THINGS TO DO IN Tours: 2-DAY ITINERARY

Tours, the largest city in the region of Centre-Val de Loire, is the gateway to the magnificent chateaux and wineries of the Loire Valley. However, it is much more than this and it is well worth spending time in the city soaking up its history and architecture. Walk around the old part of Tours and take in the half-timbered houses and the lively Place Plumereau. The Cathedrale de Saint Gatien de Tours is magnificent and should be visited, as should some of the many museums. For a city, it has many large green spaces where you can relax and it lies on the River Loire, the banks of which come alive in the summer months.

You will need at least a couple of days to explore Tours, so we have prepared a two-day itinerary taking in the major sights and some hidden gems. If you have more time, we have suggested other places to visit, both in the city and the surrounding area.

Day 1

Morning: Cloître de la Psalette

Begin your tour at the Cloitre de la Psalette, the cloister where the canons from the cathedral used to work. It was built between1442 and 1524, and, as a result, the style is part Gothic and part Renaissance. The highlight is the stunning Renaissance spiral staircase which leads to the first floor and the terrace. From there you get magnificent views of the gardens surrounding the cloister and of the cathedral. There are three galleries still standing which you can visit, as well as the scriptorium and library, once one of the richest in the country, as well as the music room. Don’t miss going into the bookshop as there you can see modern stained-glass windows created in the 1960s by Max Ingrand.

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours

A two-minute walk takes you to this art museum which houses more than 1,000 works including paintings, sculptures, prints, engravings, and ceramics. The highlights include artwork belonging to Cardinal Richelieu, chief minister to Louis XIII, and art taken from the abbeys during the French Revolution. There are two masterpieces painted by the Italian Renaissance artist, Andros Mantegna, works of art by Dutch painter, Rembrandt and Flemish artist, Rubens, and some of Degas and Monet’s Impressionist paintings. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and workshops.

Cathédrale Saint Gatien de Tours

The cathedral is just two minutes away from the museum and is one of the highlights of the city. It took centuries to build, with construction beginning in 1170 and ending in 1547. The architectural style is Gothic and shows how Gothic art changed over the years from the stiff and long figures and shapes of the 12th century to a more natural style.

The outside of the cathedral is impressive. It has intricate stonework, especially on the main door and on the two towers. In the evenings, there is a sound and light show projected onto the facade.

Once inside, take time to admire the beautiful stained-glass windows in the chapels and above the choir. The cathedral has 15 stained glass windows and three rose windows which are some of the best in the country. You will also see the marble Renaissance tombs of the infant children of King Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany.

By now, you’ll probably be ready for lunch and there are plenty of restaurants in the area. Head north as you will be going to the Chateau de Tours after lunch and you will find mainly French restaurants and bistros, as well as an Ethiopian and an Asian restaurant.

Day 1, Morning - tours Tour Map

Afternoon: Château de Tours

The Chateau de Tours was constructed in the 11th century in the Carolingian style, which blended classical and Northern characteristics. The aristocracy lived in the chateau until the French Revolution occurred in the 18th century.

The chateau has since been an aquarium and later a museum but is now an art gallery housing exhibitions of both paintings and photos. It works in collaboration with the arts centre, the Jeu de Paume in Paris. The Governor’s house has a permanent exhibition about the building of Tours and the chateau also houses archaeological finds from digs around the city.

Pont Wilson

A seven-minute walk takes you to Pont Wilson, the oldest bridge in the city. It was constructed between 1765 and 1778 but collapsed in 1978. However, it was rebuilt to look as it did previously. It was originally called the Pont de Pierre which translates to stone bridge, but it was renamed Pont Wilson after Woodrow Wilson, President of the US, an ally of the French during WWI. Take a walk along the bridge to get fantastic views of the city. The bridge is 434 metres long and has 15 arches and is only accessible to trams and pedestrians.

