After strolling through the narrow streets of Vieux Tours, admiring Saint-Gatien Cathedral or gazing at Place Plumereau, why not set off on an adventure?
Well-connected, Tours is an ideal starting point for exploring the treasures of the Loire Valley. From dazzling chateaux to charming villages and wilderness getaways, there's something for everyone!
Use our practical tips and our many photos to plan your ideal getaway. See our selection of the 10 best excursions from Tours to make your choice!
Our 3 favourite excursions in Tours
Tours enjoys a privileged location in the heart of the Loire Valley, yet is perfectly connected to Touraine's finest châteaux and vineyards.
To simplify your discoveries, you can opt for organized day trips. Before presenting our opinions on each release, here are our favorites:
- Discover the Chateaux of the Loire Valley: immerse yourself in French history by combining a visit to Chambord and Chenonceau - see prices, availability and book.
- Touraine wine tasting: explore the cellars and vineyards of Vouvray and Chinon with wine tasting - see prices, program and booking.
- Stroll along the Loire: opt for a bike trip to admire the royal river - Loire Valley, France see info, prices and availability.
1. Marvel at the majesty of the Châteaux de la Loire
Why do we recommend this tour?
This immersion will help you discover why the Loire Valley, at the heart of French history for so many years, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Each château tells its own unique story: royal residences, the homes of favorites, artists' hideaways or military fortresses. Either way, you'll love this leap into the past!
For more details, see our article on the most beautiful castles around Tours.
What you will see
- Villandry: spectacular formal gardens, among the finest in Europe.
- À Azay-le-RideauAzay-le-Rideau: a true jewel of the early French Renaissance.
- À Chenonceau Chenonceau: unique architecture with its castle elegantly spanning the Cher River.
- À Chaumont-sur-Loire Chaumont-sur-Loire: remarkable art collections and a domain dedicated to contemporary creation.
How much time should I allow?
The duration also depends on the châteaux selected.
Allow plenty of time for the drive (between 30min and 1h), and at least 2h on site to explore the area. Certain extended domains may require more time.
To save time, opt for combined tours: see program, prices and availability.
2. Escape to the banks of the Loire
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Loire, France's wild and mythical river, offers almost 900km of landscaped banks. There are several options: discover the river on foot along the signposted trails, by bike along the cycle paths (find out more in our article on the Loire by bike) or by traditional boat for a different perspective on the river and its banks.
What you will see
- Sandbanks and wild islets are home to herons, cormorants and terns.
- Picturesque Loire villages with tufa and slate houses.
- The majestic silhouettes of castles overlooking the river.
- The river itself, with its changing colors according to the seasons.
How much time should I allow?
Allow at least half a day to fully enjoy the experience.
We recommend you bring a picnic or treat yourself to a "guinguette" in fine weather.
If you're interested in a bike tour: find some options here.
If you're interested in boating, find out more on the Tours Tourist Office website here.
3. Discover Amboise's 3 châteaux
Why do we recommend this tour?
Just 30 minutes from Tours, Amboise is one of the pearls of the Loire Valley. A former royal residence, Amboise boasts no fewer than 3 châteaux in its downtown area! We were seduced by this exceptional wealth of heritage and its panoramic views over the Loire. The city, although tourist, is not limited to an open-air museum. You'll also find some great restaurants and stores!
What you will see
- The Royal Château of AmboiseThe Château Royal d'Amboise: Renaissance residence of the kings of France, overlooking the Loire from its premontory.
- Le Clos LucéLeonardo da Vinci's last home and a museum dedicated to his inventions.
- Château Gaillard: citrus gardens and Italian architecture.
- The historic center: lively alleyways and the Clock Tower.
How much time should I allow?
One day is all it takes to see Amboise's must-sees: the Château Royal, Clos Lucé and a stroll along the Loire River.
Here's our idea of a one-day program.
4. Stroll through remarkable gardens
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Loire Valley, nicknamed the "Garden of France", is renowned for its verdant landscapes and sumptuous gardens.
Nestled along the banks of the Loire and its tributaries, these gardens offer an enchanting spectacle: French gardens with romantic landscapes, English gardens, or parks with century-old trees... there's something for everyone!
Read our article on the most beautiful gardens in the Loire Valley to find out more.
What you will see
While Tours already has many green spaces, garden lovers will be delighted to discover them:
- Saint-Cosme Priory (20min from Tours): monastic and poetic gardens inspired by the works of Ronsard.
