History & Architecture of Tours
Ancient Gallo-Roman City
Tours, known as Caesarodunum in Roman times, was founded in the 1st century BC along the Loire River. The city flourished as a trading center and became an important Roman settlement, with impressive amphitheaters and thermal baths whose ruins can still be seen today in the city's archaeological garden.
The Cradle of French Christianity
During the Middle Ages, Tours gained prominence as a major religious center. Saint Martin, the city's patron saint, served as bishop in the 4th century and his shrine became one of Europe's most important pilgrimage sites. The magnificent Saint-Gatien Cathedral, built between the 13th and 16th centuries, showcases a stunning blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Renaissance Splendor
Tours reached its peak during the Renaissance when French kings established their court in the Loire Valley. The city's historic center features beautiful half-timbered houses, Renaissance mansions, and charming medieval streets. The Place Plumereau square, with its perfectly preserved 15th-century buildings, offers one of France's most picturesque historical settings.
Architectural Highlights
Saint-Gatien Cathedral: 13th-16th century Gothic masterpiece with stunning stained glass
Place Plumereau: Medieval square with perfectly preserved half-timbered houses
Basilica of St. Martin: Neo-Byzantine church housing the tomb of Saint Martin
Old Tours: One of France's largest protected historic districts
First Evening in Tours
I arrived in Tours on a warm September evening, just as the golden hour bathed the city's limestone buildings in warm light. Walking from the train station toward the historic center, I was immediately struck by the contrast between the modern city and the medieval quarter. As I entered the Old Town through narrow cobblestone streets, I found myself in Place Plumereau, surrounded by 15th-century half-timbered houses with their distinctive wooden beams. Locals filled the outdoor terraces, enjoying evening apéritifs under strings of lights. Continuing to the cathedral, I watched the last rays of sun illuminate the intricate Gothic facade, casting long shadows across the square. The sound of the great organ echoed from within, drawing me inside to witness the stunning stained glass windows glowing in the fading light.
Travel Guide
Practical Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | May-June & September-October (pleasant weather, fewer crowds) Spring for gardens in bloom Summer for festivals but more crowded |
| Getting There | TGV from Paris: 1 hour Tours Val de Loire Airport: regional flights Car: 2.5 hours from Paris via A10 |
| Getting Around | Historic center: Walkable Public Transport: Buses and trams Bicycle: Excellent bike-sharing system Car: Limited parking in center |
| Tourist Office | Located opposite the train station Open daily 9:00-19:00 (summer) Free maps and guided tours available |
| Suggested Stay | 2-3 days minimum Add extra days for Loire Valley châteaux visits |
Visiting Tips
Tickets: Combined tickets available for multiple attractions
Timing: Visit churches early morning or late afternoon for best light
Markets: Wednesday and Saturday mornings at Place de la Résistance
Guides: Free walking tours from tourist office at 10:00 and 15:00
Must-See Attractions
Saint-Gatien Cathedral Interior
Place Plumereau Medieval Square
Loire River Views
Discovering Hidden Courtyards
While most tourists stay around Place Plumereau, I discovered that Tours' real charm lies in its hidden courtyards and passageways. Behind an unassuming door on Rue Colbert, I found a beautiful Renaissance courtyard with a spiral staircase dating from 1540. Another discovery was the Hotel de Ville's inner garden, a peaceful oasis with medicinal plants and aromatic herbs. The most magical find was the "Prébendes d'Oé" garden near the cathedral - a 19th-century English-style garden that felt worlds away from the city center. Local residents shared that many of these hidden spaces are remnants of aristocratic townhouses from Tours' golden age. Exploring these secret spaces felt like stepping back in time, and I spent hours wandering from one courtyard to another, each with its own unique character and history.
Travel Experiences
Local Market Experience
Loire Valley Wine Tasting
Cycling Along the Loire
Unique Experiences in Tours
- Guided Food Tour: Taste local specialties in the historic quarter
- Loire Valley Wine Tasting: Sample Vouvray and Montlouis wines
- Bike the Loire à Vélo: Cycle along Europe's longest river bike path
- Medieval Music Concert: Experience music in historic churches
- Cooking Class: Learn to prepare Touraine specialties
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: See the Loire Valley from above at sunrise
A Market Morning in Tours
Saturday morning at Tours' market is an experience not to be missed. I arrived early as vendors were setting up their stalls at Place de la Résistance. The air filled with the scent of fresh bread, ripe cheeses, and roasting chickens. Farmers from the surrounding countryside displayed perfect vegetables, while cheese makers offered samples of Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine goat cheese. A fishmonger arranged glistening Loire River fish, and a charcuterie stall displayed over twenty types of sausage. I joined locals doing their weekly shopping, practicing my French as I bought fresh goat cheese, rillettes (potted pork), and a bag of Reine-Claude plums. The highlight was meeting a mushroom forager who explained the different varieties he'd collected that morning in the nearby forests. I finished my shopping with warm fouées (small breads) filled with rillettes, eaten standing at a stall while chatting with the vendor about the best local producers.
