Welcome to the charming city of Tours! Prepare to be delighted by this welcoming town where heritage, nature and gastronomy merge joyfully. You'll be spoilt for choice, between discovering the masterpieces of its museums, strolling along the banks of the Loire or soaking up its lively atmosphere.
In this article, you'll discover a list of 15 ideas for things to do in Tours, illustrated by numerous photos. We've added some useful tips and bonus activities!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Visit Tours Cathedral
Why visit?
Considered one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the Centre-Val de Loire region, you can't miss a visit to Cathédrale Saint-Gatien.
With its magnificent Gothic façade, collection of dazzling stained glass windows and grandiose nave, you're sure to enjoy your visit!
And don't miss the peaceful Cloître de la Psalette, a listed historic monument. With its pretty garden and gargoyles, it's the ideal place for a timeless stopover in the heart of the city.
Immerse yourself in the history of Saint-Gatien Cathedral and discover more photos in our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- Access: downtown
- Duration of visit: Between 10min and 40min
- Difficulties: None for the cathedral (even floor, wide aisles with PRM access) but a few steps up a spiral staircase to see the cloister terrace.
- Price: Free (cathedral) and €4 (cloister)
- Times: 08:30 to 18:30 (cathedral) and different times for the Psalette cloister (to be found on the official website here).
- Nearby eateries: We recommend you take a snack to La Boulangerie de la Scellerie, just a 3-minute walk from the cathedral, before enjoying it in the Jardin François Sicard next door.
2. Rediscover the poet Ronsard at Prieuré Saint-Cosme
Why visit?
The Prieuré Saint-Cosme is the unexpected highlight of our stay in Tours! A veritable heritage treasure, it will delight history buffs, contemplatives in search of serenity and poetry lovers alike.
In addition to the remarkable staging of its remains, this religious edifice and writer's house stands out for its incredible collection of gardens and its trail centered on the poetry of Ronsard, the famous 16th-century poet.
Read our dedicated article to find out more.
Practical advice
- Access: 3km from Tours, 9min by car or 20min by bus from the train station
- Tour duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulties: Partially sandy floor and 2 flights of stairs up to the dwelling (inaccessible to wheelchair users).
- Prices: €6 (adults)/€5 (children aged 7 to 18)
- Times: Depending on the season, times vary from 10 a.m. to 5 or 7 p.m.
More information on the official website here - Catering: The priory has a refreshment bar (hot and cold drinks) and a picnic area.
WHERE TO STAY IN Tours
In the city center
Enjoy the city, its restaurants and beautiful architecture.
- Hotel Ferdinand - check prices, pictures and availability
- Hôtel du Cygne - check prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel L'Adresse - check prices, pictures and availability
Near the station and around the city center
An early train? Or just a little more peace and quiet? Here are our recommendations:
- Hotel Les Trésorières - 5 stars - check prices, pictures and availability
- Aparthotel Central Parc Tours - check prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Oceania L'Univers Tours - check prices, pictures and availability
In the countryside around
Looking for a bit of peace and quiet, without straying too far from the city of Tours? Here's our suggestion:
- Hotel Domaine de la Tortinière - 20 min away - check prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Troglododo - unusual 25min away - check prices, pictures and availability
3. Stroll through Vieux-Tours
Why visit?
Tours invites you to lose yourself in the picturesque maze of its historic center and discover every facet of its timeless charm. We loved wandering through its cobbled streets, discovering its half-timbered houses and paying attention to the many amazing details on their facades! Special mention goes to rue Colbert and its flamboyant red timber-framed house (photo below)!
In addition to this captivating medieval setting, you'll also discover the many trendy boutiques and lively cafés in the center.
Practical advice
- Accessible 24 hours a day. And don't forget to come back and take a tour of the town at night, as many buildings are beautifully lit.
- Visit duration: between 45min and 1h (not including window-shopping!)
- Difficulties: Floors can be uneven, and some alleys narrow. Wear comfortable shoes!
- Numerous restaurants, bars and cafés
- Tempted by a dramatized, immersive tour of the center? See prices and availability.
4. Discover the collections of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours and its garden
Why visit?
A must-see destination for art lovers, you won't be disappointed by the remarkable collections ranging from the Renaissance to the 20th century. And let's not forget the captivating thematic exhibitions, which allow you to take a fresh look at the works! Take time to appreciate the architecture of the former bishop's palace, not forgetting the elegant French garden and its majestic Lebanese cedar.
