Exhibition: Au féminin
Discover the journey of women in the traditionally male-dominated world of craftsmanship and guilds.
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Tours
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Tours
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Tours is the excellent hub for exploring the Loire Valley châteaux. Rent a car or join a minibus tour departing near the train station.
- Place Plumereau is the epicenter of local nightlife. Visit in the evening for drinks surrounded by beautifully illuminated half-timbered houses.
- Visit the Cathédrale Saint-Gatien in the late afternoon to see the magnificent stained glass windows bathed in sunlight.
- The city's modern tram system runs along a central axis and is a highly efficient way to get around.
- Free street parking in the center is scarce; utilize the Park-and-Ride (Relais-Tram) lots on the outskirts to save money and hassle.
🍽 Food
🍽
Rillettes de Tours
Pick up this delicious, slow-cooked pork spread from the charcuterie stalls at Les Halles de Tours.
🍽
Nougat de Tours
Try this traditional cake made with a macaronade of almonds and candied fruits at local bakeries in the old town.
🍽
Loire Valley Wines
Sip on a crisp Vouvray or a red Chinon at a cozy wine bar in the historic Quartier Colbert.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Les Halles de Tours
The city's culinary heart, where you can buy the best local goat cheeses, fresh breads, and regional specialties.
🛍
Rue Nationale
Take a stroll down this wide commercial street for a mix of recognizable brands and large department stores.
🛍
Quartier Colbert
Explore this pleasant historic district if you are on the hunt for antiques and unique artisan crafts.
🧘
Jardin des Prébendes d'Oé
Wander through this beautifully landscaped English-style park, excellent for a peaceful escape among ancient trees.
🧘
Loire River Banks
During the summer, the riverside 'Guinguette' areas provide a relaxed spot to unwind by the water.
🧘
Île Simon
Cross over to this tranquil, wooded island in the middle of the river for a quiet break away from the city streets.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
10
Colorama Performance
Young actors bring classic and contemporary texts to life through a vibrant exploration of colors.
Ironman Tours Métropole Loire Valley
IRONMAN Tours Métropole - Loire Valley offers athletes a glimpse of the Loire Valley's treasures, from historic castles to lush parks and riverside trails.
Laila Hida – Le Voyage du phoenix
A sensitive and critical exploration of the imaginary constructions of oasis landscapes, blending colonial memory and exotic desire.
Jolly Roger Fest: Hatebreed
Get ready for a high-energy night with Hatebreed and Pavement Punishment at the Jolly Roger Fest.
Guided Tour: Statues in the City
Explore the public statues of Tours with a guide. Discover how these ornamental and allegorical works shape the history and identity of Touraine.
Les jeudis de la santé - Health Thursdays
The City of Tours and the University offer a new series of health conferences featuring medical experts from the CHRU.
Julian Marley + MIGHTY PAULO
Bob Marley’s son, Julian Marley, brings legendary reggae vibes to Tours. A powerful voice continuing a legendary musical vision.
Cycling to the Grandes Caves Saint-Roch
Ride along the Loire à Vélo route to the Saint-Roch caves. Explore the largest troglodyte cellars in Touraine and enjoy a local wine tasting.
Guided Tour: Art Deco Architecture
Discover the variety of Art Deco architecture in Tours, from private villas and apartment blocks to iconic public buildings.
Tours is located in the Loire Valley between the Loire and Cher rivers and is often referred to as the 'Garden of France.' The city served as the capital of the French Kingdom during the 15th and 16th centuries and remains a focal point of French history. A landmark event was the Battle of Tours in 732, where Charles Martel halted the Moorish advance. The Saint-Gatien Cathedral, with its late Gothic spires, and the Basilica of Saint-Martin, which houses the tomb of the famous saint, are the city's religious centers. In the old town, Vieux Tours, lies the animated Place Plumereau, famous for its well-preserved medieval half-timbered houses. Tours is also known for its excellent gastronomy and surrounding wine regions like Vouvray. As a gateway to the Loire Valley châteaux, the city attracts many visitors looking to explore Renaissance architecture. Today, it is a significant center for art, history, and university education in central France.