Tips & Notes
Safety & Etiquette
- Tours is generally safe, but be aware of pickpockets in tourist areas
- Always greet shopkeepers with "Bonjour" when entering stores
- Respect quiet hours in residential areas (typically 22:00-07:00)
- Keep valuables secure, especially in crowded markets and on public transport
Practical Tips
- Learn basic French phrases - locals appreciate the effort
- Carry cash for markets and small shops (many don't accept cards)
- Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets
- Bring a rain jacket - weather in the Loire Valley can change quickly
- Most shops close for lunch between 12:00-14:00
Photography Tips
Golden Hour: Early morning light on half-timbered houses is magical
Cathedral Interior: Use a tripod for interior shots (allowed in most areas)
Markets: Ask permission before photographing vendors
River Views: Sunset from Pont Wilson offers stunning reflections
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended routes:
- TGV high-speed train: 1 hour from Paris Montparnasse, runs frequently
- Car: Approximately 2.5 hours via A10 highway (tolls apply)
- Regional trains: 2-3 hours, more affordable but slower
- BlaBlaCar: Popular rideshare option, usually 2-3 hours
- Flights: Limited service to Tours Val de Loire Airport from select European cities
Recommended duration:
- Minimum: 2 full days to see main city attractions
- Ideal: 3-4 days to explore Tours and nearby châteaux
- Comprehensive: 5-7 days for city plus multiple Loire Valley castles
- Day trips: Possible from Paris but 8+ hours round trip
- Weekend: Perfect for a relaxed city break
Essential Touraine cuisine:
- Rillettes de Tours: Slow-cooked pork spread
- Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine: Famous goat cheese with straw through center
- Tarte Tatin: Upside-down apple tart (originated nearby)
- Fouace: Sweet brioche-style bread
- Rillettes de Tours: Different from Le Mans version, more shredded
- Wines: Vouvray (white), Bourgueil (red), Montlouis (sparkling)
Advantages of Tours as a base:
- Central location: Equal distance to major châteaux (30-60 minutes)
- Excellent transport: Train connections to all major castles
- Tour services: Most valley tours depart from Tours
- Accommodation: Wide range of options for all budgets
- Evening activities: Restaurants and cultural events after castle visits
- Car rental: Multiple agencies available for day trips
Local Cuisine & Dining
Rillettes de Tours
Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine Goat Cheese
Loire Valley Wines
Must-Try Dishes in Touraine
- Rillettes de Tours: Slow-cooked, shredded pork preserved in its own fat
- Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine: AOC goat cheese with straw running through center
- Fouaces: Sweet, brioche-like breads often stuffed with rillettes
- Tarte Tatin: Upside-down caramelized apple tart (created in nearby Lamotte-Beuvron)
- Rillons: Crispy pork belly cubes, different from rillettes
- Sandre au Beurre Blanc: Pike-perch fish with white butter sauce
- Fraise de Tours: Local strawberries (in season May-June)
Recommended Restaurants
| Restaurant | Location | Specialty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Turon | Place de la Résistance | Traditional Touraine cuisine | €€-€€€ |
| L'Charles | Rue Colbert | Modern French with local ingredients | €€€ |
| La Maison des Halles | Near the market | Market-fresh seasonal dishes | €€ |
| Le Bouchon de Tours | Place Plumereau | Traditional Lyonnaise/Touraine fusion | €€ |
| Bar à Vins Les 120 Vignes | Old Town | Wine bar with local cheeses and charcuterie | €-€€ |
Dining at a Traditional Touraine Restaurant
My most memorable meal in Tours was at a small family-run restaurant hidden in a 16th-century half-timbered house near Place Plumereau. The owner, whose family had run the establishment for three generations, explained each dish's history. I started with the house specialty: rillettes de Tours served with cornichons and warm bread. The pork was so tender it spread like butter, with just the right amount of seasoning. For the main course, I tried sandre (pike-perch) with beurre blanc sauce, a Loire Valley classic. The fish was perfectly cooked, and the butter sauce was light yet rich, made with local white wine vinegar. The owner paired it with a glass of Sancerre from just upriver. Dessert was the famous tarte Tatin, served warm with crème fraîche. As I enjoyed my coffee, the owner brought out a digestif of local pear eau-de-vie and shared stories of Tours' culinary history. The combination of historic setting, traditional food, and warm hospitality made this an unforgettable dining experience.
