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Tours

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Overview

Tours The guide was updated: 2023-09-26

The bright, lively capital of the Loire Valley region is nestled between two rivers: the Loire and the Cher, with the picturesque Vieux Tours old quarter lying on the long, narrow peninsula. Brilliant modern architecture contrasts against an array of historic buildings, with an added bonus of fine food and wine famed all over France.

Facts

Population:	Approximately 140,000
Currency:	Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police: 17 Ambulance: 15/112 Fire Brigade: 18
Newspapers:	La Nouvelle République Le Monde (national)
Opening hours:	Most shops are open from Tuesdays to Saturdays between 9 am-12 pm and 3-7 pm. Most supermarkets are open Mondays to Saturdays between 8.30 am-12.30 pm and 3-7.30 pm, and have late closing on certain days. Most museums and sights keep similar hours, but are closed one day a week, usually Monday or Tuesday.
Tourist information:	Office De Tourisme De Tours 78-82 rue Bernard Palissy, Tours (near the railway station) +33 2 47 70 37 37 Opening hours: April to September: Mon-Sat 8.30 am-7 pm. Sun 10 am-12.30 pm and 2.30-5 pm October to March: Mon-Sat 9 am-12.30 pm and 1.30-6 pm. Sun 10 am-1 pm

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Section in Tours

Tours, an ideal destination for lovers of historical and natural heritage, is known to many as the "City of art and history". The city offers historical sites like the Old Town, Cathedral St Gatien, and the amazing art of Rembrandt and Rubens, which you can find in the Musée des Beaux Arts. After the obligatory cultural programme, take a romantic walk along the river Loire or head to a wine tasting, where you will be introduced to superb local wines.

Vieux Tours (Old Town)

Vieux Tours (Old Town)

The half-timbered medieval houses line lanes date from Roman times. At its heart, relaxed Place Plumereau, the centre of Tours’ nightlife, is filled to the brim with café tables.

Cathedral St Gatien

Cathedral St Gatien

The beautiful stained glass windows illuminate Cathedral St Gatien. This majestic building includes Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture, a real gem for everyone interested in architecture.

Cloister of la Psalette

Cloister of la Psalette

In these lovely Gothic-Renaissance cloisters, an elaborate open-sided staircase spirals up to elegant galleries. The round tower alongside was part of the city’s Roman wall.

Hôtel Goüin / Musée Archéologique

Hôtel Goüin / Musée Archéologique

Hôtel Goüin / Musée Archéologique is home of a 15th-century silk merchant and a masterpiece of ornate, lavish Renaissance decoration inside and out. This is Tours’ main historical museum.

Musée du Compagnonnage

Musée du Compagnonnage

This unique museum deals with the history of craft guilds that represented rope makers, wood turners, clog makers and similar occupations. The museum was created in honour of fine workmanship. Right next to the museum you can find another museum about wine.

Riverside walks

Riverside walks

If you want to go out for a relaxing walk, the Loire is a great place to head for. You will find walkways alongside the river, perfect for pleasant and quiet walks beside the water.

Musée des Beaux Arts

Musée des Beaux Arts

At Musée des Beaux Arts you can find works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Degas and Delacroix, all gathered here in the old Archbishops’ Palace. In the courtyard there is a 200-year-old tree and a 100-year-old stuffed circus elephant.

Jardin Botanique de Tours

Jardin Botanique de Tours

Except for the greenhouses and lush greenery in the summer months, this Botanical Garden also houses a mini-zoo (which will surely delight the little ones), as well as many picnic-perfect areas.

Place Plumereau

Place Plumereau

Place Plumereau is a bustling Tours city square that comes alive in the evenings, when students flock to it and restaurants start getting filled with people. Dining options abound in and around the area.

Hotel de Ville

Hotel de Ville

Not at all a hotel, but rather Tours' City Hall, this imposing edifice is a must-see architectural landmark. Lit up by night, the building and the fountain complex next to it make for a somewhat magical sight.

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