Tours sits at the meeting point of the Loire and Cher rivers, acting as the cultural gateway to France’s famous châteaux country. While many travelers rush through on their way to the vineyards, the city itself holds a treasure trove of medieval architecture and gastronomic delights.
Known as "Le Jardin de la France" (The Garden of France), Tours is celebrated for its mild climate and pristine Renaissance heritage. The city’s historic center, Le Vieux Tours, is a pedestrian-friendly maze of half-timbered houses, slate roofs, and bustling café terraces.
Because the city is compact, it is incredibly walkable, allowing visitors to soak in the atmosphere without the need for constant public transport. The local accent is often cited by linguists as the purest form of spoken French, making it a favorite destination for language learners.
Beyond the aesthetics, Tours offers a deep dive into French history, from the relics of Saint Martin to the silk weaving industry that once made the city wealthy. It is a city of artisans, boulangeries, and hidden courtyards that reward the curious traveler.
Visitors can explore Roman ruins, taste local specialties like rillettes and Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine cheese, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife fueled by a large university population. The blend of youth and history gives the city an energetic yet refined pulse.
Whether you are planning a day trip from Paris or a base for exploring the Loire Valley, the city provides a perfect balance of relaxation and discovery. Here is a curated guide to the essential experiences that capture the true essence of Tours.
1. Wander Through the Historic Old Town (Le Vieux Tours)
The heart of Tours is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets lined with restored medieval houses. As you stroll down Rue Colbert or Rue Briçonnet, look up to admire the intricate wood carvings and the unique "ponts" (bridges) connecting buildings. The area is packed with independent boutiques, bookshops, and cozy bistros where you can stop for a glass of local Vouvray wine.
2. Visit the Cathédrale Saint-Gatien
This stunning Gothic cathedral took nearly 400 years to complete, resulting in a fascinating mix of architectural styles from the 13th to the 16th centuries. The façade is a masterpiece of flamboyant stonework, but the real treasures are inside: the stunning 13th-century stained glass windows and the tomb of the children of Charles VIII. Climb the north tower for a panoramic view over the city’s rooftops.
3. Pay Respects at the Basilique Saint-Martin
Dedicated to Saint Martin, the city’s most famous historical figure, this Neo-Byzantine basilica sits above the crypt of the original medieval church. The crypt houses the tomb of Saint Martin, a major pilgrimage site for centuries. The architecture is distinct from the rest of the city, featuring a large granite dome that dominates the skyline and a somber, reverent interior.
4. Explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts
Housed in the former Archbishop’s Palace, this fine arts museum is a hidden gem. The building itself is a historic monument, and the collection includes works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Degas. Perhaps the most unique exhibit is the stuffed elephant named Fritz, who became a local celebrity in the 19th century before his untimely death at a circus. In the courtyard, you can find a beautiful Lebanese cedar tree planted in 1804.
5. Relax in the Jardin des Prébendes d’Oé
If you need a break from the urban hustle, this English-style garden is a green oasis. It features winding paths, exotic trees, a central bandstand, and a small pond. It is a favorite spot for locals to read, jog, or simply enjoy the shade. The garden is beautifully maintained and offers a glimpse into the leisurely pace of life in the Loire Valley.
6. Taste the Local Cuisine at Les Halles de Tours
The covered market is the beating heart of the city’s food scene. Here, you can sample the best products from the Touraine region, including goat cheeses, cured meats, and fresh pastries. The market is not just for shopping; it is a social experience. Head to one of the small stalls inside to eat oysters or steak-frites standing shoulder to shoulder with local vendors.
7. Discover the Musée du Compagnonnage
This unique museum is dedicated to the French guild system of tradesmen known as "Les Compagnons." Located in the former dormitory of the Saint-Julien Abbey, it showcases incredible masterpieces of craftsmanship. You will see intricate scale models, forged ironwork, and elaborate pastries created by apprentices to prove their skills. It is a fascinating look at a tradition that still thrives in France today.
8. Walk Along the Banks of the Loire River
The Loire is a wild, shifting river, and its banks in Tours offer a scenic escape. The "Loire à Vélo" cycling route passes directly through the city, making it easy to rent a bike and explore the river paths. In the evening, the bridges are illuminated, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for a sunset walk from the Pont Wilson to the Pont de fil.