Discover our article dedicated to the museum very soon.
Practical advice
- Access: Downtown
- Length of visit: Between 1h and 3h
- Difficulties: none, but floors inaccessible to PRMs
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Prices: €8.40 (adults)/ Free (children under 26)
- Just 2 minutes from the museum, we tried out the L'instant tea room, which we warmly recommend! See our article on the best restaurants in Tours (coming soon).
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.
5. Admire the Basilica of Saint-Martin
Why visit?
We loved our visit to the Romanesque-Byzantine Basilica of Saint Martin, in stark contrast to the Cathedral. In addition to its exteriors, which we recommend you take a closer look at from both sides, you'll also have the pleasure of discovering its richly decorated interiors. Between the finely sculpted neo-Romanesque capitals, the pretty frieze of foliage in the nave, the various stained glass windows dedicated to Saint Martin and the delicate paintings adorning the cupola, you won't know where to turn!
See more photos in our dedicated article (coming soon).
Practical advice
- Access: Downtown
- Length of visit: Between 10 and 30min depending on your level of interest
- Difficulties: none and level access possible
- Opening hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (see office hours on the website).
- Price: Free
- Just a 3-minute walk from the basilica, we tried out the excellent Restaurant La Deuvalière, which serves refined, inventive gourmet cuisine.
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6. Taking in the view from the Charlemagne Tower
Why visit?
The Charlemagne Tower is a priceless architectural landmark, providing an insight into the scale of the historic structure of the Basilica of Saint-Martin.
In fact, the tower topped the north arm of the collegiate church's 110m-long transept when the Basilica was one of Christianity's most important sanctuaries. Finally, the tower offers a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings!
If you too would like to enjoy the view of the city from the belvedere of the Tour Charlemagne, you'll need to book a guided tour.
Practical advice
- Access: Downtown, behind the basilica
- Length of visit: 15min to explore the façade in detail and take the time to read the information panels (1h if you opt for a guided tour).
- Difficulty: None (unless you climb the 248 steps!)
- Opening hours: Visible 24 hours a day on the outside (reservations required for guided tours of the inside).
- Price: Free (€6 for guided tours, see more info here.)
- Discover the secrets of the Charlemagne Tower with a guided tour of the historic center: See prices and availability.
7. Explore the most beautiful Châteaux of the Loire
Why visit?
The Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its scenic beauty and majestic châteaux.
There's something for everyone, from the dazzling gardens of Villandry to the enchanting elegance of Château d'Ussé or Chenonceau(book an exclusive guided tour here), from Leonardo da Vinci's imprint at Clos Lucé to the architectural diversity of Blois.
Good news: The city of Tours is a perfect spot to visit!
Get a head start by booking your tickets for:
Need more inspiration? Discover our article on the most beautiful castles around Tours!
Practical advice
- Access: Although some castles are accessible by bike or public transport, we recommend that you drive to the various sites (which all have parking), especially if you want to do a combined tour.
- Length of visit: Between 1h and 3h depending on the extent of the estates
- Difficulties: The length of the walk on site and the stairs to access the floors of most castles.
- Times and prices: Times vary according to location, and prices range from €7 to €20, depending on the discounted rate.
- Looking for a unique experience? Book a combined visit to the Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau with a royal lunch at another château! See prices and availability.
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8. Admire the Place Plumereau
Why visit?
Place Plumereau is undoubtedly Tours' most famous landmark.
With its colorful half-timbered houses, inviting terraces and friendly atmosphere, it's the beating heart of Tours. Join us for a coffee or a drink to enjoy an experience as authentic as it is stimulating!
Practical advice
- 24-hour access
- Allow 10 minutes if you want to explore its many secrets, and longer if you opt for a break in one of the many cafés or restaurants!
- No particular difficulties, except perhaps the noise on certain evenings.
- Looking for a unique experience? Café Le Vieux Murier hosts lunchtime culinary toursDiscover this new activity!
9. Stroll through the botanical gardens
Why visit?
Whether you're a botany enthusiast or just looking for some peace and quiet, the botanical garden is sure to please! A true haven of peace in the heart of the city, it offers a real immersion in biodiversity with its collection of species from all over the world.
For our part, we loved hunting for remarkable trees (like the Ginkgo biloba or the Caucasian walnut) and meeting the animals!
Many cultural events (guided tours, exhibitions, open-air concerts) are organized throughout the year.
