger hubs like Paris Charles de Gaulle or Orly, you can reach the city center by car or by taking a TGV train from nearby stations. Alternatively, flying into Nantes provides another option for reaching the region by both car and train.
Train travel offers multiple routes to your destination:
- From the United Kingdom, you can take the Eurostar to Paris or Lille before connecting to the French national network.
- From Paris, you can choose between the high-speed TGV from Montparnasse or a slower Intercités train from Austerlitz.
- Regional trains provide direct connections from various cities including Blois, Bourges, Caen, Dijon, La Rochelle, Le Mans, Lyon-Perrache, Orléans, and Poitiers.
Getting around
Navigating Tours is most pleasant on foot, as the compact city centre is pedestrian-friendly. Many streets are narrow enough that public transport does not serve every major attraction directly, making walking your best way to explore the local area. You can also choose to cycle through the heart of the Loire à Vélo project, where numerous bike rental stores provide access to the scenic region.
For longer journeys, a comprehensive network of buses and a single tram line connect various parts of the city and surrounding suburbs. A shuttle train provides a fast connection between Tours and Saint-Pierre-des-Corps railway stations. If you choose to drive, while the city is compact enough that a car is rarely needed for local travel, several underground parking areas are available near the old town and main shopping streets.
Where to stay
You can find comfortable accommodations in areas close to the city's social hubs and educational centers. Staying near Place Plumereau places you within walking distance of various bars and pubs, while proximity to the main campus of Université Francois-Rabelais provides a convenient base for those visiting the university district.
For an affordable and safe option, you can choose a hostel that offers individual rooms suitable for long stays. This type of accommodation features communal bathroom facilities, a cafeteria where you can purchase meals, and cooking facilities if you prefer to prepare your own food. Located near internet cafés, these accommodations provide a convenient base in the heart of the city.
Food & drink
Explore a diverse culinary landscape in Tours, where you can find everything from traditional French cuisine to international flavors. Rue Colbert offers an eclectic selection of global dishes, including Iranian, Turkish, Arab, Japanese, Italian, and cuisines from former French colonies. If you are looking for something quick, kebab shops are plentiful throughout the city.
For your evening drinks, head to Place Plumereau in the old town, where you can sit among others on chairs provided by nearby establishments. Beer enthusiasts can find a wide variety of selections at L'Academie de la Biere Bar at the end of Rue Colbert. If you prefer a lively atmosphere, several clubs and bars offer distinct experiences: The Pale is an Irish pub popular with international students, while Le Café Chaud features large cocktails and a dance floor. For those seeking a more niche scene, L'Excalibur caters to a stylish crowd, Le G.I serves as the city's main gay club, and larger venues like Le Pyms and ZooStation offer expansive spaces for dancing.
What to see and do
Explore the historic architecture of the city, where you can admire the Gothic details and gargoyles of the Cathédrale Saint Gatien or visit the Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours to see its prominent dome and crypt. For a deeper look into local history and culture, explore various museums including the Fine Arts Museum, which houses works by artists like Monet and Rodin, and the Natural History Museum featuring taxidermied specimens and geological artifacts. You can also discover the craftsmanship of traditional guilds at the Musée du Compagnonnage or visit the Centre Marie de l'Incarnation to learn about the life of a saint who traveled to North America.
Experience the local atmosphere in Vieux Tours, a neighborhood of pedestrianized medieval streets and timber-framed houses centered around the lively Place Plumereau. Nearby, you can find artisans at work in the Quartier Artisanal or wander through the Jardin Botanique, which features a 150-year-old gingko tree, tropical glasshouses, and a medicinal herb garden. If you prefer a more tranquil setting, visit the Prieuré de Saint Cosme to see the restored gardens of the former home of poet Pierre de Ronsard. At night, enjoy the illuminated facades of the city's landmarks, including the City Hall and the Basilica.
Three days in Tours
Day one, you can begin your journey in the heart of Touraine. Explore the historic centre and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere of this region within the Loire Valley.
Day two, you can travel through the scenic landscapes of the Indre and Cher departments. Experience the distinct character of the local area while exploring the surroundings of Tours.
Day three, you can prepare for your departure from the city. You have several options to reach your next destination, whether by train or via regional transport routes.