Musée du Compagnonnage

The last stop of your first day is the Musee du Compagnonnage, which is housed in the Abbey of Saint-Julien. The Compagnonnage was a mediaeval organisation that guided craftsmen and artists. In the museum, you will see tools, insignias, pictures, and craftwork used and created by the apprentices. The artefacts are often changed so if you visit on a second trip, you may get to see different things. In addition, temporary exhibitions are held as well as presentations. Regular activities for children are arranged as well.

Day 1, Afternoon - tours Tour Map

Day 2

Morning: Centre de Création Contemporaine Olivier Debré

Start your second day at this contemporary art gallery which was opened in 2017 and houses a substantial number of paintings by Olivier Debre, a famous abstract artist. The centre also presents around ten temporary exhibitions each year and holds workshops. Have a coffee in the on-site cafe before heading to your next destination.

Hotel Gouin

This beautiful Renaissance building has recently been restored and is just a minute away from the art gallery. It houses an archaeological museum displaying artefacts from as far back as the Roman occupation until the 19th century. When restoring the building, parts of an older building which was once on the site were found, namely four arches and a well. These are showcased in the museum.

Musée d’Histoire Naturelle de Tours

A two-minute walk takes you to the Natural History Museum which is set out on four floors. Temporary exhibitions are held on the ground floor where you will also find the museum shop. The first floor is taken up by a vivarium which children will love as it houses such creatures as snakes, fish, turtles, and lizards. On the second floor is a collection of stuffed animals, as well as rocks and fossils. There is a library and documentation centre on the third floor.

Place Plumereau

After enjoying the museum, head to Place Plumereau which is just a couple of minutes away. It is in the old part of the town and has some lovely half-timbered buildings dating to the 15th century. The atmosphere is lively and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes so it’s a good place to stop for lunch.

Day 2, morning - tours Tour Map

Afternoon: Basilique Saint Martin de Tours

A three-minute walk from Place Plumereau takes you to this Roman Catholic Basilica dedicated to Saint Martin, the third bishop of Tours. Saint Martin lived in the 4th century and a basilica was built on this site in the 5th century. However, it was knocked down during the French Revolution, but a new basilica was built on the same site between 1886 and 1924 in the Roman-Byzantine style. It is a spectacular building with a magnificent dome on top of which is a statue of Saint Martin. The statue measures a massive 4.25 metres tall. Go inside the basilica to see the beautiful stained-glass windows which tell the story of Saint Martin’s life.

Les Halles de Tours

A five-minute walk takes you to Les Halles de Tours, an indoor food market which is open every day from 7 am until 7.30 pm, apart from Sundays when it closes at 1 pm. It has been operational for 150 years and is a must-stop for anybody who loves food. The sights and smells are wonderful and the choices on offer are mouthwatering. The cheeses and charcuterie will awaken your taste buds, and you will be amazed at how fresh the fruit and vegetables are. Other stalls offer meat, seafood, chocolate, pastries, and spices.

Jardin des Prebendes d’Oe

End your exploration of Tours at this beautiful garden which was created in 1872. It will take you around 13 minutes to get there from the market. It covers 4.5 hectares and is designed in the English garden style. There are many paths to wander along admiring the different plants and trees as well as statues and water features. Children will enjoy it here as there are playgrounds for them to let off steam.

Day 2, afternoon - tours Tour Map

Other Things To Do In Tours

• Jardin Botanique Tours: The botanical gardens cover 5 hectares and are made up of themed gardens such as a Japanese garden and an arboretum. There are greenhouses for more exotic plants and an animal area. Children can get close to the farm animals and enjoy looking at more exotic species such as wallabies.

• Marche aux Fleurs: Tours holds a massive flower market twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays along Boulevard Beranger. It is worth going to if just for the amazing colours and smells. It also sells homemade crafts so you might be able to pick up souvenirs or gifts to take home with you.