Find out more in our dedicated article (coming soon).
Practical advice
- Access: Downtown
- Length of visit: Between 30min and 1h
- Challenges: None and easy access for PRMs
- Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. depending on the season
- Rates: Free
- Catering: A small store sells sweets and drinks so that you can enjoy a gourmet break on the spot
10. Dive into arts and crafts at the Musée du Compagnonnage
Why visit?
Located in the former Saint-Julien Abbey in Tours, this museum focuses on Compagnonnage through the centuries. Through a rich collection of tools, souvenir paintings and archives, the museum offers a fascinating immersion in the history and traditions of the journeymen, these craftsmen whose talent is now listed as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by Unesco.
We loved this original museum, which makes a point of giving visitors a hands-on experience through demonstrations and interactive workshops!
See more photos and anecdotes in our dedicated article (coming soon).
Practical advice
- Access: Downtown
- Length of visit: Between 30min and 1h30
- Difficulties: nothing to report!
- Opening hours: Every day except Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Prices: €6.40 (normal) and €3.20 (reduced)
- Numerous restaurants, bars and cafés nearby
- Watch for museum news on the official website here
11. Center d'art contemporain Olivier Debré CCC OD
Why visit?
This contemporary art museum is already worth a visit for its architecture, designed by Portuguese architect Manuel Aires Mateus. The center also offers a unique platform for discovering the young contemporary art scene. Mediators are even present in the exhibitions to accompany you and help you better understand the context of the works or the world of these innovative artists.
The site is also dedicated to the work of 20th-century French abstract painter Olivier Debré. Find out all about the program on the official websitehere and soon in our dedicated article!
Practical advice
- Access: Downtown
- Length of visit: 30min to 2h depending on the exhibition
- Difficulties: None! PRM access, wheelchairs and canes available from reception on request
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm and Saturday until 7 pm
- Prices: €8.50 (adults), €5.50 (concessions), free (under 18s)
- Catering: Café de Paula offers simple, cheerful cuisine on the museum grounds, with a special focus on waffles! More info on the website here
12. Admire the façade of the Hôtel Goüin
Why visit?
This monument is already worth a visit for its incredible Rennaissance architecture, sculpted around 1510. We had a great time admiring the abundance of details adorning the façade, from friezes and medallions to fruit baskets and ribbons! The venue also offers a wide range of high-quality temporary exhibitions. Unfortunately, when we went to Tours, the exhibition was still being set up, so be sure to check the current agenda on the official website here.
Practical advice
- Access: Downtown
- Visit duration: 30 min to 1h
- Difficulties: None in particular (steps to entrance, stairs to upper floor) but no PRM access.
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 2 to 6 p.m. only when exhibiting
- Admission: Free admission for all
- Restaurants: Place Plummereau and its many restaurants are only a 3-minute walk away!
13. Strolling along the banks of the Loire
Why visit?
You'll love strolling along the banks of the Loire River! The city of Tours is well aware of this, with numerous facilities designed to encourage walking. Quite simply, we often felt as if we were in the countryside right in the heart of the city! Think of the bridges (including Pont Wilson, pictured above) that span the Loire for a unique perspective on the river and the city.
Practical advice
- Access: Only a 10-minute walk from the city center
- Length of visit: The Loire River stretches for 1.5km in Tours, so it all depends on the tour you decide to take!
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day
- Price: Free
- Difficulties: None apart from the distance you choose.
- Dining: There's nothing like a picnic overlooking the quays of the Loire! Don't forget to take your victuals downtown, as there's no on-site catering. In summer, however, a number of guinguettes open their doors to the delight of strollers. (See our section Things to do in Tours in fine weather below)
14. Discover the art of living
Why is this?
Tours is the perfect city for epicureans! The city boasts its own specialties, such as rillette de Tours IGP, andouillette au Vouvray and nougât de Tours. Also note that being located in the Loire Valley, Tours is proud of its wine-growing reputation. In addition to the varied choice of nectars on the restaurant menu, there's no shortage of good wineries in the city! And, if you want to go further, the town offers excursions to the surrounding vineyards to work on your palate. See prices and availability.
Practical advice
Tours offers a rich and varied choice of restaurants in the city center. From intimate bistros to Michelin-starred establishments, they celebrate regional cuisine to perfection! Read our article on the best restaurants in Tours (coming soon).
15. Exploring photography at the Château de Tours
Why visit?