9. Visit the Château de Villandry
Just a short drive or bus ride from the city center, Villandry is world-renowned for its Renaissance gardens. While the château itself is elegant, the geometric patterns of the vegetable gardens, water features, and ornamental flower beds are the main draw. It is a masterpiece of landscape architecture that changes with the seasons, offering a sensory overload of color and symmetry.
10. Step Back in Time at the Cloître de la Psalette
Hidden behind the cathedral, this tranquil cloister is often missed by tourists. It connects the cathedral to the former chapter house and features a beautiful Renaissance staircase. The peace and quiet here contrast sharply with the busy streets outside. It is a perfect spot for photography, with its crumbling stone walls and lush greenery.
11. Browse the Bouquinistes and Markets
Tours has a vibrant market culture beyond the food halls. On specific days, squares like Place de la Résistance fill with vendors selling antiques, vintage clothes, and flowers. The annual "Foire à l’Ail et au Basilic" (Garlic and Basil Fair) is a local tradition. These markets offer a chance to find unique souvenirs and interact with the friendly Tourangeaux.
12. Enjoy a Night Out at Place Plumereau
Known locally as "Place Plum," this square is the epicenter of the city’s nightlife. Surrounded by perfectly preserved half-timbered houses, it is arguably one of the most beautiful places in France to have a drink. The terraces spill out onto the cobblestones, filled with students and tourists enjoying the lively atmosphere until late into the night.
13. Tour the Château de Tours
This château sits right on the riverbank and has a complex history, serving as a royal residence and later a barracks. Today, it houses contemporary art exhibitions, including a permanent collection dedicated to the history of the Loire River. The building also contains an aquarium with river fish species, making it an eclectic stop for art and history lovers alike.
14. Cycle to the Château de Chenonceau
While technically outside the city, a visit to Tours is incomplete without seeing the "Ladies’ Château." The château spans the River Cher on a series of arches, creating a breathtaking reflection. The gardens, the gallery over the water, and the rich history involving Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici make it one of the most romantic destinations in France. It is easily accessible by train from the Tours station.
15. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
The Loire Valley is famous for its ballooning culture, and Tours offers a stunning launchpad. Floating over the patchwork fields, vineyards, and châteaux at sunrise is an unforgettable experience. It provides a unique perspective on the geography of the region and is a popular way to celebrate special occasions.
Vieux Tours
| Address | Jard Saint-Pierre le Puellier, 37000 Tours |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours |
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| Phone | — |
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Goose Canada★★★★★
I spent quality time with my friend and enjoyed the walk through the vieux tours, we had an authentic poutine with real cheese curds and gravy, a Canada dry soft drink, it's like being home, while in Europe, at Poutine and Bros
The Italian Gelato was amazing, the flavors are perfect for the palate
P F★★★☆☆
Old square in Tours with some touristy resteraunts. Pretty small square filled with resteraunt tables. Much nicer vibe down some of the old streets approaching the square and some historical sites, such as the old Executioners house which are worth hunting round for
Nali Verse (insta)★★★★★
The historic city centre is combined with the new buildings. I actually like the contrast and how well maintained the old building are and how they kept the rustic style alive. It looks a bit bavarian but definitely also different. The centre is alive and there is a lot to see.
Rena Koleda★★★★★
Authentic buildings, very original and giving medieval vibes. Great opportunity to see it.
Koen★★★★★
Tours's old town is a maze of cobblestone streets and alleys, old half-timbered houses, and classicist buildings made of white sandstone. There's something for everyone: historic buildings, shops, cafés, and restaurants. No, it's definitely not a punishment to wander around here!
Jardin botanique de Tours
| Address | 33 Bd Tonnellé, 37000 Tours |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:45 AM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:45 AM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:45 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 7:45 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday: 7:45 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 7:45 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday: 7:45 AM – 7:30 PM |
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| Phone | 02 47 21 62 67 |
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Gaby 19★★★★★
a relaxing walk. Quiet, very clean. It is one of the cleanest gardens I have visited. If you want to connect with nature, visit this oasis of peace.