• La Passion de Fromage: If you love cheese, you have to visit this shop on Rue de la Fuye. It stocks more than 300 varieties of cheeses as well as local products such as wines from the region.

• Guinguette sur Loire: This outdoor cafe is on the left bank of the Loire close to Pont Wilson. It opens from May until September and is the place to be, whether you live in Tours or are just visiting. It comes to life every evening and is not only a cafe but offers dance lessons, films to watch, and concerts. Its location by the river is perfect and is enhanced by the willow trees surrounding the cafe with their twinkling lights.

• Eglise Notre-Dame-Le-Riche: This church was first constructed in the 10th century but has been rebuilt a few times since then. Be sure to go inside as there is plenty to see including stained-glass windows from the 16th century and the relics of Saint Francis of Paola, Italy, who founded the order of the Minims. In addition, there is a group of five statues depicting the Blessed Mary’s wedding. The statues are of Mary, the High Priest, Saint Joseph, Saint Joachim, and Saint Anne. They were created by the 19th-century sculptor, Alexandre-Louis-Marie Charpentier.

• Sidecar Tour of Tours: A popular activity in the city is a sidecar tour which takes you to the highlights of the city. You can take either a day or an evening tour.

• Hotel De Ville De Tours: The Hotel de Ville De Tours is a magnificent building which was constructed between 1896 and 1904 and is the town hall. It was built in the Beaux-Arts architectural style and the facade is decorated with sculptures, carvings, and magisterial columns. You can go inside and see the grand rooms and sometimes there are exhibitions showcasing local art and history.

• Rue Nationale: The Rue Nationale is the main shopping street in Tours. You can find the department store, the Galerie La Fayette here, and there are many smaller fashion shops. If you are looking for local food specialities, this is the street to visit. The Hotel De Ville De Tours is also here and the whole place is pedestrianised.

• Vinci - Centre International De Congres: This conference and exhibition centre is a spectacular building and worth going to see. It is the work of the architect Jean Nouvel and it was built in 1993. It is a glass, steel, and aluminium building with a long overhanging roof and detailed glazing. There are neon tubes behind the windows which light up the building at night.

• Grand Theatre De Tours: The theatre hosts many lyrical and symphonic performances, shows for children, chamber music, and recitals. There is bound to be something on when you are in town so check online. It also hosts visiting artists and offers tours twice a week.

• Musée De La Typographie: This is a small museum, but it is interesting and informative. It houses old printing presses, tools, typefaces, and handmade paper. You are even allowed to handle some of the exhibits which is unusual for a museum. The museum is free to go in which is a bonus.

• Gares De Tours: Gares De Tours is the main railway station in Tours and is in the centre of the historic part of town. Head here if you want to get to the chateaux in the region. The building itself is particularly beautiful and blends style with function.

Day Trips From Tours

• Château de Villandry: Chateau de Villandry lies 32 km southwest of Tours. The chateau was built in the 1530s during the Renaissance period. The facade was restored in the early part of the 20th century to look as it did when it was constructed. Although the inside of the chateau is interesting, the gardens are the stars of the show. Most of the six gardens you see today were created between 1908 and 1918. They are on three levels, the most exciting level being the lowest which has the kitchen garden. Vegetables have been used to create formal, but colourful displays and are well worth photographing. The middle level is where the ornamental gardens are, while the upper level houses the water gardens and the Sun Garden which was created as recently as 2008. It tackles modern issues such as the environment and is divided into three chambers, the Sun Chamber, the Cloud Chamber, and the Children’s Chamber. Approximately, 115,000 flowers and vegetables are planted in the gardens each year.

• Chateau de Valmer: Chateau de Valmer is in Chancay, 21 km northeast of Tours. Although most of the chateau was destroyed by a fire in 1948, the Renaissance gardens are well worth visiting. Of particular note is the vegetable garden which has around 3,500 varieties of vegetables and herbs. You will come across beautifully sculpted statues throughout the gardens, including one of Saint Fiacre, the patron saint of gardeners. In addition to the gardens, there is a 60-hectare parkland planted with oak, chestnut and hornbeam trees and a 35-hectare vineyard. There is an opportunity to taste the wines produced at the estate.

