Top attractions in Tours, France
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Top 10 things to do in Tours
As the capital of Touraine, the "Garden of France," Tours is most famous for its food, wine, and markets. That's not to say you'll be bored between meals though! Here's what to see and do among the city's many historic sights and cultural activities.
1. Château de Chambord
The 17th-century royal retreat is one of the world's most recognizable châteaux. Its interior is filled with exhibits, but the main attraction is the view from its towers!
2. Cathédrale Saint-Gatien
Built between 1239 and 1484, the cathedral is perhaps the Loire Valley's most glorious church. The attention to detail, particularly in its stained-glass windows, is stunning.
3. Musée des Beaux-Arts
Head east to Angers, the home of the Val de Loire's exceptional Fine Arts Museum. It exhibits works from the 14th century to the present day, as well as archaeological artifacts!
4. Chinon
From Joan of Arc to the Knights Templar, the unmissable Chinon Fortress is a key location in the annals of French history. Its clock tower has been sounding the hours since 1399!
5. Château de Chenonceau
Of Tours' two rivers, you can't beat the Loire for scenery. However, the River Cher shouldn't be missed if only for this magnificent château that connects its banks like a bridge!
6. Château d'Amboise
The nearby market town of Amboise is tiny, but its former castle turned palace was the site of the failed Amboise Conspiracy and unlikely death of Charles VIII. Don't miss it!
7. Marmoutier Abbey
St. Martin of Tours founded this early monastery in 372AD. Few of its original features remain, but curious tourists will find much to shed light on the city's religious history.
8. Basilica of St. Martin
Tours' other important abbey towers over St. Martin's tomb. The original was destroyed during the French Revolution, but its replacement is nevertheless a sightseeing essential!
9. Jardin Botanique de Tours
As well as thematically landscaped gardens and a large variety of plants, the city's botanical garden also boasts a petite animal park. Oh, and it's free!
10. Place Plumereau
The Place Plumerau is Tours' picturesque Old Town. It's home to historic homes and some great restaurants, but you might struggle to get a table in peak season!
Planning Your Visit
Best time to visit?
The Loire Valley climate is relatively cool all year round. June to August is peak season for a reason, but the small city is an extremely popular tourist destination for its size. If you don't mind wrapping up warm in the evenings, then you might want to visit at either end of summer, when it won't be quite as busy!
How many days?
Sightseers will love the landmarks in and around Tours, but they do require a fair amount of travelling between the city and its surrounding towns. Book a week (give or take a day or two) and don't try cramming too much into your daily itineraries!
Good to know
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- Language
- French
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- Currency
- Euro (€)
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- Time Zone
- UTC (+01:00)
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- Country Code
- +33
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- Best time to visit
- Fewer tourists but chillier evenings can be found from September through May.
Top Attractions in Tours, France
Things to Do in Tours, France
Cities in France
- 1 Paris
- 2 Bidart
- 3 Sault
- 4 Antibes
- 6 Quenza
- 7 Mourèze
- 8 Gourdon
- 9 Péone
- 10 Rouen
- 11 Bidarray
- 13 Ajaccio
- 15 Dijon
- 17 Toulouse
- 18 Epernay
- 19 Cannes
- 20 Bayonne
- 21 Lyon
- 22 Ribeauvillé
- 23 La Rochelle
- 24 Riquewihr
- 25 Honfleur
- 26 Narbonne
- 28 Valbonne
- 29 Ascain
- 30 Èze
- 31 Nantes
- 32 Calvi
- 33 Lille
- 34 Arras
- 35 Beaune
- 38 Carpentras
- 39 Opio
- 40 Manosque
Other Sightseeing Options in Tours, France
Want to discover all there is to do in Tours, France? Click here for a full list.
What people are saying about Tours, France
Get Your Guide provides an excellent one day experience
Our experience on this one day tour of the Chateau region was outstanding. A little pricey as tours go, The guide that took us out for the day, Vincent, was excellent. Our group was English language and Vincent, who grew up in the region, was able to communicate very well and answer our many questions. He was an example of someone who takes his job seriously and has done much studying about French history as it relates to the Castles. This made our experience very interesting and Informative. He has a great personality and knows how to make the day enjoyable. This tour also included a wonderful hot luncheon meal at a local cafe! I highly recommend France Intense and Get your Guide.
The pick up point was in a convenient location to the train and left on time as the day was carefully scheduled to include two major chateaux, lunch and a wine tasting. Our guide, Nicholas, was knowledgeable, friendly and efficient. Everything went very smoothly and enjoyably.
The tour and guide were excellent. The only thing to note is that the lunch at the restaurant was not great. Would have preferred a simpler meal (like a cheese and meat plate) rather than a full sit down meal at a restaurant that caters to tours.
Vincent was an amazing tour. Lunch was great and so were the tours. The wine tasting was a bit odd but still enjoyable. The movie they play during the wine tour doesn't connect to wine.
We appreciated the experience of our tour guide Martine. Our tour to Chenonceau, Chambord, & lunch and wine tasting were delightful!
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