Jack van Eijden★★★★★
A wonderful garden in Tours.
It has many different animals and plants.
It might be slightly small, but it sur is worth visiting. It is a great place to walk and take photos.
Paula Love★★★★★
Very nice gardens. Lots to look at and animals as well as plants. Plenty of shady seating if you want to bring a picnic. There are toilets and drinkable water from fountains. It is free.
Damien★★★★★
Lovely gardens, really well maintained and with a lot more animals than you would expect for somewhere without an entrance fee. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
M Szeto★★★★★
Lovely park and gardens with cute animals. They seem unbothered by people and dogs. I was able to take my dogs in which is kind of rare for a nice park with gardens.
Free entrance and not many people in.
Cathédrale Saint-Gatien
| Address | Pl. de la Cathédrale, 37000 Tours |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
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| Phone | 02 47 70 21 00 |
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Marius Tufaneanu★★★★★
Saint-Gatien Cathedral in Tours is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, renowned for its facade sculpted with fine details like stone lace.
Its construction spanned nearly 400 years, between the 13th and 16th centuries, being built on the ruins of an old Christian church burned during the conflicts between the kings of France and England.
The interior impresses with spectacular 13th-century stained glass windows that flood the space with colorful light.
Being centrally located and offering free admission, it is a peaceful and mandatory historical stop for anyone visiting the Loire Valley.
Adie Klein★★★★★
An excellent example of Mediaeval architecture starting in the 13th century and finishing in the 16th century.
The shear size and detail is amazing, plus internally there are still some surviving frescos and mosaics.
Alison Brewis★★★★★
What a beautiful cathedral! It took around 300 years to build and you can see the beauty of that work without trying very hard at all! There's so much history for you to find out about just waiting for you! There is a cloisters there but you have to pay a small fee to go in there. If you're in Tours, you must visit here. There is such fine chisel work on the entrance arch, it's a wonder how the mason workers had such patience! From the cathedral, there's a ten minute walk to the old town with such beautiful architecture and old wooden beams too.
Hayley E★★★★★
Beautiful cathedral in Tours. A visit is highly recommended
Alexander Renard★★★★★
Amazing and one of the most beautiful places i have ever seen - this is up there with the big one in Rome👍😉
Musée du Compagnonnage
| Address | 8 Rue Nationale, 37000 Tours |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM |
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| Phone | 02 47 21 62 20 |
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Sassenach David★★★★★
A fascinating museum that is far more interesting than you would think! If you don't speak French this place is still worth visiting. There are leaflets in various languages that give you a brief overview of the exhibits, and a few of the larger information panels have a brief summary paragraph in English at the bottom. My top tip to get the most out of your visit is to go on their website beforehand and read all about the place. That will give you a greater insight than any of the on-site resources. Most of the exhibits just have small labels in French, so you can use the camera function on Google Translate to read what they are. Definitely worth a visit.
Ronald Sealey★★★★★
For someone to produce such exquisite constructions really demonstrated they had learned their trade. Virtual building does not train the hand eye coordination needed for such projects. Give your children real construction games like Lego or Mecanno not a mobile phone. There is a limited need for IT but a great need for artisans. Using the hands to produce something tangible is not a lessor career.
Fiona Turner★★★★★
Well worth a visit, the museum is full of very interesting things that have been made, I could have stayed there all day, the workmanship is outstanding and the only thing I would have liked to see was an English translation, I would have loved to have learned more.
Gill Kidd★★★★★
This museum has so much talent on display. We loved this more than any Chateau or Gallery.
It's not a big place, but it's easy to get to, and really interesting.
We don't speak enough French to have understood all the information, however we were given a free guide in English. Also some of the text has English translations.
Don't miss the "Joiner's alphabet" (I forgot to take a photo), or the amazing statues made from sugar.
Violeta Morales Fakih★★★★☆
Very interesting to learn about this talented people! The museum is located close to the Rue National and it’s a great option for both kids and adults. I wish it would’ve been bigger, some sort of audiovisual guide would’ve been nice as well.