• Chateau de Nitray: A historical monument since 1947, this chateau is 21 km southeast of Tours and is a good place to spend the day as there is a restaurant for lunch. The chateau was built in the 16th century on the site of an older chateau. It sits on 43 hectares of parkland, designed in the English style. 10 hectares of this is a vineyard and the estate has been producing organic wine for almost three centuries. A guided tour of the chateau takes you around the ground floor, to the chapel, and to the dovecote. Finally, you are taken to the cellar where you will learn about winemaking and, best of all, have a tasting.

• Château de Chenonceau: This chateau, built in the 16th century in the Renaissance style, is 31 km southeast of Tours. It is next to the River Cher and a gallery over the river was a later addition. There is a stunning collection of artworks inside the chateau, including paintings and tapestries, and the furniture is beautiful. You are able to visit the main salon, the galleries, the royal chambers, and the library either on a guided tour or on your own. Take the time to visit the chapel with its superb stained-glass windows. The gardens are also worth visiting. The formal gardens of Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers are impressive and the flower garden is colourful. Children will like the woodland area as it has a maze. This is a chateau that is made to be savoured and again, you could spend the day here as there is a fine dining restaurant, The Orangerie, on-site.

• Château de Chambord: This chateau is the largest chateau in the Loire Valley. It is 78 km northeast of tours but is worth going the extra distance as it is impressive. It sits in the biggest enclosed forest in the country and has beautiful formal gardens. The chateau was the idea of King Francois I in the 16th century and later housed other kings such as Louis XIV. You can tour the chateau with an audio guide or take a guided tour. The castle was built in the Renaissance style inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. There are aspects of the chateau that were revolutionary for the time such as the double staircase with a spectacular ceiling above it and the decorative fireplaces. On the ground floor, two films are shown, telling you about the history and architecture of the chateau. Then you can visit beautifully furnished apartments, coffered vaults, and the chapel. Don’t miss going on the terraces as you will get panoramic views. You can visit the stables, watch a bird of prey show, and take a tour of the massive vegetable garden.

• Château d’Azay-le-Rideau: This chateau, 25 km southwest of Tours, is located on an island on the River Indre. The estate covers eight hectares. It was built in the 16th century and the style is French Renaissance. It is L-shaped with each corner having a stylish tower. The inside of the chateau is luxuriously furnished with paintings and furnishings depicting different periods of time when the house was occupied. The highlight is the staircase which is lavishly decorated. After visiting the chateau, take a walk around the parkland which was landscaped in the 19th century. Visiting exhibitions are held throughout the year.

• Château la Langeais: Chateau la Langeais is 30.5 km southwest of Tours. It was commissioned by Louis XI in the middle of the 15th century and has been built in the Renaissance style with some mediaeval elements. It replaced a 10th-century castle. To get to the chateau, you have to cross a drawbridge which is fun in itself. It is an impressive chateau to look at with enormous towers and beautiful windows. Inside the chateau there are 15 rooms which you can tour, all furnished as they would have been in the 15th century. Take a walk around the parapet for lovely views of the countryside and climb the scaffold for great views of the chateau. The gardens are small, but attractive, with aged redwoods and cedars.

• Amboise: Amboise is 24 km east of Tours. It is well worth visiting as it has three chateaux to visit, the Chateau Royal D’Amboise, the Chateau Le Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s last home, and Chateau Gaillard. It is a good base for exploring the Loire Valley with more chateaux, such as Chateau De Valmer and Chateau De Bois to see, as well as visiting the many wineries in the area.

• Saumur: Saumur is around 60 km from Tours. It is famous for the Chateau De Saumur and the many museums as well as the wineries in the region and the Cadre Noir riding school. However, the real highlight is the number of troglodyte caves, some of which are still lived in.

