Tours: Where history meets modern life
In the heart of France's Loire Valley, a city of remarkable contrasts and rich heritage can be found. Centuries of history are woven into the fabric of its streets, while a vibrant modern culture pulses through its veins. This captivating blend of old and new, tradition and innovation, makes Tours a destination that captivates visitors from around the world.
A Journey Through Time
As one wanders through the old town of Tours, the weight of history can be felt in every cobblestone. The city's roots stretch back to the Gallic era, and its strategic location on the Loire River has ensured its importance throughout the ages. Medieval half-timbered houses stand shoulder to shoulder with elegant Renaissance mansions, each telling a story of the city's evolution.
The magnificent Cathédrale Saint-Gatien serves as the centerpiece of Tours' architectural heritage. Construction on this Gothic masterpiece was begun in the 12th century and continued for over 400 years. Its soaring spires and intricate stonework are a testament to the skill and dedication of generations of craftsmen. Inside, visitors are awed by the luminous stained glass windows, some dating back to the 13th century.
Things to do in Tours
A Cultural Renaissance
While Tours' history is celebrated, the city is far from being stuck in the past. A vibrant cultural scene has been nurtured, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters dotting the cityscape. The Centre de Création Contemporaine Olivier Debré (CCC OD) stands as a beacon of modern art, its striking contemporary architecture housing thought-provoking exhibitions that challenge and inspire.
The city's commitment to the arts is perhaps best exemplified by the annual "Rayons Frais" festival. For several weeks each summer, the streets of Tours are transformed into a vast open-air gallery and performance space. Music, dance, theater, and visual arts spill out of traditional venues and into public spaces, creating a joyous celebration of creativity that involves the entire community.
A Gastronomic Paradise
Tours' location in the bountiful Loire Valley ensures that it is a paradise for food lovers. The city's culinary traditions are deeply rooted in the region's agricultural heritage, with local specialties that showcase the finest ingredients from the surrounding countryside. The bustling Les Halles market is a feast for the senses, where the aromas of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and locally cured meats mingle in the air.
Wine enthusiasts will find themselves in heaven, as Tours serves as a gateway to some of France's most renowned wine regions. The vineyards of Vouvray, famous for their crisp white wines, lie just a short distance from the city. Many local restaurants offer carefully curated wine lists that highlight the best of the Loire Valley's vintages, allowing visitors to embark on a viticultural journey without ever leaving their table.
Education and Innovation
The presence of the University of Tours infuses the city with youthful energy and intellectual vigor. Founded in the Middle Ages and reestablished in 1970, the university attracts students and researchers from across France and beyond. This academic atmosphere has fostered a culture of innovation, with numerous tech startups and research centers choosing to make Tours their home.
The city's commitment to the future is perhaps best exemplified by the MAME digital campus. Housed in a former printing factory, this cutting-edge facility serves as an incubator for digital and creative industries. Here, established companies work alongside fledgling startups, creating a dynamic ecosystem that is driving Tours' economic future.
Natural Beauty
Despite its urban character, Tours maintains a strong connection to nature. The Loire River, which has shaped the city's history and economy for centuries, provides a serene backdrop for leisurely walks and bike rides. The Jardin Botanique de Tours, one of the oldest botanical gardens in France, offers a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Its diverse collection of plants from around the world serves both as a living museum and a tranquil retreat for residents and visitors alike.
A Gateway to the Loire Valley
Tours' strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring the wider Loire Valley. The region's famous châteaux, including Chenonceau, Amboise, and Chambord, are easily accessible from the city. These architectural marvels, set amidst rolling vineyards and lush forests, offer visitors a glimpse into the opulent world of the French Renaissance.
As the sun sets on another day in Tours, the city's unique character comes into focus. Here, history is not a static artifact but a living, breathing part of daily life. Modern innovations are seamlessly integrated into centuries-old streetscapes. The passion for good food and wine is matched only by the enthusiasm for art and culture. It's a place where the past and present dance in harmony, creating a vibrant tapestry that continues to evolve with each passing year.
For those seeking to explore more of France's diverse cities, a visit to Strasbourg offers another unique perspective on French culture and history. Like Tours, it's a city where tradition and innovation coexist beautifully, each enriching the other in a delightful cultural tapestry.
When to visit Tours
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Top attractions in Tours
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Cathédrale Saint-Gatien
In the heart of the Loire Valley, a magnificent testament to French Gothic architecture rises above the skyline of Tours. The Cathédrale Saint-Gatien, with its soaring spires and intricate stonework, stands as a silent witness to centuries of history and faith. This awe-inspiring structure, which took nearly four centuries to complete, serves not only as a place of worship but also as a living museum of architectural styles and artistic mastery.
Tours - FRANCE

Museum of Fine Arts
In the heart of the Loire Valley, a cultural gem awaits discovery. Housed within the walls of a former archbishop's palace, the Museum of Fine Arts in Tours stands as a testament to centuries of artistic achievement. As visitors step through its doors, they are transported on a journey through time, where masterpieces from various epochs and styles are showcased in an environment that seamlessly blends historical architecture with modern curation techniques.
Tours - FRANCE