Basilique Saint-Martin de Tours
| Address | 7 Rue Baleschoux, 37000 Tours |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
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| Phone | 02 47 05 63 87 |
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Koen★★★★★
Well, if your name is Martin, you simply must visit the grave of the man you're named after when you're in Tours, and so my father, Martin, and I went to his grave. Saint Martin, the third bishop of Tours, is one of the most popular Catholic saints; he's the Roman soldier who cut his cloak, the garment that conferred a certain status on soldiers and officers, in half and gave one half to a freezing beggar. Already popular during his lifetime, his popularity grew after his death, and his grave, just outside Tours's former city walls, became a place of pilgrimage. His grave became a chapel, that chapel became a basilica, and that basilica became part of an abbey. The abbey, which grew into one of the most prominent and influential institutions in medieval France, also experienced periods of fire and looting, and was dissolved and even completely demolished during the French Revolution. Saint Martin's grave disappeared under the pavement, and it wasn't rediscovered until 1860. French architect Victor Laloux was commissioned to design a new church, and between 1886 and 1924, a neo-Byzantine basilica was built, consecrated on July 4, 1925. Since then, Saint Martin, or what remained of him after many of his bones were sold as relics, has rested in a mausoleum in the basilica's crypt. Impressive!
Alex McMullan★★★★★
This is a fantastic piece of architecture and the exterior doesn’t do justice to the inside.
Inside the basilica is exquisite. The large domed roof frames the alter and is very humbling.
Underneath the alter is the crypt which is another must visit with a very somber atmosphere.
This is a must visit for any trip into Tours
Francis Leoni★★★★★
It's really magnificent. A must visit in Tours.
Very close to the train station.
BradinHK★★★★☆
This is an important basilica built over the tomb of St. Martin, the patron saint of Tours. We passed by while in the city recently and found this to be an interesting church to visit.
Interestingly, the basilica history seems to have begun in the 5th century. However, the present building that you see was only constructed between 1886 and 1924 replacing the earlier medieval building that was demolished during the French Revolution.
It is Neo-Byzantine in architectural style which would have been different to the Gothic features of the earlier church. The exterior and facade that can be seen today is fine, the interior nice to view as well. It includes a latin cross layout, modest decor and a crypt where you can see the tomb of St. Martin.
Globetrot With Mikalys★★★★★
Greatness! This basilica is just immense and has the beautiful statue on top if the exterior dome. The true gem is in the crypt where Saint Martin is buried. Pilgrims used to be organized to pray in front of his remains
Jardin des Prébendes d'Oé
| Address | 54 Rue Roger Salengro, 37000 Tours |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:45 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:45 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:45 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 7:45 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 7:45 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 7:45 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 7:45 AM – 9:00 PM |
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| Phone | 02 47 21 62 67 |
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John Hsu★★★★★
Fantastic space for picnics and chilling with friends. The park is quiet, pretty, well-organized , and clean.
Steven Hess★★★★★
Absolutely beautiful park and garden with huge old trees, a pond frequented by ducks and other water fowl, very pretty flower beds, and lots of benches for relaxing.
maria wong★★★★☆
beautiful park inside city. its a botanical garden with fountain, river & playground for young & old.
Its suitable to have exercise, walk or just sit & relax and enjoy the nature
Nicole Gera★★★★★
A peaceful, dog friendly garden with beautiful historic sequoia trees. Celebrated by the French Senegalese poet Senghor, who spent many a day here during his time in Tours, and host to weekly music and dance events in season, this park has much too recommend it. Bring your pétanque equipment!
Dave Deruytter★★★★★
Although it is a small garden, it is a very beautiful one. What a gem! Ok, it may only take you 15 to 30 minutes to walk around it. Yet, it is so well kept, with fresh flowers and great trees, that you will love it. A "point de beauté" of the city of Tours.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours
| Address | 18 Pl. François Sicard, 37000 Tours |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
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| Phone | 02 42 88 05 90 |
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Ron Stern★★★☆☆
Very average museum. They have one early painting by Rembrandt and a couple of interesting French artists.