Quite different from the classic Châteaux de la Loire, the Château de Tours is well worth a visit for its contemporary art exhibitions! In the setting of an ancient medieval castle, you'll have the pleasure of discovering world-renowned photographic works thanks to a partnership with Paris's famous Jeu de Paume museum. Find out more in our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- Access: Downtown
- Length of visit: 1 to 2 hours, depending on the scale of the exhibition
- Difficulties: None, but the other three exhibition levels are inaccessible to people with reduced mobility.
- Opening hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m.
- Prices: €4.50 (adults)/Free (children under 26)
- Several restaurants are close to the site, but perhaps the best thing to do is to take your picnic and enjoy it while admiring the Loire, on the Promenade des Gabarres, just below the château.
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
Things to do in Tours: other ideas
Other religious buildings in Tours
In addition to the cathedral and basilica, you may also like to visit:
- Église Saint-Grégoire des Minimes: Built in 1627 by the Minimes brothers to replace their first convent, this church is worth a visit for the decoration of its façade and, inside, the woodwork executed in 1670 by two brothers from the monastery.
- Remains of the Couvent des Cordeliers: Take a look at the west facade, which retains the last vestige of the chapel, dating from 1224, a door under a pointed arch. Fascinating!
- Saint Julien Church (photo below): The former abbey church of the Abbey founded by Grégoire de Tours around 575, it's worth a visit for its Gothic architecture and stained glass windows. We particularly liked the bedside table!
Things to do in Tours with children
All of Tours' museums can be visited with your children, with a preference for the playful Musée du Compagnonnage (article coming soon) and the particularly didactic Musée d'Histoire Naturelle. However, if you're looking to surprise your children, we'd advise you to do just that:
- Touraine Aquarium (30min from Tours): Ideal for an entertaining and instructive day out! The aquarium offers a fascinating plunge into the wonders of the underwater world, with a wide variety of species on display, not forgetting the educational side! There are a number of ways to understand marine ecosystems and conservation issues.
- La Forteresse de Montbazon (30min from Tours): This rather well-preserved castral site has decided to commit itself to preserving medieval skills, and offers activities to discover the art of ironwork, leatherwork, or catapult shooting!
Find out more about our amusing visit in our dedicated article. - Château d'Ussé (40min from Tours): The estate is well worth a visit for its dazzling gardens and lavish 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". Read our full article, with photos and anecdotes, on the Château d'Ussé (from Sleeping Beauty).
Need more inspiration for Loire Valley Châteaux to visit with children? See our list.
Things to do in Tours in summer
As soon as the sun comes out, you'll be spoilt for choice:
- Enjoy the peaceful charm of the Loire by boat
A number of companies offer river cruises on the Loire from Tours, giving visitors a different perspective on the river and its surroundings. To book a ride, go to the Port du Pont de Wilson or look here.
- Follow in Balzac's footsteps
Famous 19th-century French writer and leader of the realist novel, Honoré de Balzac was born in Tours in 1799. The town pays tribute to him with a walking tour of the places that inspired him. The Tourist Office also offers themed guided tours, which you can find here.
Finally, if you've read La Comédie humaine, take a trip to the Jardin de la Préfecture, where artist Nicolas Milhé has installed 5 bronze sculptures, each representing an emblematic character from the novel.
- A "treasure hunt" of private mansions
If you're a heritage lover, you'll find no fewer than 18 listed private mansions in the city of Tours. For our part, we particularly liked the Hôtel Goüin (detailed above), the Hôtel Torterue, built in 1864 (photo below), and of course the Hôtel de Ville!
- Enjoy the festive side of Tours
Summer is a busy time for festivals and guinguettes, attracting regulars and visitors alike. If you'd like to enjoy a quiet moment of conviviality by the water, take a look at the details of the guinguettes here.
And if you'd rather get your groove on, check out the festival program here.
- Cool off in the green spaces
There are 10 parks and gardens to choose from for a bucolic break. For our part, we particularly enjoyed the Jardin des Prébendes d'Oé, for its lush, free-form vegetation, its charming bandstand, and because this English-style garden is classified as remarkable! (photo below). The Jardin François Sicart also has everything to please, with its attractive water features (streams, waterfalls, ponds) and elegant allure.
Finally, if you're a fan of contemporary art, you'll be delighted to discover the following installations, sublimated by the sun's rays:
- Xavier Veilhan's Monster in the middle of the Place du Grand Marché
- Daniel Buren's suncatcher on Place Choiseul
Things to do in Tours when it rains
Tours will keep you entertained even in the rain, with its varied and exciting cultural offerings! If you're having trouble choosing, check out our article on Tours' finest museums.
