Tours

About Tours

Tours in Centre-Val de Loire (also known as the Loire Valley) is a modern city with a history dating back to the Romans that is famous for its architecture, wines and markets.

The largest city in the Centre region, Tours can trace its history from the Roman Empire to the Middle Ages when it became a major centre and a medieval double town, and the cathedral became part of the pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago. The cathedral was built in the 12th century although some parts were not finished until the 15th century and are Flamboyant Gothic in style. Some vestiges of Gallo-Roman architecture can be found around the cathedral although much of the Old City (le Vieux Tours) is made up of medieval half-timber houses.

Places to visit

Tours is also known for its Renaissance architecture with many splendid houses and a magnificent medieval facade can be found on the Hôtel Gouïn which now houses the Touraine Archaeological Museum. Although the city suffered heavy damage during WW2, Tours has much of its heritage preserved for visitors to enjoy.

Today, Tours is a modern and lively town with a thriving university and is one that celebrates its history in its many museums - the Musée des Beaux-Arts, archaeological museum, the museum of the history of Tours inside the Château Royal de Tours, and a museum dedicated to St Martin who lived here in the Middle Ages and is known as the saint who shared his coat with a beggar.

The city also hosts several cultural festivals including the Florilège Vocal de Tours an international festival of choir music that is one of the most important choral competitions in the world. Relax in the parks and gardens and take a stroll through the gardens of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, containing a tree planted by Napoleon himself and discover a stuffed elephant called Fritz hidden away in an alcove!

Book a tour of the city - whether you're interested in ancient Tours, Renaissance Tours or Tours when illuminated at night, there is a tour to suit you. Don't forget to take an excursion to some of the beautiful nearby châteaux and vineyards!

Shopping and eating

With an incredible 30 markets in the city, Tours is an excellent place for some shopping with traditional food and drink markets, flower markets, flea markets, antique markets and more. You'll also find luxury international brands, traditional local shops and chic boutiques in the centre.

In the restaurants, make sure you enjoy some rustic local foods like rillettes (a pâté-style dish made from pork), andouillettes (tripe sausage) and coq-au-vin with some local Touraine wine - whether it's red, rosé or white is your choice!