• Montrichard: Montrichard is 44 km east of Tours and is a mediaeval town with cobblestoned streets and great views of the Cher Valley. It is an ideal base if you want to visit wineries and chateaux, such as the Château De Chenonceau and the Chateau Royale D’Amboise.

• Candes-Saint-Martin: 62 km from Tours, this village sits on the banks of the River Vienne on a small hill offering lovely views. It has been designated one of the most beautiful villages in France. Highlights include the collegiate church, built in the 12th century, which has statues on the facade and beautiful stained-glass windows and the Chapel Saint-Martin. Above the village are some troglodyte cave dwellings.

• Rigny-Usse: Rigny-Usse is 43 km southwest of Tours. The highlight is the magnificent Chateau D’Usse which inspired the fairytale, ‘Sleeping Beauty’. It is a blend of Mediaeval, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. The Loire a Velo passes through the town so you can hire a bicycle and see the beautiful countryside.

• Saint-Aignan: Saint-Aignan is 65 km east of Tours and is a small village which is a good base if you want to visit Zooparc De Beauval which houses endangered species. It is also close to many chateaux including Chenonceau, Blois, and Amboise.

• Lemere: The highlight of the town is Chateau Du Rivau which was built in the 15th century with a mediaeval design. It has a keep and towers, but also some Renaissance elements such as the windows. Inside, you will see a mix of historic items and contemporary pieces and artwork. The gardens are beautiful and there are massive stables.

Things To Do With Kids In Tours

• Gadawi Park: The whole family will enjoy Gadawi Park which is a tree climbing centre in Parc de la Grande Brosse in Tours. There are two parks to choose from. In Gadawi Park North, there are 13 tree climbing courses, 200 games, and more than 20 ziplines. In Gadawi Park South, there are 60 courses with 18 over 18 metres high, and 150 workshops.

• SENSAS Tours: SENSAS, on the Avenue du Danemark in Tours, involves experiencing and testing all of your senses. You work in teams of between four and 15 people and work your way through six sensory workshops.

• Youpimom Theme Park: Youpimom Theme Park is in Chambray-les-Tours which is 7 km away from the city. It is suitable for children up to the age of 12. The theme park is set in a 2,200 m2 indoor building and has 123 attractions, including an interactive show, a haunted house, and a tornado that tests your balance.

• Escape Games Tours - RUNAWAY: This attraction is also in Chambray-les-Tours and suits older children. There are five themed escape rooms and each experience lasts 90 minutes.

• River Cruise: Children love the simpler things in life, and they will enjoy a toue cruise on the Loire. The waterways around Tours are shallow so toue boats are used for the cruises. They are flat-bottomed sailboats which carry between 12 and 30 people. The cruises last for one hour with the skipper entertaining you with tales about the Tours river trade.

• Château de Chambord: We have already mentioned this chateau and now is the time to tell you about the exciting activities there for children. They can take a gardening workshop, take a tour of the castle with a character from the past dressed in period clothes, and visit The Children’s Home which involves 19 experimentation and discovery attractions. They can get a riddle booklet to discover the French Gardens and a castle book to discover the secrets of the chateau.

• Parc Mini-Châteaux: This family-friendly attraction is in Amboise, 24 km east of Tours. It houses mini replicas of 40 of the chateaux in the Loire Valley. They are on a 1:25 scale. Each chateau has an information board in language children can understand. Other attractions In the park include a mini-car carousel, mini mechanical horses, a bouncy castle, a giant chess set, and a playground.

• Zoo-Parc De Beauval: The zoo houses 10,000 animals from all over the world, including many endangered species. There are 800 species to discover in 22 themed territories. Animals include Western Lowland gorillas, bearded vultures, lions, and Indian rhinos.