- Château de Valmer (30min from Tours): splendid terraced gardens, combining vineyards and French parterres.
- The International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire (45 minutes from Tours), which offers ephemeral botanical creations that are renewed every year!
- And many other gardens such as Parc de la Bourdaisière and Jardins Haute Couture.
How much time should I allow?
The duration varies according to the location chosen. Allow an average of 2 hours per garden to fully appreciate the visit.
5. Discover the charm of the villages around Tours
Why do we recommend this tour?
If you're in the mood for a bucolic getaway, you're right to choose Tours as your base. The town is on the doorstep of several villages classified as Plus Beaux Villages de France: Montrésor, Crissay-sur-Manse, Candes-Saint-Martin.
Take a timeless break through the cobbled streets of these villages and discover the famous Touraine gentle way of life.
If you're having trouble choosing between these pretty hidden spots, take a look at our article dedicated to the most beautiful Loire villages from Tours.
What you will see
- Narrow cobbled streets lined with old houses of timeless charm.
- Traditional craftsmen and workshops that perpetuate local know-how.
- Streams of water wind their way between houses, offering magnificent panoramic views.
How much time should I allow?
Allow half a day in each village for a leisurely stroll, visits to monuments and panoramic views.
You can combine two in one day, such as Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau, if you have a car, or opt for a day hike along the GR3 linking villages and châteaux.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
6. Explore the medieval city of Chinon
Why do we recommend this tour?
Leaving the banks of the Loire to follow its tributary, the Vienne, we discover the charming town of Chinon, a historic crossroads between Anjou, Touraine and Poitou. Renowned for its medieval fortress and its major role in the history of the Plantagenets and Joan of Arc, Chinon is also famous for its AOC wine, one of the most renowned in the valley. An excursion to Chinon combines cultural discovery and oenological pleasure, in a picturesque setting.
What you will see
- The Royal Fortress of Chinonwith its three castles, royal dwellings, towers, gardens and spectacular views over the Vienne river.
- Picturesque lanes lined with mansions and half-timbered houses.
- The opportunity to to taste Chinon wines in nearby cellars and estates.
How much time should I allow?
We recommend that you plan a day trip to Chinon: the fortress in the morning (2 to 3 hours), a good lunch at midday before a digestive stroll through the town center (30min) and one or more vineyards in the afternoon.
7. Be surprised by the Royal City of Loches
Why do we recommend this tour?
Born of the rivalry between the Counts of Blois and Anjou, the fortress town of Loches dominates the Indre valley. A trading crossroads between Amboise and Poitiers, it was a strategic place in the Middle Ages, and today boasts an exceptional heritage.
With no fewer than 26 listed monuments, Loches is as attractive for its medieval fortifications as it is for the vitality of its modern town. It's a must-see if you want to immerse yourself in the region's history.
What you will see
- The dungeon: built in the 10th century by Foulques Nerra, its imposing towers and panoramic view will reward courageous climbers.
- Le logis royal: former residence of Charles VII, famous for hosting Agnès Sorel, the "first female influencer" in French history.
- The narrow streets of the royal city: tufa stone houses, mansions and a preserved medieval atmosphere.
- Saint-Ours church: its two unique octagonal turrets and the tomb of Agnès Sorel.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 1 full day to visit Loches (1h drive from Tours). In the morning, spend time at the keep and the royal dwelling, then in the afternoon stroll through the fortified town and its narrow streets.
8. Discover the elegant town of Saumur
Why do we recommend this tour?
Saumur is undoubtedly the most traditional of the Loire's major towns. Dominated by its medieval château, the town stretches peacefully along the Loire and has a rich military heritage thanks to its cavalry school, Le Cadre Noir, which is still active today. A stroll through the pedestrianized historic center, then a climb up to the castle, allows you to savor its refined yet authentic atmosphere.
What you will see
- The Château de SaumurThe Château de Saumur: perched on a promontory, it offers a majestic view of the Loire River.
- The collections of one of its amazing museums.
- Fontevraud Abbey (20 min from Saumur): a spiritual and historical landmark, home to the Plantagenet tombstones.
- Troglodyte heritage: dwellings, cellars and mushroom beds dug into the tufa rock.
How much time should I allow?
Allow at least 1 day to discover Saumur and its main sites.