Josh Arden★★★★★
I’ve been here every visit to Tours (au moins 10x) and it is magical every time. Summer is the best when they have a portable café in the gardens. The Belgian and Dutch art is fantastic and the local landscape paintings of Tours, Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire etc are my favorites - the next morning I feel like I’m in the paintings when I go jogging near the river
Raman Pfaff★★★★☆
A nice small museum that took me about an hour to walk through. There is almost nothing written in English in the museum, so it's good to carry Google Translate with you (just one staff member seemed to know English). Lots of artwork from the 1800s from known artists, and also a few impressionist (and neo) works. Also a bit of modern work that was pretty nice. It's in a really old house that is interesting, and some sculptures and clocks on display. Easily worth the ticket price, and after several days in Paris museums this was relaxing since very few people inside. As I said, have translation app with you!
Emelli Kauana Rodrigues★★★★★
The best place for you to visit. It’s very interesting. It had three floors with art frames. There is a room dedicated to the history of Tours. You need pay 8 euros for visit the museum.
Michael Nolan★★★★★
This is a beautiful building housing a varied and well put together exhibition. The gardens are pleasant to stroll in and there is a fine garden Café serving treats.
Château de Chenonceau
| Address | 37150 Chenonceaux |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
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| Phone | 02 47 23 90 07 |
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עדי רוט - אסף★★★★★
A beautiful castle on the water, designed mainly by women. Surrounded by charming gardens. Almost every room has an exceptional flower arrangement. It is recommended to rent the excellent audio commentary that tells the interesting stories of the castle. We visited it at the height of the heat wave in France, fans were installed and the interior was cool and pleasant. The cafe next door is expensive.
Andy Lock★★★☆☆
The châteaux was beautiful but far too many people were allowed into the château at the same time. Much better to visit out of season. The gardens were beautiful. The Royal farm in the grounds were pleasant to walk around and the flower and vegetable beds were interesting and beautifully designed. The restaurant and café service were really good.
Oksana Dudarko★★★★★
An absolutely stunning castle with a fascinating history. The architecture, beautiful gardens, and elegant interiors make it a truly unforgettable place to visit. The grounds are exceptionally well maintained, and the views along the river are breathtaking. This is one of the must-see landmarks in France. Highly recommended!
Clare Gee★★★★★
Absolutely amazing Chateau with the most incredible grounds it is definitely worth a day visit. There are two nice restaurants in the grounds, the orangery is a little posher than the cafe called Le Snack! There is also a snack truck in the grounds. Incredible place.
Sila★★★★★
Loved the inside of Château de Chenonceau! We really appreciated that they kept all the rooms decorated—the kitchen area especially was beautifully set up. The fresh flowers throughout the château added such a nice touch. The gardens aren't as meticulous as some other châteaux, but the water surrounding the castle made everything look beautiful. Recommend coming early since it was packed with people.
Château de Villandry
| Address | 3 Rue Principale, 37510 Villandry |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM |
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| Phone | 02 47 50 02 09 |
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Colin Lea★★★★☆
Beautiful if you like formal gardens, but on a very hot day it’s not that great honestly. The gardens are better viewed from above. Fountains were off for maintenance on one of the busiest tourist days of the year.
Syuzi Vardapetyan★★★★☆
Добавила пункт о сильной переполненности внутри:
The gardens are undoubtedly the highlight of Château de Villandry. They are beautifully maintained, peaceful, and a pleasure to explore. The ornamental gardens are truly impressive and make for a wonderful walk. The vegetable garden is also beautiful, although visitors can only admire it from designated viewpoints rather than walk through it.
Unfortunately, the château itself was far less impressive than we expected. Both the exterior and the interior felt quite modest compared with many of the other Loire Valley châteaux we visited. If you are expecting a grand château with richly decorated rooms, you may leave disappointed.
The interior was also extremely overcrowded. There were so many visitors that people had to queue simply to enter and leave some of the rooms. This made it difficult to move around comfortably or properly appreciate the interiors.
Overall, we felt that Villandry’s reputation is driven primarily by its famous gardens rather than by the château itself. The gardens are worth seeing, but if you are looking for an unforgettable castle interior, several other Loire Valley châteaux offer a much more impressive and enjoyable experience.