- Location: Centre-Val de Loire, France
- Top sights: Saint-Gatien Cathedral · Place Plumereau · Basilica of Saint Martin
- Nearby: Saint-Avertin (4 km)
- Population: ~140.686
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 17 | 13 | 8 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 65 | 51 | 59 | 48 | 67 | 59 | 51 | 49 | 40 | 69 | 68 | 72 |
Live webcam – Tours
See what it looks like near Tours right now.
Tours: Environs de - centre · 2.3 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- Battle of Tours in 732
- Former capital of France
- Tomb of Saint Martin
- Place Plumereau (half-timbered houses)
- Saint-Gatien Cathedral (12th-16th c.)
- Located on the Loire and Cher rivers
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→19:003.3 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 18–24 €Entries 21€ · Transport 0€
Start your day in the heart of Old Tours at the lively Place Plumereau. After visiting Saint Martin's Basilica, indulge in local flavors at the market. The afternoon features the Gothic majesty of the cathedral and the artistic treasures of the Fine Arts Museum. End your walk with a peaceful stroll through the scenic Prébendes Garden.
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🚶 7'0.2 km
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10:48 · 84'
Les Halles de Tours
Try the famous Rillettes de Tours directly at the market stalls.
🚶 27'1.19 km
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12:39 · 79'
Cathédrale Saint-Gatien
Admire the magnificent 13th-century stained glass windows.
🚶 5'0.09 km
🚶 36'1.63 km
09:00→19:003.3 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 18–24 €Entries 21€ · Transport 0€
Morning starts at Place Plumereau where timber-framed houses provide shelter. Midday is spent in the dry warmth of Les Halles de Tours. In the afternoon, the Cathedral and Fine Arts Museum offer perfect refuges from the rain. The day ends with a misty stroll through the Jardin des Prébendes.
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09:10 · 32'
Place Plumereau
Find shelter under the medieval roof overhangs if a shower starts.
🚶 7'0.2 km
🚶 6'0.16 km
🚶 27'1.19 km
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12:39 · 79'
Cathédrale Saint-Gatien
Admire the stained glass in the grey light, they look magical.
🚶 5'0.09 km
🚶 36'1.63 km
09:00→19:003.3 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 18–24 €Entries 21€ · Transport 0€
A frosty morning at Place Plumereau with a hot coffee. Midday features local specialties to warm you up at the Halles market. The afternoon is dedicated to the magnificent Cathedral and the heated Fine Arts Museum. As the sun sets around 17:00, enjoy the winter silence of the Prébendes garden early.
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🚶 7'0.2 km
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🚶 27'1.19 km
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16:24 · 126'
Jardin des Prébendes d'Oé
Watch out on the small bridges; they can be slippery during frost.
09:00→18:465.9 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 20–26 €Entries 11€ · Transport 12€
Explore Tours on two wheels along the scenic banks of the Loire. Cycle from the riverside to the historic castle and the cathedral. After a relaxing break on Simon Island, the route takes you to the Saint-Cosme Priory, the home of poet Ronsard. A perfect blend of nature, history, and fresh air.
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🚲 8'0.85 km
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🚲 14'1.91 km
🚲 20'2.79 km
09:00→18:465.9 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 20–26 €Entries 11€ · Transport 12€
Despite the rain, the Loire banks are mystical. Midday, the Château de Tours provides cover. In the afternoon, head to the Cathedral before cautiously exploring Île Simon. The day ends at the Prieuré de Saint-Cosme, focusing on the indoor exhibits.
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09:10 · 126'
Loire River Banks
Watch for puddles on the bike path; the surface can be slippery.
🚲 8'0.85 km
🚲 5'0.35 km
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12:53 · 79'
Cathédrale Saint-Gatien
There are bike racks located right near the main entrance.
🚲 14'1.91 km
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14:26 · 126'
Île Simon
The wooden bridges are extremely slippery when wet, please walk your bike.
🚲 20'2.79 km
09:00→18:465.9 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 20–26 €Entries 11€ · Transport 12€
A chilly start by the Loire with views of the morning mist. The castle offers warmth at midday. In the afternoon, visit the Cathedral before crossing Île Simon in the winter light. The day ends at the historical Prieuré de Saint-Cosme before it gets too dark.