To take full advantage of the town, its surroundings and the troglodyte and wine tours, we recommend 2 full days.
Read our article on how to plan your weekend.
9. Immerse yourself in the royal history of Blois
Why do we recommend this tour?
Nestled on the banks of the Loire River, Blois boasts remarkable architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. The town combines monumental heritage, characterful little streets and contemporary art de vivre. Neither too quiet nor too busy, it offers a perfect harmony between history, culture and the gentle Loire Valley.
Culture-wise, you can choose between the Fondation du Doute, a contemporary art space inspired by the Fluxus movement, and a playful visit to the Musée de la Magie or the bd Boum-Maison de la BD.
What you will see
- The Château Royal de Blois: a condensed history of four architectural styles (medieval, gothic, Renaissance and classical).
- The narrow streets of the historic center: old houses, charming squares and views of the Loire.
- Saint-Louis Cathedral and its garden: a haven of tranquillity in the heart of the city.
How much time should I allow?
According to our guide, one day is enough to visit Blois in 1 day.
Allow at least half a day for the Royal Castle, then the afternoon to explore the city center, see the religious heritage and choose one of the museums.
10. Tasting Loire wines
Why do we recommend this tour?
The typical terroir and know-how of the Loire winegrowers are well worth a visit. The Loire vineyards stretch over 1,000km, offering an incredible diversity of styles and grape varieties. Lively, mineral whites, elegant reds, gourmet rosés or fine bubbles: each appellation has its own personality.
It's an experience that's both tasty and cultural, and a chance to meet people who are passionate about what they do. Among our favorites, Vouvray wines offer some wonderful surprises during tastings: see info, prices and availability.
What you will see
- Vineyards as far as the eye can see, undulating over the hillsides of the Loire Valley.
- Passionate artisan winemakers sharing their ancestral know-how.
- Troglodytic cellars dug into the tufa rock, ideal for storing bottles.
- Discover emblematic wines such as Vouvray, Chinon and Saumur-Champigny.
How much time should I allow?
Allow half a day for one or two cellars. It is also possible to organize multi-day road-trips to explore the region in greater depth.
See our reference articles on the subject:
DISCOVER Tours
- Things to do in Tours
- Where to sleep in Tours: best hotels
- Where to eat in Tours: best restaurants - coming soon
- Rent a car in Tours
- Best castles around Tours
- Visit the Tours Museum of Fine Arts - coming soon
- Visit the Basilica of Saint Martin in Tours - coming soon
- Visit the Botanical Garden of Tours - coming soon
- Visit Saint-Gatien Cathedral
- Visit the Companionship Museum - coming soon
Family excursions from Tours
Tours and the surrounding region offer a wide range of family-friendly excursions. Here are our favorite sites for traveling with children:
- Touraine Aquarium (30min from Tours): Ideal for an entertaining and instructive day out! The aquarium offers a fascinating dive into the wonders of the underwater world, featuring a wide variety of species, not forgetting the educational side.
- The Musée de la Préhistoire du Grand Pressigny (1h from Tours): An immersion in our origins that captivates young and old alike. We appreciated the educational quality of the collections.
- Mini Châteaux Park (38min from Tours): Set in lush greenery, this leisure park lets you stroll through some of the Loire Valley's most beautiful castles, reproduced in scale models. A fun, immersive way to discover the diversity of French architecture.
When it comes to heritage, little ones will love the following castles:
- La Forteresse de Montbazon (30min from Tours): This rather well-preserved castral site is committed to preserving medieval skills, and offers activities to discover the art of ironwork, leatherwork and catapult shooting!
- Château d'Ussé (40min from Tours): The estate is worth a visit for its dazzling gardens and sumptuous interiors, but above all because it conjures up the imaginary world of fairy tales! At the top of the dungeon, your children will be delighted to discover wax dolls recreating scenes from the fairytale "Sleeping Beauty".
Need more inspiration for visiting the Châteaux de la Loire with children? Consult our specialized list.
Frequently asked questions
Can we visit several castles in one day?
Yes, you can visit several castles in one day, as long as you choose the ones that are closest to each other.
To get the most out of your visit, we recommend limiting it to 2 castles.
What unique activities are available in the Loire Valley?
We particularly recommend a hot-air balloon ride over the castles. This aerial perspective offers a unique view of the region's architectural heritage. Check out our tips for a hot-air balloon flight over the Châteaux de la Loire.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