Emily★★★☆☆
The castle itself isn’t the most beautiful of the Loire Valley Châteaux, but the interior and gardens more than make up for it. The castle is filled with absolutely beautiful rooms full of colour and character, and the gardens are a wonder to look upon from the keep. My main criticism is the gift shop: albeit obviously not the most important part of any historical tourist attraction, I think it’s worth noting that this one was full of AI slop and plastic rubbish which is always sad to see.
amir hirshberg★★★★★
Wonderful visit. These gardens have many surprises for everyone. Anything from a forest park to flowers and herbs garden and to extremely stylish French gardens. A lot of thanks to the wonderful staff who helped me when I got stuck without transport and needed help with a taxi
Syn Opsis★★★★★
A place not to miss. Free parking and ticket is worth every penny.
Check out the interesting Labyrinth.
In the castle there is a creepy painting room with some strange faces.
Even during hot days the garden has shadow, well designed.
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
| Address | 19 Rue Balzac, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM |
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| Phone | 02 47 45 42 04 |
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Andrew King★★★★★
A fascinating visit to the Chateau. We drove quite a way to visit as we really wanted to see a furnished and looked after chateau (as oppose to the equally beautiful, but perhaps slightly less interesting ruins near where we were staying). We weren’t disappointed! Just walking up to the chateau gates took our breath away, and the furnished interiors were equally as stunning. Staff were very friendly and welcoming, and was great to be able to rent an audio guide which gave a lot more information on each room than was printed in the booklet. The grounds are also very well maintained with lots of shaded benches in the trees to just sit and drink it all in. We had a great coffee at the on site cafe as well, and there’s beautiful streets surrounding the chateau with independent shops and restaurants. Highly recommend visiting!
Igor Fabjan★★★★★
One of the most attractive castles in the Loare region. Beautifull tranquile garden, lots of water carefully restored interior. There is also small secret garden near the entrance. Dont muss the lovely souvenir shop and a restaurant with relaxing garden
Craig Robb★★★★☆
An amazingly beautiful chateau set in a beautiful town,, especially the street that leads to the chateau, Rue de Balzac. Really worth a visit and the huge majority of the chateau is fully accessible, which is unusual.
Heather Bass★★★★★
This is a must see bucket list castle! The gardens are handicap friendly and well kept. The staff is amazing and do speak English and Spanish. This visit leaves you feeling like you just visited a fairy tale castle. It really does float on water. Don't forget to look down in the river that surrounds the castle. Lots of what I assume are trout.
Sue Wood★★★★★
Beautiful chateau and very cool inside. Quite a few stairs to the top floor. Lovely gardens and moat.
Grande Roue Tours (été)
| Address | Pl. Anatole France, 37000 Tours |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
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| Phone | 02 47 21 65 77 |
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Marina Lovejoy-Black★★★★☆
You really get your money’s worth with the Grande Roue Tours - we went round about 9 times with just one ticket! It was almost too much but we loved it!
I have to dock a point for lack of safety measures on this Roue, as someone could easily fall considering there’s nothing to really stop you. I almost had a heart attack seeing a young child squirm around!
Either way, this is definitely a must-do when you’re in Tours - the sights are stunning!
Muhammad Qasir Shahzad★★★★☆
It was nice
ISA B★★★★★
I like it. I don't use it unfortunately
valou .1★★★★★
Tours Ferris Wheel
A truly wonderful experience! The view over the Loire River and the city rooftops is absolutely magnificent, truly breathtaking.
Getting a little higher up allows you to rediscover Tours from a different perspective, with a calm and pleasant panorama, especially at sunset.
A simple moment, but definitely worth the trip! And the duration is perfect!
Gloria MVG★★★★★
Free for children under one year old and around €7 per person. The view is beautiful. Three to four rides are offered on the Ferris wheel. You shouldn't be afraid of heights, but the seats are stable and you feel safe. If it's not crowded, the staff will still give you a ride, sometimes even alone.
Château de Tours
| Address | 25 Av. André Malraux, 37000 Tours |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM |
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| Phone | 02 47 21 61 95 |
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Nigel Stansfield★☆☆☆☆
I'm a Brit on holiday in France and the exhibition by Ed Alcock was a terrible portrayal of my country. Just focusing on scroats. The French would have seen this and thought that we live in a social dystopia but I suppose portraying the everyday honest people might not be seen as progressive enough.