Wineries Near Tours

• Caves Ambacia: Caves Ambacia is in Amboise and has vines which are hundreds of years old. It produces mainly organic and biodynamic wines which are of excellent quality due to the low yields. It offers two experiences for visitors. You can book a tasting of five wines. Alternatively, you can take the Odyssey Tour which teaches about the wine-making process. You visit the cellars where you learn the proper way to taste wine with a tasting of five wines. The winery has a bistro.

• Maison Bredif: Maison Bredif is in Rochecorbon and produces a substantial range of wines, including ones made with the Chenin Blanc grape and the sparkling Vouvray, made using the traditional method. There are a number of tastings on offer including a tasting of five wines and an introduction to tasting which involves learning how to taste wine. You get to try three red wines and three whites from different varietals and regions.

• Domaine les Pierres d'Aurèle: This winery is in Saint-George-sur-Cher and covers 20 hectares. It doesn’t use insecticides so produce natural wine using different varietals, including Chenin, Chardonnay, Pineau d’Aunis, Gamay, Grolleau, and Sauvignon Blanc. There are various tours and tastings on offer including a guided tour of the winery and a tasting. They offer an exciting experience in September, involving harvesting the grapes and learning the different techniques used to make wine.

• Domaine Sylvain: This is a family estate in Vernou sur Brenne. They offer two experiences, a tasting of six wines and a tasting and visit to the cellars. The simple tasting is free.

• Caves du Pere Auguste: Caves du Pere Auguste in Civray-de-Touraine is another family-run estate which has been operating for 145 years. They offer free tastings and a paid tour of the cellar and a tasting. You can choose the type of wine you prefer and red, white, rose, and sparkling wines are on offer.

Golf Course In Tours

• Golf de la Gloriette: Golf de la Giorette welcomes visitors to its 9-hole and 18-hole courses. Golf lessons can be taken and there is a driving range.

Racecourses In and Near Tours

• Hippodrome de Tours: The HIppodrome de Tours is 150 years old and is set in 17 hectares. It organises three race meetings every year on its 1,300-metre-long track

• Hippodrome de Gigny: The Hippodrome de Gigny has been operating since the beginning of the 20th century. It has a 1,500-metre track and puts on three race meetings a year. There is a restaurant on-site.

• Hippodrome Le Mans: Hippodrome Le Mans presents nine meetings each year on a 1,500-metre sand track. There is a restaurant for spectators.

Where To Eat In Tours

Tours offers a wide range of restaurants which display the flavours of the region, but it also has some foreign eateries. There are welcoming bistros and innovative fine dining restaurants so everybody should find somewhere to suit their tastes.

• La Deuvaliere: La Deuvaliere is a cosy bistro with wooden beams and a tiled floor. It offers seasonal dishes which can be paired with Loire Valley wines. The food is innovative and fresh and includes dishes like fish of the day paired with grilled and pureed broccoli and white butter sauce.

• La Maison Des Halles: This fine dining French restaurant offers a wide and varied menu. The steaks are excellent and there are specials from the Touraine region such as calf sweetbreads with kidneys and snails with bone marrow, parsley & wild garlic condiment, buckwheat, pickles, and small croutons.

• Le Petit Patrimoine SARL: This small restaurant serves traditional French cuisine with an innovative twist. The flavours are rich and the ambience warm. Fresh local products are used and include dishes such as slice of beef chuck marinated in lemon and thyme and octopus with chorizo. All the wine comes from the Loire Valley.

• Nobuki Table Japonaise: If you fancy a change from French cuisine, try this Japanese restaurant which is open for lunch from Mondays to Fridays and on Friday evenings. Dishes include tempura made with fresh tuna and Japanese rillons with pork.

• Le Sunja: This Indian restaurant is popular so it is advisable to book in advance. Try the baigon pakora (aubergine fritters), gosht korma, which is a mild creamy mutton curry, or the chicken masala.

