Welcome to Tours: A City of Charm, Châteaux, and Cheeky Surprises
Welcome to Tours, where history, gastronomy, literature, and nature come together in perfect harmony—like a well-aged cheese paired with a crisp glass of Vouvray. Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, our city is so charming, so steeped in beauty, that even UNESCO couldn’t help but declare it a World Heritage Site. Let’s be honest—who could resist?
The valley is a living museum of Renaissance grandeur, cultivated lands, and poetic whispers of the past. Here, in the so-called “Garden of France,” we don’t just grow vines—we cultivate culture.
Let us start with the literary giants who once roamed these cobbled streets. François Rabelais, Tours’ most exuberant son, gave us Gargantua, who—legend has it—dug the “Valley of the Lys” with a single giant swipe. Pierre de Ronsard, the prince of poets, spent his final days at the Prieuré de Saint-Cosme, where you can still feel his verses rustling in the rosebushes. And of course, Honoré de Balzac, born right here, who chronicled bourgeois life with such precision that even our local bakeries might blush at the realism. (And that’s saying something.)
A Royal Affair: Châteaux and Genius
No visit is complete without a royal affair—yes, we mean châteaux. This valley is a living canvas of majestic architecture, Renaissance elegance, and lush gardens that might just outdo Versailles (but we won’t tell the Parisians).
First, there’s Chambord: a “hunting lodge” so extravagant it could make Buckingham Palace blush. Commissioned by François I, that’s roughly the size of a small galaxy. With its spiral staircases (possibly dreamed up by da Vinci himself), 440 rooms and towers galore, it’s less about catching deer and more about catching your breath.
Then there’s the utterly romantic Château de Chenonceau, gracefully spanning the river Cher—a castle built on a bridge, and on drama. Known as “The Ladies’ Château,” it owes its beauty and intrigue to the formidable women who shaped it (and ran it better than any monarchy). Its history is influenced by a formidable succession of women—Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici, Louise de Lorraine—who wielded power with style, intellect, and enviable interior design taste.
Azay-le-Rideau adds a splash of fairy-tale charm to the mix, its reflection shimmering in the Indre like something straight from a dream. Often described as the most romantic of the Loire châteaux. It’s like someone asked, “What if a love poem had a roof?”
And speaking of poetry, if you want to see what happens when green thumbs meet French grandeur, head to Villandry. This château is less about military defence and more about horticultural offense—a riot of ornamental gardens, geometrically perfect box hedges, and even a love garden shaped like hearts, broken and otherwise. If you ever wanted to walk through a Renaissance emoji keyboard, this is your chance. The meticulously landscaped gardens of Villandry are where geometry and botany fall madly in love.
And finally, in Amboise, visit the Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years, tinkering with inventions and sipping local wine—we assume not necessarily in that order.
Medieval Vibes: For Knights, Damsels, and Dungeon Dwellers
If your heart beats faster for chainmail than châteaux, fear not—Tours has you covered. Head south to the Royal Fortress of Loches and lose yourself in its labyrinthine keep (bonus points if you spot the ghost of Agnes Sorel). Or step into the Citadel of Chinon, where Joan of Arc had her famous chat with Charles VII—history with a side of drama. And for the hands-on adventurers among us, don’t miss the Donjon of Montbazon, where you can try your hand at medieval weaponry, from crossbows to catapults. Because nothing says “French holiday” like launching a projectile in chainmail.
Stones That Speak: From Caesar to Cathedrals
Tours wears its history well: Roman bones, Gothic gems, and timeless charm, all layered like a very fashionable mille-feuille.
Long before Tours was Tours, it went by Caesarodunum—yes, Caesar’s hill. The Romans left their mark with baths, roads, and amphitheatres, bits of which still sneak into the modern landscape like ancient photobombs.
Fast-forward a few centuries and start in the old town. Place Plumereau (affectionately known as “Place Plum’”) is the beating heart of local life, framed by half-timbered houses and buzzing cafés. Nearby, the Passage du Cœur Navré awaits—a hidden 15th-century alleyway whose name (“Broken Heart Passage”) could give a soap opera a run for its money. This shadowy, cobbled alleyway wasn’t just built for moody Instagram shots. Back in the day, it was the final walk for prisoners on their way to the gallows at Place Foire-le-Roy. A poetic name for a decidedly less-than-poetic fate. These days, it’s more about atmospheric strolls than last steps—but it still whispers stories from the darker pages of Tours’ history. Hold onto your croissant.
Don’t miss the Saint-Gatien Cathedral, with its soaring towers and flamboyant Gothic flair. See also the Tour Charlemagne, a medieval tower once part of Saint Martin’s original basilica, and visit the current Basilique Saint-Martin, a neo-Byzantine jewel that shelters the remains of this beloved saint. The bishop famously shared his cloak—and accidentally launched a legend. And for lovers, the Fontaine des Amoureux in the Jardin Beaune-Semblançay is always a romantic pitstop. After all, this is France—where even the pigeons seem to be in love, and romance wafts through the air stronger than a well-aged Camembert.
Pedal-Powered Paradise: La Loire à Vélo
For the adventurous souls—and those brave enough to don padded shorts in public—the Loire à Vélo is your ticket to scenic glory. This 900 km cycling route runs from Cuffy to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, weaving its way through vineyards, medieval towns, and along the sparkling ribbon of the Loire River.
