10 Best Things to Do in Tours

Located in the most medieval part of the Loire Valley, Tours is a city that dazzles with its cultural heritage and landscapes. Here, centuries-old castles and underground cellars intertwine with charming gardens that seem straight out of a fairy tale.

Known as the city of guinguettes, Tours is also the ideal place for lovers of fine food and wine. Get ready to discover a destination that combines the best of French history with the pleasure of exploring every corner.

Villandry Castle, completed in 1536, is a testament to Renaissance splendour in the Loire Valley. Although its structure dates back to the 16th century, the real star of this site is its gardens, considered some of the most beautiful in France. Walking along its paths not only allows you to admire the diversity of plants, but also to discover fountains, mazes and panoramic views that will take your breath away.

The construction of this fortress was ordered by Jean le Breton, finance minister to Francis I, and although its design follows the French Renaissance style, the idea behind the gardens has Spanish roots, or at least the current setting of this important area of the castle.

It was Dr Joaquín Carballo, from Extremadura, who ordered the reconstruction of the Villandry gardens in the early 1900s. The design of the gardens is based on perfect symmetry and symbolism, with areas such as the "Garden of Love", which represents the different phases of romance, and the decorative vegetable garden, where vegetables and flowers are combined in an artistic manner.

Details of interest

• Duration of visit: approximately 2 hours.
• Opening hours: open every day from 9:00 to 17:30.
• Address: 3 Rue Principale, 37510 Villandry, France.
• Recommendation: add your visit to your list of things to do in France in spring, as this is the best time to appreciate the diversity of plants. And don't forget to buy your tickets for Villandry Castle in advance.

A bicycle or motorbike is the ideal way to explore the old town of Tours. As you ride along, you can make your way through the cobbled streets of Tours, steeped in history, where every building tells a part of its medieval past. Among the highlights is Place Plumereau, surrounded by the National History Museum of Tours, the Da Vinci International Congress Centre, cafés, beautiful towers and countless half-timbered houses dating from the 15th and 16th centuries.

These structures, with their characteristic exposed wooden beams, reflect the traditional architecture of the Loire Valley, inspired by the buildings of the Middle Ages, when artisan guilds dominated the city. The houses were built using local wood and Tuffeau stone, a limestone native to the region. Another place of interest is the Basilica of Saint Martin, where the remains of the patron saint of Tours, Saint Martin of Tours, are kept.

The tour will allow you to admire the urban fabric that has retained its medieval essence, with narrow streets and historic buildings such as the Charlemagne Tower contrasting with contemporary spaces such as the Olivier Debré Contemporary Creation Centre. You will also pass by several other churches, such as the Cathedral of Saint-Gatien, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, whose stained-glass windows and twin towers stand out on the city skyline.

Details of interest

• Duration: 2 to 3 hours.
• What you should know: you can hire bicycles or book a sidecar tour of Tours from different points in the city.
• Recommendation: wear comfortable shoes.
• Best time to visit: if you plan your visit to Tours in November, you will see it at its best because it celebrates the feast day of the Bishop of Tours.

Guinguettes are picturesque open-air terraces located on the banks of the Loire River, where good food, drink and a relaxed atmosphere come together. Their name comes from the term "guinguet", a cheap white wine that was served on these terraces during the 19th century. If you're looking for a complete experience, consider booking a food tour of Tours that includes these charming stops.

These spaces were the meeting place for the inhabitants of Tours and tourists who wanted to enjoy the local cuisine while listening to live music and sharing lively conversations. Today, guinguettes are still very popular, especially during the warmer months, and offer a dining experience that is not to be missed.

Among the typical dishes you can try are rillettes, a type of very tasty pork pâté that is a regional speciality, and fouée, a traditional bread filled with various ingredients such as goat's cheese or ham. In addition, you cannot leave without trying the famous Loire wines, known for their freshness. The guinguettes not only offer delicious food, but also the perfect setting to relax with your partner, friends or family while enjoying the views.

Details of interest

• Duration: between 1 and 2 hours.
• What you should know: guinguettes are mainly open in spring and summer.
• Recommendation: some of the most popular guinguettes are located along the banks of the Loire, and it is advisable to book a table in advance during the high season.

The largest castle in the city is the Château de Chambord, an iconic example of French Renaissance architecture covering some 50 km². This castle was built in the 16th century by order of King Francis I, and its design reflects a mixture of architectural styles, combining the solidity of a medieval fortress with the elegance of a Renaissance palace. If you are looking for a complete experience, I recommend booking an excursion to the castles of Chambord, Chenonceau and the caves of Ambacia, a perfect combination of history and wine.