• Leonardo da Vinci: As the name suggests, this is an Italian restaurant. It is located in a 13th-century building and presents creative and fresh cuisine. To start, why not have the interesting-sounding melting cream with carrots, cumin, and coriander? Mains include a rack of lamb with sage in a casserole & vegetable tagliatelle and seasonal vegetable lasagna Milanese au gratin with parmesan and mixed greens.

Where To Stay In Tours

• Les Tresorieres: Les Tresorieres is a five-star hotel in a convenient location, 600 metres from the city centre. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout the building, a fitness centre, an indoor pool, a sauna, a hammam, a shared lounge, and a bar. The stylish rooms have air conditioning for those hot summer nights, a coffee machine, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a TV, and a private bathroom with a shower. A buffet breakfast is available every morning with vegetarian options.

• Chateau Belmont Tours by The Crest Collection: This four-star hotel is located in a beautiful 2.5-hectare park close to the centre of Tours. It offers a spa with a heated swimming pool, a sauna, a steam room, and a fitness room. Between 6 pm and 9 pm, the spa becomes a relaxation area where you can meditate in peace and quiet. The rooms have air conditioning, a TV, a minibar, and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is a buffet and, in the evening, traditional French cuisine is served in the restaurant. There is a bar where you can have a before or after-dinner drink without having to leave the hotel.

• Hilton Garden Inn Tours Centre: The Hilton Garden Inn is a four-star hotel close to Hotel Gouin and the Basilique Saint-Martin de Tours. The rooms are modern and have air conditioning, a TV, and complimentary toiletries in the ensuite bathrooms. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout, a shared lounge, and a fitness centre. Breakfast is a buffet, with vegetarian options, and the restaurant serves traditional French cuisine at other times with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

• Hotel & Spa Oceania L’Univers Tours: This four-star hotel has a wide range of facilities including a spa, a wellness centre, a bar, private parking, free Wi-Fi throughout, a business centre, and a bistro-style restaurant. Enjoy a buffet breakfast every morning.

• Ferdinand Hotel Tours: This three-star hotel offers rooms with a TV, providing satellite channels, a kettle, a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer, and a safety deposit box. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and a shared lounge. A continental breakfast is offered each morning. The hotel is conveniently situated 200 metres from Hotel Gouin.

Best Time To Visit Tours

Tours has a temperate climate with very warm summers and cold, but not freezing winters. The best time to visit is in June, July, and August when it is warm and sunny. However, it can be crowded so if you want to avoid this, spring and autumn can also be pleasant and there are fewer tourists.

Festivals in Tours

Tours has many festivals throughout the year and here are a few of the best.

• Vitiloire Wine Festival: It isn’t surprising that Tours has a wine festival as it is in the Loire Valley with many vineyards and wineries. It is held in May in the Jardins de la Prefecture and for an entrance fee of 5 euros you get a wine tasting glass to keep for the day so that you can taste any of the wines from the 150 wine producers who have stalls there. You can buy the wine at property prices, not what you would pay in the stores.

• Aucard Festival of Tours: This festival has been going for 37 years as of 2024 and takes place in the park of La Gloriette. It has bands showcasing their amplified contemporary music and there are other concerts in venues, including bars in Indre de Loire.

• Emergences Festival: This is a jazz festival held in November in different venues throughout Tours. It has been going for over 20 years and is organised by the music school, Jazz a Tours, and the jazz club, Le Petit Taucheux.

• The Christmas Markets: The Christmas season is celebrated in style with Christmas markets at three different venues. Each is decked with Christmas decorations and lights so look particularly spectacular in the evenings. The market at Boulevard Heurteloup has 20 stalls selling Christmas gifts and seasonal food and a merry-go-round for the kids. At the Place de la Resistance, there are Christmas chalets selling Christmas items and a carousel shaped like a Christmas tree. At the Place Anatole France, you will find sellers offering their goods from Bavarian-style chalets, an ice-skating rink, a large Ferris wheel, and a carousel.