Vieux Tours
France's rich tapestry of history and culture is beautifully woven into the fabric of its cities, and Tours stands as a shining example. At the heart of this captivating city lies Vieux Tours, the old town that serves as a living testament to centuries of French heritage. As one wanders through its enchanting streets, the past comes alive, whispering tales of medieval merchants, Renaissance artists, and revolutionary thinkers.
Tours - FRANCE

Château de Tours
The Loire Valley, renowned for its magnificent châteaux, holds countless treasures that transport visitors back to the splendor of France's royal past. Among these jewels, the Château de Tours stands as a testament to centuries of history, architectural evolution, and cultural significance. This remarkable structure, located in the heart of Tours, offers a unique window into the city's rich heritage and the broader tapestry of French history.
Tours - FRANCE

CHATEAUX DE LA LOIRE.FR
The Loire Valley, with its tapestry of verdant landscapes and majestic châteaux, has long captivated the imagination of travelers and history enthusiasts alike. In the heart of this enchanting region, the city of Tours serves as a strategic base for exploring the architectural marvels that dot the countryside. CHATEAUX DE LA LOIRE.FR, a premier tourist attraction and point of interest, offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of French Renaissance history and culture.
Tours - FRANCE

Jardin botanique de Tours
In the heart of the Loire Valley, where history and nature intertwine, a verdant oasis awaits. The Jardin botanique de Tours stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between humans and the plant world. This botanical garden, with its rich tapestry of flora, serves as both a sanctuary for rare species and a living laboratory for scientific research.
Tours - FRANCE
Michelin Restaurants in Tours
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Nobuki
A zen and minimalist interior all done out in pale wood sets the scene for traditional, seasonal Japanese cuisine that stands out for its fresh, unusual flavours: assortment of cold starters and tempura of the day, chirashi (traditional dish of raw fish), a hot dish of the day and miso soup. Booking essential.
Tours - FRANCE

O&A
At this pleasant 21C bistro opposite the Halles de Tours (the city's covered market), good food and relaxation reign supreme. Foodies, take note: there's no fuss or frills, just sincere, precise and generous cuisine (with butter!) that celebrates quality ingredients and authentic flavours. Examples include foie gras ravioli, truffle broth; seared scallops, watercress cream, a delicious hazelnut butter, lemon-flavoured potatoes; warm chocolate mousse, fleur de sel cookie chips. The food reflects the personality of chef-patron Olivier Arlot, a real people person who comes to every table to serve a dish or two, spreading good humour and smiles. The extensive wine list makes for rich pickings (including Loire and Burgundy labels).
Tours - FRANCE

La Deuvalière
Julien and Alexandra have poured every ounce of their youthful enthusiasm into wowing local and visiting gourmets. Their seasonal cuisine is rich in culinary delights. The timeless charm of their old house, appointed with bare beams and old terracotta tiled floors, adds to the experience!
Tours - FRANCE

La Rissole
The name of this bistro pays tribute to a great chef of the last century and celebrates the joys of cooking. The concise menu highlights the changing seasons and regional produce (asparagus, snails, freshwater fish). A flair for seasoning makes for simple and tasty food, such as white asparagus mimosa, broccoli and vadouvan. There are only a few tables, so be sure to book!
Tours - FRANCE

La Roche Le Roy
This pretty little manor house on the outskirts of town has recently been refurbished and modernised, all the way from the decoration to the kitchens, the domain of chef Maximilien Bridier. Taking an enthusiastic approach to high-quality ingredients, he presents elegant, precise dishes with no frills. Without fail, the menu features a vegetarian option. There is a fine selection of wines by the glass, and the service is attentive. Sit out on the terrace on warm days.
Tours - FRANCE

Maison Colbert
Welcome to this friendly bistro right in the city centre, which fills up quickly with diners keen to sample tasty and aromatic market-fresh cuisine. On our visit, confit beef chuck cooked in Chinon wine and served with crushed potatoes; and vol-au-vent with poulette sauce graced the menu… This is clearly a chef who knows his way around the classics.
Tours - FRANCE

Les Bartavelles
Devoted to pleasure! First-rate, often local produce: smoked trout from the Moulin des Couvent or Touraine asparagus. Ingredients with crisp, legible flavours, such as rack of roast lamb, cocoa flavouring, roast fennel, potatoes and mushrooms. Chef Ghislain Damaye and his sister Véronique, who tends to the wellbeing of the front of house, pay tribute to the memory of French novelist Marcel Pagnol, in their smart, city centre bistro, courtesy of an ethos that seeks to share their love of good food.
Tours - FRANCE

Casse-Cailloux
This gourmet bistro, so popular that it is often taken by storm (bookings advisable), is established in a residential neighbourhood near Prébendes garden and flanked by a summer patio. Sincerity depicts the seasonal dishes chalked up on a slate, all of which washed down with delicious Loire wines.
Tours - FRANCE
Best Restaurants in Tours
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Nihao Restaurant
Dine in • Takeaway • Delivery • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Vegetarian Friendly
Tours - FRANCE

Au’19
Dine in • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Saint-Avertin - FRANCE

Le Bistrot du 60
Dine in • Takeaway • Lunch • Dinner • Vegetarian Friendly • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Tours - FRANCE

L accalmie
Dine in • Lunch • Dinner • Vegetarian Friendly • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Tours - FRANCE
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