Loire Valley Half Day : Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau from Tours

Day Tour of Chateaux of Chenonceau, Chambord & Caves Ambacia from Tours/Amboise

Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle

Loire Valley Day from Amboise : Azay le Rideau, Villandry, Winery

Discovery ride from Tours

Loire Valley Half Day Wine Tour from Tours : Vouvray Wine Tasting

Afternoon Loire Valley Wine Tour from Tours or Amboise

Hot-Air Balloon Ride over the Loire Valley, from Amboise or Chenonceau

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.

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).

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.