Accommodation Recommendations
| Hotel | Type | Location | Special Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hôtel de l'Univers | Luxury Historic | City Center | 19th-century building, famous guests including Hemingway | €€€€ |
| Château de Beaulieu | Boutique Château | 5km from center | 18th-century castle with park, pool, gourmet restaurant | €€€€ |
| Hôtel Ronsard | Mid-Range | Near Train Station | Modern comfort, quiet garden, excellent breakfast | €€-€€€ |
| Ibis Styles Tours Centre | Budget | Historic District | Renovated historic building, central location | €-€€ |
| Le Central Hotel | Budget | Place Jean Jaurès | Basic but clean, perfect location for exploring | € |
| Les Hautes Roches | Luxury Cave Hotel | Rochecorbon (8km) | Troglodyte rooms carved into cliff, Michelin-star dining | €€€€ |
Accommodation Tips
Location: Stay in Old Town for charm or near station for convenience
Book Early: Summer and festival periods book months in advance
Parking: Many historic hotels lack parking - use public garages
Views: Request room with cathedral or river view if available
Staying in a 16th-Century Mansion
I chose to stay in a converted 16th-century mansion in Tours' historic quarter, and it was like sleeping in a museum. My room was in what was once the noble floor, with original oak beams, a stone fireplace, and windows overlooking a hidden courtyard. Each morning, breakfast was served in the vaulted stone cellar, with fresh pastries from the boulangerie next door, homemade jams, and excellent coffee. The owner, whose family had restored the building, shared stories about its history - it had been a merchant's house, a convent, and even a Resistance hideout during WWII. The best feature was the rooftop terrace, accessible only to guests, offering panoramic views of the cathedral spires and red-tiled roofs of the Old Town. At night, with the windows open, I could hear the cathedral bells marking the hours, a gentle reminder of Tours' long history. This intimate, historic accommodation made me feel connected to the city in a way no modern hotel could.
Travel Itineraries
Two-Day Tours City Break
Day 1 - Historic Tours: Morning: Saint-Gatien Cathedral & Cloister → Afternoon: Old Town walking tour & Place Plumereau → Evening: Dinner in medieval quarter
Day 2 - Culture & Markets: Morning: Saturday market at Place de la Résistance → Afternoon: Fine Arts Museum or Wine Museum → Evening: Wine tasting and river walk
Four-Day Loire Valley Introduction
Day 1: Arrive Tours, explore historic center, evening river walk
Day 2: Morning: Château de Villandry gardens → Afternoon: Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
Day 3: Morning: Château de Chenonceau → Afternoon: Amboise town & Clos Lucé (da Vinci's home)
Day 4: Tours market, wine tasting, depart
Seven-Day Comprehensive Loire Valley Tour
Days 1-2: Explore Tours historic sites, museums, local cuisine
Day 3: Western châteaux: Château de Chambord & Château de Cheverny
Day 4: Central châteaux: Chenonceau & Amboise
Day 5: Eastern châteaux: Villandry & Azay-le-Rideau
Day 6: Wine country: Vouvray & Montlouis vineyard tours and tastings
Day 7: Relaxation in Tours, last-minute shopping, depart
Château de Chenonceau Day Trip
Vouvray Wine Tasting Tour
Loire à Vélo Cycling Route
My Perfect Week in Tours and the Loire Valley
I spent a magical week using Tours as my base to explore the Loire Valley. Each morning began with breakfast at a different café in the Old Town, followed by exploration. One day I took the train to Chenonceau, the "Ladies' Château" that spans the Cher River. The flower arrangements in each room were spectacular, changing weekly. Another day I cycled along the Loire à Vélo path to Villandry, where the Renaissance gardens are works of art, with geometric patterns created by different plant colors. My favorite discovery was the troglodyte caves in the cliffs along the Loire - some are homes, some are mushroom farms, and others are wine cellars where I tasted Vouvray directly from the barrel. Evenings were spent in Tours, trying different restaurants, from Michelin-starred establishments to simple crêperies. The week ended with a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, floating silently over the châteaux as the morning mist rose from the river - a perfect end to a perfect Loire Valley experience.
Transportation Tips for Itineraries
Without a car: Trains connect Tours to most major châteaux, or join organized tours
With a car: Rent from Tours station, allows maximum flexibility for castle visits
Biking: Loire à Vélo path connects many châteaux, e-bikes available for rent
Combination: Train to main castles, local buses or bikes for nearby attractions