Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
30/08/2025
ram, Pexels
Tours, located in the heart of the Loire Valley, offers a harmonious blend of historical charm, cultural richness, and natural beauty. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the region's famous châteaux and renowned vineyards, while also providing a vibrant city experience with its ancient architecture and culinary delights.
The historic center of Tours is particularly conducive to socializing. Place Plumereau, with its colorful half-timbered houses and numerous inviting terraces, is considered the lively heart of the Old Town, attracting visitors and students alike for coffee, drinks, and people-watching. The area surrounding Rue Colbert also offers a vibrant atmosphere with its cafés. Along the Loire River, one might find a guinguette, an open-air establishment perfect for evening relaxation.
Top 5 Things to do in Tours
Activities in Tours center around exploring its historic core, indulging in local gastronomy, and venturing out to iconic Loire Valley châteaux and vineyards.
1. Stroll through Vieux-Tours and Place Plumereau
Wander through the cobbled streets of Vieux-Tours, the city's historic district, to admire the beautifully preserved half-timbered houses dating back to the 15th century. Place Plumereau is the lively heart of this area, offering numerous cafe and restaurant terraces perfect for observing local life. This charming square is particularly vibrant in the evenings when its historic buildings are illuminated.
Cost: Free to explore. The cost for food and drinks at cafes or restaurants varies.
Transport: Located in the city center, this area is best explored on foot. It is within walking distance from most central accommodations.
2. Visit Cathédrale Saint-Gatien
Discover the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Gatien, a magnificent Gothic cathedral constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries. Its stunning facade, intricate stained-glass windows from the 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries, and grand nave are notable features. The peaceful Cloître de la Psalette, a listed historic monument, is also worth visiting.
Cost: Entry to the cathedral is free. Guided tours may incur a fee, for example, a guided tour of the cathedral and its district costs from €7.
Transport: The cathedral is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from Vieux-Tours and Place Plumereau, approximately 0.6 miles away.
3. Explore Les Halles de Tours
Immerse yourself in the local culinary scene at Les Halles de Tours, a bustling covered market at the city's heart. This vibrant hub offers a wide selection of organic produce, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fresh seafood, and baked goods. It provides a true taste of the Loire Valley's rich agricultural heritage and is an excellent place to find local delicacies like rillettes de Tours.
Cost: Entry is free; costs apply for purchases made from vendors. One can enjoy a fresh and affordable lunch by purchasing various items.
Transport: Les Halles is located in the city center and is easily reached on foot.
4. Day Trip to Château de Villandry and its Gardens
Embark on a day trip to the stunning Château de Villandry, famous for its magnificent Renaissance gardens, which are considered among the finest in France. Visitors can explore the intricate ornamental gardens, a water garden, and a unique kitchen garden, alongside the château's interior. Planning a visit allows for ample time to enjoy both the architecture and the meticulously designed landscapes.
Cost: Entrance fee for the château and gardens is approximately €14 for adults and €8.50 for gardens only. There are options for combined tickets with other châteaux.
Transport: From Tours, take the Line 32 bus to Château de Villandry, which takes approximately 29 minutes. The bus is the cheapest way to get there from Tours.
5. Loire Valley Wine Tasting Tour
Experience the renowned wine region of the Loire Valley with a dedicated wine tasting tour. The area is celebrated for its white wines, including Vouvray and Montlouis, as well as rosés and reds. A tour often includes visits to local vineyards and cellars, offering insights into winemaking processes and opportunities to sample regional specialties.
Cost: Wine tasting tours vary significantly in price, generally ranging from approximately €34 to over €100 for half-day or full-day experiences, depending on the inclusions and tour operator.
Transport: Many tours depart directly from Tours and include transport to the vineyards. If self-driving, consider booking tastings in advance.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