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🚲 8'0.85 km
🚲 5'0.35 km
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12:53 · 79'
Cathédrale Saint-Gatien
Secure your bike well; fingers can be cold when unlocking it.
🚲 14'1.91 km
🚲 20'2.79 km
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16:52 · 84'
Prieuré de Saint-Cosme
Check the shorter winter opening hours before heading out.
09:00→19:4268.1 km drive5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 23–31 €Entries 15€ · Transport 12€
By car, you can seamlessly combine Tours' city highlights with nearby treasures. After exploring the center, drive to Villandry Castle to see its world-famous gardens. Then, head to the Vouvray wine region for a local tasting. End your day back in town at the grand City Hall building.
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🚗 8'1.49 km
🚗 73'21.13 km
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09:00→19:4268.1 km drive5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 23–31 €Entries 15€ · Transport 12€
Rain is ideal for a drive to Château de Villandry. Midday, we enjoy the Vouvray wine cellars, where it's guaranteed to be dry. In the afternoon, we visit the Tours Cathedral before the day ends at the City Hall. The car is the perfect shelter from the wet weather.
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🚗 8'1.49 km
🚗 73'21.13 km
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12:22 · 84'
Château de Villandry
Visit the interior of the castle first until the rain lets up.
🚗 113'32.96 km
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15:39 · 84'
Vouvray Vineyards
Wine cellar tours are the well-suited indoor activity when it rains.
🚗 45'12.52 km
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17:48 · 84'
Hôtel de Ville de Tours
Short stop for photos before getting back into the dry car.
09:00→19:4268.1 km drive5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 23–31 €Entries 15€ · Transport 12€
A winter tale in the Loire Valley. In the morning, pass through Tours before driving to Château de Villandry, which looks particularly noble in the frost. In the afternoon, warm up in the Vouvray cellars. The day ends at the festively lit Tours City Hall.
← swipe for more places →
🚗 8'1.49 km
🚗 73'21.13 km
🚗 113'32.96 km
🍽️
15:39 · 84'
Vouvray Vineyards
The constant cellar temperature feels pleasantly warm in winter.
🚗 45'12.52 km
Sights in the town Tours (21)
Château de Tours🏺 historical
This medieval castle once hosted royal weddings and now serves as a major venue for contemporary art and photo exhibitions.
🌐 tours.fr🕒 Tu-Su 14:00-18:00
Grand Theater🎭 culture
The city's opera house, a major cultural hub with elegant neoclassical architecture.
🌐 operadetours.fr🕒 Tu-Sa 10:30-13:00,14:00-17:45
Natural History Museum🏛 museum
Has fascinating exhibitions on the local fauna, flora, and geological history of the region.
🌐 museum.tours.fr🕒 Tu-Fr 10:00-12:00,14:00-18:00; Sa-Su 14:00-18:00; Jan 01 off
Frequently asked questions
Why is Tours considered the center of the Loire Valley?
Due to its central location, Tours is the good base for visiting the famous Loire Valley castles (Châteaux de la Loire).
Where is the most vibrant square in the city?
Place Plumereau in the heart of the old town is famous for its half-timbered houses and many cafes with large outdoor terraces.
What is the culinary specialty of Tours?
Try Rillettes de Tours, a delicious slow-cooked meat spread, often served with local bread.
Is the Tours Cathedral worth visiting?
Yes, the Saint-Gatien Cathedral is impressive with its late Gothic facade and beautiful medieval stained glass windows.
When does the market take place in Tours?
In the Halles de Tours, there is a daily indoor market where you can find the best regional products and wines.
Tours: where is it located?
Tours is located in Centre-Val de Loire, France.
Tours: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Gatien Cathedral, Place Plumereau, Basilica of Saint Martin.
Tours: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Tours: why is it worth visiting?
Tours is located in the Loire Valley between the Loire and Cher rivers and is often referred to as the 'Garden of France.' The city served as the capital of the French Kingdom during the 15th and 16th centuries and remains a focal point of French history.
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