Things To Do
in Tours
Tours is a historic city in the Loire Valley known for its medieval streets and half-timbered houses. It sits on the banks of the Loire and serves as a gateway to the famed châteaux of the surrounding countryside. The city blends ancient architecture, vibrant markets, and a lively student atmosphere thanks to its university presence.
Its compact, walkable center makes exploring on foot easy, with riverside paths and countless cafés at every turn.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with flaky croissants and café au lait at a local boulangerie tucked into a narrow medieval alley. Stroll through Place Plumereau admiring half-timbered houses and artisan workshops just as they open. Feel the history seep from cobblestones as you wander toward the Loire River.
Savor a light lunch of rillettes on fresh baguette at a riverside café overlooking the water. Step inside Cathédrale Saint-Gatien to marvel at its stained glass and Gothic facade. Wander down Rue Colbert, popping into patisseries and bookstores for local treats and guides.
Dine at a hidden gem bistro serving regional dishes like andouillette and local goat cheese salad. Sip a chilled glass of Touraine AOP while soaking up the warm glow of lanterns in Place Plumereau. Take a leisurely after-dinner stroll along the illuminated riverbanks before returning to your hotel.
Drive or take a scenic train ride to Château de Villandry before the crowds arrive. Join a guided tour through its geometric Renaissance gardens ablaze with seasonal blooms. Capture photos of the maze, herb beds, and vibrant flower parterres framed by early morning light.
Enjoy a picnic lunch amid the potager gardens with fresh bread, cheese, and charcuterie from local markets. Meet with resident gardeners for a hands-on herb-planting workshop beneath age-old linden trees. Bike along quiet country lanes flanked by sunflower fields and rolling vineyards.
Return to Tours and dine at a farm-to-table restaurant highlighting hyper-local produce. Chat with the chef about seasonal harvests as you sample dishes crafted from ingredients grown steps away. Take a gentle evening walk through the old town, breathing in the scent of summer flowers and warm stone.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🍷Glass of local wine | $5-12 |
| 🚆Public transit ticket (one-way) | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable historic center with easy access to Loire Valley sights
- Rich markets, wines, and local cuisine within a short radius
- Can get crowded in peak tourist season and on market days
- Some attractions and day trips require car or bike rental for full flexibility
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Bonsoir" - Good evening
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est... ?" - Where is... ?
- "Combien ça coûte?" - How much does it cost?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The check, please
- "Je voudrais..." - I would like...
Places to Visit in Tours
Visit one of these nice places.
Gothic architecture and towering façades framed by nearby squares make for dramatic exterior and interior shots.
River reflections and evening light create picturesque scenes along the Loire with silhouettes of boats and bridges.
Timber-framed houses and lively courtyards provide classic medieval street photography moments.
Lush greens, fountains, and shaded paths ideal for nature and portrait photography in a tranquil setting.
Ornamental gardens and long perspective lines offer striking images of manicured beds and classical landscaping.
Food in Tours
Tours Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-cooked pork pâté spread, commonly served on bread; a great starter to sample local flavors.
Must-Try!
A famed Loire goat cheese shaped into a long cylindrical log with a straw wand; pair with a crisp white or a light red.
A caramelized upside-down apple tart with buttery pastry, a classic Loire dessert popular in local bistros.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central indoor market offering fresh produce, cheese, charcuterie, pastries, and ready-to-eat bites; great for a quick lunch or picnic supplies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite 'Bonjour' (and 'Bonsoir' in the evening); use 's'il vous plaît' and 'merci' in interactions.
Polite, quiet behavior in churches and museums; keep voices down in sacred or formal settings.
In markets, be friendly and prepared with small change; prices are usually fixed, but a courteous handshake or thanks goes a long way.
Safety
Tipping in Tours
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is included in many restaurant bills (service compris), but rounding up or leaving a small extra tip for good service is common in casual settings.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is handy for markets and smaller shops; contactless payments are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming gardens make outdoor strolls and market visits especially pleasant; carry light layers and an umbrella for occasional showers.
Warm days and long evenings are perfect for river walks and al fresco dining; expect more crowds around popular sites and markets.
Harvest season brings rich wines and seasonal produce; the foliage along the Loire makes for colorful photography and scenic day trips.
Cool but typically mild by European standards; many outdoor markets are smaller but charm remains in illuminated streets and cozy cafés.
Tours at Night
Hiking in Tours
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Flat, scenic trails along the Loire with views of châteaux and vineyards; suitable for all levels.
Gentle hikes through gardens and woodland near Villandry, with seasonal vistas.
Leisurely walks along the river with pastoral countryside scenery and chateau backdrops.
Airports
How to reach Tours by plane.
Small regional airport near Tours with seasonal and domestic connections; easy transfer to the city by taxi or public transport.
Major international hub; best reached by high-speed train (TGV) from Tours for access to international flights.
Secondary Paris hub; also accessible via rail and road with onward connections to Tours.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families, retirees, and long-term locals with a strong sense of community.
A sizable student population due to Université de Tours and regional colleges, contributing to a lively nightlife and cultural scene.
Year-round visitors drawn to the châteaux, markets, and riverfront experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular at local clubs and public pitches; weekends draw community crowds.
Strong cycling culture due to Loire Valley routes and scenic countryside.
Public courts and clubs around the city; suitable for all levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tours.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most bistros offer vegetable-forward plates, dairy and cheese are common in dishes; when ordering, specify sans viande and ask for seasonal vegetables or mushroom dishes.