Justin Yergeau★★★★☆
I absolutely loved this town. Locals I chatted with seemed very friendly. Has a old town vibe still. Good food and drink places. Cool sights to see. North tours has a nice bridge to walk over. NOT AN UBER OR LYFT FRIENDLY city. Cabs suck and frequently didn't show up after requesting a ride with them. Used public transit and walked a lot, so prepare yourself for that if you plan on visiting.
Michael Nolan★★★☆☆
Mixed bag of exhibts over the 4 different floors of the Château. I could have given floors 1 and 2 miss but I found the exhibition on floor 3 to be fascinating. The real let down of the visit was on the 4th floor where I couldn't see the point of the collection, perhaps as I am not French. However, I am a movie buff and in that regard, I could see merit in the 4th floor as an historical artifact. I was amused by the 4th floor as much as anything else.
Overall, a good way to spend an hour but hard to stretch that further.
The Château itself was the highlight of the visit for me. The staff were friendly and helpful as I didn't speak French.
Out n about★★★★★
Fascinating restored building now used for exhibitions. Mant equally fascinating historic buildings in the area.
Patricia Blakeslee★★★★★
A hidden treasure. Enjoyed the OBEY exhibit and learned a lot. Pleased to see Patti Smith in th collection. see photo
Château de Chambord
| Address | 41250 Chambord |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
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| Phone | 02 54 50 40 00 |
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Tony McClellan★★☆☆☆
Amazing on the exterior but rather plain on the interior. It does have an impressive double helix staircase but other than that, there isn’t a lot to see. Definitely not worth the entrance fee in my opinion.
Eva Munch★★★★★
Beautiful Chateau! We didn't go inside, just not enough time. We came early, the chateau opened at 9 am . We wanted to go when there are less people. Also we came in May 2026 when the region was experiencing extreme weather, extreme Heat wave. And going in the morning was a little bit cooler. Parking is 8€ once you park you can walk around at no additional cost and see the castle from the outside. To enter it is 32€ per person. We would be have needed about 2 hours to tour the interior and gardens. And we didn't have the time. By the time we were leaving there was a lot of people coming in. We also were told that during the week you will see less crowds. There are also little motor boats that you can fit 4 people in and go through the canal. Coat was 22€ per boat. There were also bikes for rent and golf carts, not sure the cost. If you are in the area or just driving through definitely worth stopping in. There are 3 parking lots. P0 is the first on the right, the P1 is for RV"s, camper vans and busses. Then there is P2 and that one is the farthest to walk. There was an additional parking on the left no number on it and it was right by the walkway, that was a 3-5 min walk to the castle 🏰.
Martin J.★★★★★
I’ve never seen a more beautiful architecture. Can’t believe people in the 16th century spent 30 years to build this absolute art. So many sculptures and art pieces in the building, alongside rich history and good storytelling from the histopad. Highly recommend.
ishadi Rathnayake★★☆☆☆
Beautiful castle from outside and the architecture is impressive, but honestly it was not worth €31 per person for us. Inside, many rooms were quite empty and there was not much information or interactive experience compared to the price. It is a very large place, but after some time it became repetitive. The gardens and surroundings are nice, but overall we expected much more for the ticket cost.
Dani S★★★★★
Stunning. Incredible architectural details. It is just massive with so many intricies. A walk through the back around the gardens and along the River is a must. One needs at least 3 hours here but more to adequately see everything. Lots of stairs so be prepared. Easy to see why this castle inspired the illustrators of the tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast🌹
Museum of Natural History of Tours
| Address | 3 Rue du Président Merville, 37000 Tours |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM |
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| Phone | 02 47 21 68 08 |
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Paula Love★★★★★
This was a cool place. We especially loved the Vivarium. We were really impressed by the animal environments. The combination of water, land and treetop environments all in one display with animals all living together. We also loved the ant communities. Only 29 people at once allowed into the Vivarium but they are very good at making sure people get in.
Meng Li Bastos★★★★★
They have so many live animals and they are very loved and well taken care of! Highly recommend to visit here!
