Would you like to visit Tours in 2 days? You're right, it's the ideal length of time to discover this pearl of the Loire Valley. We fell in love with this city of art and history, which has so much to offer: exceptional heritage, remarkable museums and peaceful gardens.
Our itineraries will guide you through Tours. Optimize your stay and make up your own mind about this destination with our practical tips and plenty of photos!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Practical tips for visiting Tours in 2 days
What can you see in Tours in a weekend? Is it long enough?
Tours is a charming town on a human scale, making it the perfect weekend destination. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy the city's must-sees and appreciate its peaceful atmosphere. Tours is also an ideal starting point for discovering the famous chateaux of the Loire Valley.
Maps of must-see attractions
To help you find your way around our itinerary below, here's our map of the main tourist attractions in Tours:
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 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.
As the city is designed with pedestrians and cyclists in mind, you may find it more difficult to find parking spaces for your car in the city center. We therefore advise you to choose fully-equipped hotels.
Where to stay in Tours
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
Our ideal itinerary: a weekend in Tours
This itinerary is designed for a turnkey weekend. It's perfect if you arrive as early as Friday evening, but can easily be adjusted for a Saturday morning arrival. The activities on offer are easily adaptable, as they are not subject to strict time constraints. We recommend that you keep your visit to Vieux-Tours to Saturdays, when Tours is busier and the stores are usually open until 7pm.
Day 1 - Exploring Tours' heritage
For this first day, we invite you to discover the architectural wealth of the city through its iconic monuments!
9h-10h30: Discover Saint-Gatien Cathedral
Start your day with a visit to the majestic Cathedral of Saint-Gatiena jewel of Gothic art with facades adorned with delicate sculptures. You'll see it from afar with its magnificent Gothic facade, but what will really win you over is its collection of dazzling stained glass windows.
After the cathedral, don't miss the peaceful Cloître de la Psalette. With its pretty garden, spiral staircase and gargoyles, it's the ideal place for a timeless stopover in the heart of the city. Listed as a Monument Historique, it is the only cloister still preserved of all the cathedrals in the Centre-Val de Loire region! And every year, it stages a temporary exhibition. Consult the agenda here.
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Stroll through Vieux Tours and discover the town houses
From the cathedral, it's a 15-minute walk to Vieux Tours. This medieval district is sure to charm you with its half-timbered houses, charming little squares and craft stores. If you look hard enough, you'll find no fewer than 18 listed private mansions in the city of Tours. We particularly liked the Hôtel Goüin, the Hôtel Torterue and, of course, theHôtel de Ville!
12:30-2pm: Gourmet lunch
No doubt this first morning will whet your appetite!
Good news: Tours is an epicurean's delight, with a wide range of restaurants from intimate bistros to Michelin-starred establishments. Find our best addresses in our dedicated article!
2:30-4pm: Nature stop at the botanical garden
After this gourmet break, we invite you to go green at the Jardin Botanique. This 5-hectare park is home to over 3,000 plant species and offers a peaceful setting in which to digest and recharge. Its tropical greenhouses and thematic collections will delight nature lovers.
There are 10 parks and gardens in Tours 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.
4:30-6pm: Continuing the discovery of religious heritage
Now return to the city center to explore the rest of the city's heritage. Discover the 19th-century Basilique Saint-Martin and the Tour Charlemagne, which offers an exceptional panoramic view of Tours and the surrounding area!
8-10pm: Dinner around Place Plumereau
The Place Plumereau is undoubtedly Tours' must-see location!
With its colorful half-timbered houses, inviting terraces and friendly atmosphere, it's the beating heart of Tours. It would be a shame not to have a drink before dinner in one of the city's bistronomic restaurants!
Last but not least, don't miss out on a tour of the city by night! The city boasts a lively atmosphere, and many of its buildings are illuminated, allowing you to rediscover Tours with new eyes.
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.
Day 2 - A journey between culture and nature
After discovering the secrets of Tours' heritage, we invite you to explore the artistic face of the city. You won't be disappointed, as Tours' cultural offering is as varied as it is exciting! If you're having trouble choosing, check out our article on Tours' most beautiful museums!
10h-11h30: Cultural immersion at the Musée des Beaux-Arts
Start your second day with a visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours, housed in the former archbishop's palace. This remarkable museum houses exceptional collections ranging from ancient paintings to contemporary art.
Don't miss a stroll through the museum's garden, a haven of peace in the heart of the city, where you can admire open-air sculptures and enjoy breathtaking views of the cathedral.
11:30am-1pm: Relaxation on the banks of the Loire
After this first cultural discovery, we suggest a relaxing stroll along the banks of the Loire. It's a pleasure to stroll along the quays, with a host of facilities designed to encourage you to take a stroll.
And if you're a fan of contemporary art, why not take a stroll down to Place Choiseul? Here you'll find Daniel Buren'sLes attrape soleil sculpture.
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Bucolic lunch break
After your stroll along the Loire, why not prolong the pleasure by enjoying a meal at the Guinguette de Tours, at the foot of the Pont Wilson? Since the 18th century, guinguettes have been popular cafés where you can eat and dance. Yet this old-fashioned term is very much in vogue in Touraine, where in fine weather you'll find a host of ephemeral places to soak up the sun along the Loire.
If the weather doesn't cooperate, we suggest an arty alternative! You can have lunch at the café of the CCC OD, Centre d'art contemporain Olivier Debré.
It's an opportunity to dine on gourmet cuisine in a colorful setting and discover the young contemporary art scene showcased in its exhibitions!