You can also take a look at the Central Library (photo below). It's impossible to miss this imposing building with its pyramidal roof!
Nicknamed "The Lady in the Green Hat" by the people of Tours, it was built between 1954 and 1957 by the famous Art Deco architect Pierre Patout.
We're sure you'll find what you're looking for among the thousands of books, newspapers and CDs on offer for a quiet moment of reading. Find out more here.
And what better way to do some shopping when it's raining? You'll find plenty of trendy shops and craft boutiques in the city center. And if you want to stock up on good produce, take a trip to Les Halles de Tours (website here). In addition to a host of enthusiastic retailers, you'll find exhibitions, discovery workshops and tastings.
Excursions around Tours
While Tours is for us a must-see in the Loire Valley, you can discover many other remarkable sites from the city.
Explore the pretty surrounding villages
If you're in the mood for a bucolic getaway, you're well advised to choose Tours as your base, as it lies at the gateway to several villages classified as France's Most Beautiful Villages:
- Montrésor
- Crissay-sur-Manse
- Candes-Saint-Martin
Take a timeless break through the cobbled streets of these villages, soak up their authentic history, before enjoying their breathtaking views over the valley. If you're having trouble choosing between these pretty hidden spots, don't hesitate to read our article dedicated to the most beautiful villages in the Loire Valley here.
And, if you're in the mood for a bit of sport, you can check out the GR3 itineraries here , which link villages and various Châteaux de la Loire.
The Loire à Vélo cycle route
Last but not least, Tours is within easy reach of the mythical Loire à Vélo cycle route(see our tips on how to get the most out of it!), and the city offers numerous facilities (cycle lanes, racks) for cycling within the city itself.
If you're simply looking for a day out, there are several signposted footpaths around the town and numerous bike rental companies in the town center.
Numerous bike tours are available from Tours.
For our part, we recommend this itinerary, which includes a guided bike tour of Tours, followed by a visit to the Valley of the Kings and the magnificent Château de Chambord: See prices and availability.
Useful tips for visiting Tours
Where is Tours?
The city of Tours is located in the Indre-et-Loire department of France's Pays de la Loire region.
- Driving time to Paris: 2h30,
- Driving time to Nantes: 2h30.
- Driving time to Angers: 1h30.
Here's a map of the best things to do in Tours to help you find your way in and around the city:
How do I get to Tours?
To get to Tours, you can choose from the following options:
- By train: the town is directly linked by TGV to several major French cities, including Paris (1h), Bordeaux (2h15) and Nantes (1h40).
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now. - By car: the city is well served by several freeways: the A10 (between Paris and Bordeaux), the A28 (between Rouen and Tours) and the A85 (between Nantes and Bourges).
Parking in Tours
There are several options for parking. There are numerous public parking lots in the city center, as well as paid street parking. Find out more about parking here.
Getting around Tours
If you're on foot, you'll be absolutely delighted to move around Vieux-Tours, which offers a serene flow of traffic (flat terrain but a few cobbled streets), as well as along the Loire River, with its perfect facilities for strolling.
Note also that the city is calm thanks to its excellent public transport network (official website here), including its tramway which serves the city's outlying areas.
Where to eat in Tours
Tours has a great range of restaurants, with something for every taste and style! We've tested a few for you:
- Restaurant Makeda: this Ethiopian restaurant serves delicious, perfectly seasoned dishes. Don't miss their freshly roasted, invigorating coffee!
- Bar Tutu: it's hard to choose from among the 250 Loire wines on the menu of this friendly bar, which also serves delicious finger food!
- Restaurant La Deveaulière: discover refined yet simple gourmet cuisine in an intimate setting.
Find out more in our next article on the best restaurants in Tours (coming soon).
Visiting Tours in winter
Planning a stay in Tours during the winter season? This is a very good idea, as you'll avoid the summer crowds. Tourism is booming in the Loire Valley, especially in summer.
Tours and the surrounding area offer a wealth of tourist attractions, even in the depths of winter. Between the museums, the many wine cellars and the surrounding castles, you won't have time to get bored! All these indoor activities will help you get out of the cold. Just remember to check the opening hours of the venue beforehand.
Need more inspiration? Read our article listing the best things to do in the city in winter!
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
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SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