It’s not just a bike path—it’s a slow-motion love letter to the landscape. One moment you’re passing sunflower fields that would make Van Gogh weep, the next you’re cruising past a château so regal you half expect Rapunzel to let down her hair.
You’ll glide through charming villages where you can stop for a sip of Chinon or Vouvray, nibble on a wedge of Sainte-Maure de Touraine, and ponder whether it’s socially acceptable to eat a second tarte Tatin before noon. (Spoiler: in the Loire Valley, it always is.)
And yes, it’s also the perfect way to work off a few pastries… or, more realistically, to build up a guilt-free appetite for the next batch. Think of it as a gastronomic relay, where every pedal stroke brings you closer to your next indulgence.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking to upgrade your holiday stroll into something with a little more chain grease, La Loire à Vélo is the scenic, calorie-neutral adventure you didn’t know you needed.
Gastronomic Delights: Les Halles and Beyond
Let’s talk food, because let’s face it: in France, gastronomy is a competitive sport. Head to Les Halles, a bustling cathedral of flavour where fishmongers, cheesemongers, butchers, bakers, and spice merchants unite in delicious harmony. It’s a legendary blend of tradition and creativity, and a warm-hearted hub that smells like heaven (with a hint of garlic). And if that doesn’t fill your belly, the surrounding wine merchants and restaurants surely will.
Don’t miss the Briocherie de la Gare, a temple consecrated to the golden, pillowy brioche—crisp on the outside, moist and buttery within, lovingly baked in Tours for over a century. It makes even the most die-hard croissant fan reconsider their allegiance. And while Marie-Antoinette may never have said “Let them eat brioche,” let’s just say the phrase didn’t exactly help her keep her head.
And just when you think you’ve tasted it all, the markets step in—30 of them, to be exact. From organic stalls and night markets to one of France’s finest flower markets, Tours offers at least one market a day, where palettes (and palates) rejoice. Don’t miss the bi-monthly flower market, a tradition since 1874, that turns the city into a living bouquet.
Insects, Art, Wine, and Guinguettes
Beyond its magnificent history, world-class gastronomy, and timeless charm, Tours also boasts a surprising connection to the world of insects. Yes, you heard that right! The Insect Biology Research Institute (IIRBI) is a buzzing hive of scientific curiosity right here in Tours. A joint venture between the University of Tours and the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), this world-renowned research unit brings together a quirky cocktail of disciplines (from ecology to physics, via chemistry and even a dash of maths) to crack the code of insect life. Since 1961, researchers here have been tackling everything from eco-friendly pest control to insect-inspired tech and even edible insects. With its integrative, cross-disciplinary approach, the IRBI isn’t just about bugs—it’s about bold ideas with six legs.
Tours also once led France’s silk industry thanks to Louis XI, and its history is literally woven into its very fabric. The city’s silk-weaving tradition was so legendary, you could say it was spinning success long before the first haute couture collections.
Below ground, explore the troglodyte wine cellars carved into soft limestone, home to tastings of Montlouis-sur-Loire and other beloved local divine nectars. Not every cave around here is a wine cellar… though frankly, many still are (priorities). Don’t be surprised to spot troglodyte dwellings—yes, actual homes carved into the rock.
When the sun sets, head to the guinguettes—open-air cafés along the river. With music, dancing, and riverside views, Guinguette de Tours and the enormous Guinguette de Rochecorbon (no less than Europe’s largest) bring joie de vivre to life. The Guinguette de Tours promise unforgettable nights—and possibly questionable dance moves.
For those who find bliss somewhere between a blooming flowerbed and a thought-provoking sculpture, the Festival International des Jardins at Chaumont-sur-Loire is your happy place. Each year, this dreamy château estate becomes a living gallery where landscape artists and garden designers from around the world let their imaginations run gloriously wild. Expect poetry in petals, philosophy in pruned hedges, and maybe even a tree whispering existential thoughts. It’s nature, but with a French twist—artful, elegant, and just the right amount of eccentric.
Curiosities and Creatures
Among Tours’ more curious emblems is “Le Monstre”, a 4-meter-tall creature in Place du Grand Marché—now lovingly dubbed Place du Monstre. Some say it’s art, others say it’s odd. We say it’s Tours.
Then there’s Fritz, the city’s most stationary (and unforgettable) resident. Arriving with the Barnum and Bailey Circus in 1902, he broke free, charged through the streets, uprooted trees—and met his end. Tours kept his memory alive by lovingly stuffing him. Today, you can visit him at the Museum of Fine Arts, under the shadow of a magnificent cedar tree near the cathedral.
Not to be outdone, Bobby the seal, caught in the North Sea, lived in the Botanical Gardens from 1953 to 1992. A floppy-eared mascot of generations, Bobby now greets visitors at the Natural History Museum, preserved in perpetuity.
So whether you’re a curious mind, a hedonist, a hiker, or just curious about where that next glass of wine might lead—you’ve come to the right place. Tours offers a feast for the senses, a playground for the soul, and who knows… maybe even a spark of French romance along the way. Come for the science, stay for the châteaux—and if you leave with a heart as full as your stomach, we’ll consider our job done.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Tours, where the charm is as timeless as the wine, and the experiences are as unforgettable as the memories you’ll make.
See you soon !