3pm-4pm: Discovering photography at the Château de Tours
Retrace your steps and discover the Tours Castle. Quite different from the classic Châteaux de la Loire, it 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 the famous Jeu de Paume museum in Paris.
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
Alternative 1: Family Tours
Opt for a fun tour
All the museums in Tours can be visited with your children, with a preference for the fun ones. Musée du Compagnonnage which will captivate the youngest visitors with its demonstrations and interactive workshops, or the Natural History Museum (more info here), whose stuffed animals are always fascinating!
The Botanical Garden also offers a wide range of family activities...
Don't forget snack time!
Vieux Tours is full of tea rooms where you can take a sweet break. The Place Plumereau also offers many family-friendly terraces.
Immersion at the Touraine Aquarium
Just 30 minutes from Tours, this aquarium is ideal for a day of fun and learning! The facility offers a fascinating dive 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.
The Musée de la Préhistoire du Grand-Pressigny (1h away) offers a fascinating immersion in prehistory through a remarkable collection of tools and artifacts. Find out more on the website here.
Alternative 2: Tours in bucolic mode
Poetic immersion at Prieuré Saint-Cosme
If you're looking for a visit off the beaten track, we recommend Saint-Cosme Prioryjust 25 minutes from Tours by public transport. A veritable heritage treasure, the estate boasts an incredible collection of soothing gardens and a trail centered on the poetry of 16th-century poet Ronsard. We love Region Lovers!
Literature lovers can also discover the Balzac Museum, just a 30-minute drive from Tours. Set in the bucolic surroundings of the Château de Saché, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the life and work of the famous 19th-century French writer and leader of the realist novel. On the program: Balzac's manuscripts, personal objects and themed exhibitions on his immense literary legacy. Find out more here.
The writer, born in Tours in 1799, is also celebrated in the city through a walking tour. The Tourist Office also offers themed guided tours, which you can find here.
Discover the banks of the Loire by bike
The banks of the Loire in Tours offer magnificent walks with views of the royal river and its islands. Treat yourself to an unforgettable cycling adventure on the famous Loire à vélo itinerary.
We recommend this itinerary, which includes a guided bike tour of Tours, followed by a visit to the Valley of the Kings: see prices and availability.
Take a boat trip on the Loire
Here's an original idea for discovering Tours from a different angle! Aboard a traditional boat or a gabarre, you can admire the facades of Tours from the river, discover the Loire islands and maybe even spot some local wildlife. Find out more on the Tours tourist office website here.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in the Loire Valley a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on the Loire, register:
Alternative 3: Gourmet options for your taste buds
Tours is the perfect city for epicureans! In addition to its varied and delightful range of restaurants, the city of Tours is one of the emblematic areas designated by UNESCO as a "living cultural landscape". It offers a wide range of gastronomic events.
Shopping at Les Halle de Tours
If you want to stock up on good produce, go to Les Halles de Tours (website here).
You'll be able to buy specialties such as rillette de Tours IGP, andouillette au Vouvray and nougât de Tours.
Discover the Villa Rabelais program
The Villa Rabelais, Maison des Cultures Gastronomiques is an exciting cultural and scientific center! She invites you to explore the history of French gastronomy through the centuries, and in particular the role of Tours and Touraine in the French art of living. On the program: fun exhibitions, tasting workshops and meetings with local producers. More info on their official website here.
Opt for a wine tour
Located in the Loire Valley, Tours is also proud of its reputation as a wine-growing town. You'll find a varied choice of nectars to accompany your dishes on the restaurant menu. There's no shortage of good wineries in the city!
And if you want to go further, discover the excursions to the surrounding vineyards to work on your palate: more info here.
Excursions around Tours
If you're staying a little longer, Tours has plenty to keep you busy, as it enjoys a privileged location in the heart of the Loire Valley!
Discover the Châteaux of the Loire
Tours has the advantage of being at the crossroads of several emblematic Loire castles, such as the Château de Villandry (30min to the east) and its breathtaking gardens, or the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau (30min to the west), which we consider one of the most romantic in the Loire Valley!
Need more inspiration? Read our article on the Châteaux around Tours!
Explore the surrounding villages
If you're in the mood for a picturesque 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, including Montrésor or Candes-Saint-Martin.
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.
Discover the town of Amboise
Just a 30-minute drive from Tours, the town of Amboise is well worth a day trip! A veritable open-air museum, Amboise boasts 3 châteaux: the Château Royal overlooking the town; Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's last home and a celebration of his genius; and the surprising Château Gaillard with its Italian gardens.
Read our article on how to visit Amboise in 1 day!
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What you need to know for your weekend in Tours
The weather in Tours
When the weather is fine, we recommend that you come and enjoy the city of Tours and its famous guingiettes on the banks of the Loire! However, the climate remains mild all year round and very pleasant throughout the Loire Valley, so come whenever you like!
The city is also bustling in winter, so we recommend a visit then! Read our article Visiting Tours in winter!
Affluence in Tours
The towns of the Loire Valley are popular destinations the world over. As mentioned above, the summer season is very busy with tourists, so the number of visitors can be quite high. Also note that Tours hosts its Foire and a fête forraine in May, and that numerous music festivals are scheduled (see here) in the surrounding area between June and September.
If you're not particularly interested and prefer to avoid the crowds both on foot and by car, we'd advise you to discover Tours out of season.
Adapt your itinerary when it rains
If it rains during your stay in Tours, you'll have plenty to keep you busy! You can choose from a wide range of museums! See our top 5 in our article!
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.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
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