Bob T★★★★☆
This is a nice and reasonably priced, local natural history museum in the historic city of Tours. We spent the earlier part of the day strolling through the historic section but had some free time.
The Museum of Natural History is larger than it appears (from the outside) and can easily take an hour or two to peruse the 3 floors. The first floor had a lot of interactive science exhibits, letting you play the role a researcher with a lot of flora and fauna examples native to this region of France. The second floor houses a very nicely arranged and coordinated reptile and amphibian space with plenty of live specimens of snakes, frogs, geckos, etc. as well as several insect species. We made a game of finding all of the various specimens in each of the cases which can really take some time & sharp eyes. The third floor house a collection of taxidermy specimens of, mostly, large mammals. Again, well laid out and a pleasant space.
The staff were very friendly and we appreciated the clean restrooms and convenient water fountain.
Roel Janssen★★★★★
The vivarium alone is well worth the price and wait. I really enjoyed the different ant colonies. During public holidays you have to reserve a time slot or you might have to wait a while.
Valerie VU TRUNG CHAU★★★★★
Cheap, educational for kids, gets them to be familiar with lots of animals they would never meet otherwise.
The little train
| Address | 78 Rue Bernard Palissy, 37000 Tours |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | — |
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| Phone | 06 63 18 45 68 |
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Stephen Hailey★★★★☆
Lots of streets covered on this 40 minute tour of the city. Explanations given in multiple languages, our carriage was in English. Nice way to see different parts of the city and learn some history. Brief stop at the cathedral but otherwise a non-stop loop. Ticket gives a discount on other Loire mini train tours. Train driver was really nice and enthusiastic.
Orla Cooper★★★★★
My boys got very excited going on this road train to show us the sites. It even had an English carriage to ensure you understood what each site represented. The driver was very friendly.
Louise Eggins★★★★★
A nice little train that gives you an excellent overview of the City. 40 minutes..perhaps if you have young children a bit long...many were restless by the end. The audio was clear and in multiple languages depending on your carriage. Would recommend.
Guy Pounder★★★★★
Well worth the 8.50€ each for a 40 minute tour of Tours historic area. Gave us a idea of the area which we then explored on foot. Polite, English speaking driver who had a small footstall for those who find climbing up into the carriages difficult. Runs hourly every day from May .
Mari Borries McLarty★★★☆☆
Well it was nice and easy to ride around the city on the train, having a live person talking would have really made the difference. They use a pre-recorded audio that is so old that some of the planned projects in it have Long been completed
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
To ensure your trip to Tours is as smooth as it is memorable, it helps to understand the local rhythm and logistics before you arrive. The city is generally safe and welcoming, but knowing a few insider details can elevate your experience from a standard tourist visit to a true immersion into the Touraine lifestyle.
- Embrace the Tram System: While the center is walkable, the tram is excellent for reaching the train station, the exhibition center, or the northern suburbs. Tickets are affordable and can be purchased at kiosks.
- Learn Basic French Greetings: While many young people speak English, making an effort with "Bonjour" (Hello) and "Merci" (Thank you) is essential. The French place high value on politeness, and a simple greeting before asking a question goes a long way.
- Visit Markets Early: If you want the best produce or the freshest pastries at Les Halles, go in the morning. Many vendors sell out of popular items by noon, and the atmosphere is liveliest before lunch.
- Check Museum Opening Days: Many museums in Tours are closed on Tuesdays, which is a common practice in France. Always verify hours online before planning your itinerary to avoid disappointment.
- Explore Beyond the City Limits: Purchase a "Rémi" train ticket or rent a car to explore the smaller villages like Montlouis-sur-Loire or Amboise. The true magic of the region often lies in the quiet vineyards just outside the city.
Tours is a city that rewards slow travel. While the major monuments are impressive, the real joy comes from sitting in a café on Place Plumereau, getting lost in the medieval alleys, or sharing a bottle of local wine by the river. It is a city that feels authentic and lived-in, far removed from the tourist crowds of Paris or the Riviera.
As the gateway to the Loire Valley, it offers the perfect blend of urban convenience and rural beauty. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or a cyclist, Tours provides a sophisticated and relaxing base for an unforgettable French adventure.