With over 400 rooms, a double helix staircase inspired by Leonardo da Vinci and extensive gardens stretching to the horizon, Chambord is a must-see for any lover of history and architecture. During the tour of the castle, you can explore the royal halls, the terraces with panoramic views, its revolutionary staircase that later inspired the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, and the art galleries that house temporary collections.

In addition, the castle's gardens, covering more than 5,000 hectares, are perfect for relaxing walks among nature and history. Don't forget to visit the upper terrace, where you can admire the complex network of chimneys and towers that characterise the profile of Chambord.

Details of interest

• Duration: 3 hours or more.
• Opening hours: open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Address: Château, 41250 Chambord.

One of the most authentic experiences you can have in Tours is enjoying a wine tasting in the Ambacia or Amboise Caves.

These cellars, carved directly into the limestone rock of the Loire Valley, are a testament to the region's rich wine-making heritage and the history of its inhabitants, who have used these caves since the Middle Ages as shelters, storage areas and, today, for wine production and storage. To make the most of your visit, consider booking an excursion to the Ambacia caves and the castles of Chambord and Chenonceau, an experience that combines the best of oenology and historical architecture.

During your visit, you can explore these underground caves and see first-hand how the unique microclimate of the cellars helps to preserve the wine. If wine tourism is your thing, here you can learn about the region's typical grape varieties, such as Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, while tasting wines that combine tradition with modern techniques.

Details of interest

• Duration: approximately 2 hours
• Opening hours: the cellars are usually open all year round, but it is advisable to book in advance for tastings, especially during the summer months.
• Location: the wineries are located in the Vouvray and Montlouis-sur-Loire area, known for its excellent white wine at very good prices.

One of the most iconic and photographed castles in the Loire Valley, and one that you simply cannot miss, is the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, known as a "faceted diamond set in the Indre", a description coined by Honoré de Balzac in his iconic novel "The Lily of the Valley" thanks to its delicate and harmonious architecture. If you plan to explore this Renaissance gem, be sure to purchase tickets to the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau for an unforgettable experience.

This Renaissance castle, surrounded by a moat and built on an island in the Indre River, has become a symbol of French romanticism and a regular location for film shoots, such as the French film Ridicule and the miniseries The Three Musketeers. Its construction was ordered in the 16th century by Gilles Berthelot, a French treasurer, and it blends French and Italian influences, giving it its unique character.

As you walk through its halls, decorated with period furniture, and stroll through its gardens, you will feel like you are in a film. Don't miss the opportunity to walk along the elegant path that surrounds the castle, where you can enjoy incredible views.

Details of interest

• Duration: 2 to 3 hours.
• Opening hours: the castle is open all year round, with opening hours varying according to the season.
• Location: located in the village of Azay-le-Rideau, about a 25-minute drive from Place Plumereau in Tours.
• You may be interested to know... In summer, there are guided night tours that allow you to explore the castle by moonlight, an unforgettable experience.

The Royal Castle of Blois is a must-see for any history lover. This castle is one of the most spectacular in the Loire Valley, where you can spend the summer as if you were royalty. Located in the heart of Blois, it was the favourite residence of more than a dozen French monarchs, including Francis I.

Its architecture is an impressive mosaic of styles ranging from medieval Gothic to Renaissance classicism, reflecting the different eras and tastes of its illustrious residents. One of the highlights of the visit is the sound and light show that takes place on summer evenings, which tells the fascinating story of the castle and its intriguing characters, such as the enigmatic Queen Catherine de Medici and King Henry III.

In addition, the castle houses a fine arts museum with a collection of art from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Its location on a hill allows you to enjoy spectacular views of the valley and the city of Blois.

Details of interest

• Duration: 3 hours.
• What you should know: you can buy your tickets for the Château de Blois whenever you like, as it is open all year round.
• Recommendation: visit at night to see the light show.
• Location: it is located in the centre of the city of Blois, making it an ideal visit to complement a tour of the historic centre.

Located in the former episcopal palace, the Museum of Fine Arts in Tours is a gem for art and history lovers. This museum houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures and art objects, spanning from the 14th to the 20th century. Among the most notable works are pieces by artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens and Degas, offering a journey through the main European artistic movements.

The building itself is a reflection of history, with its Renaissance façade contrasting with the French-style gardens that surround it. One of the most curious details of the museum is the presence of a Lebanese cedar tree planted in 1804 by Napoleon Bonaparte, which stands right in the centre of the garden. Inside the museum, you can admire a variety of collections, from religious paintings to portraits of French high society, decorative art and sculptures.

In addition, the museum organises temporary exhibitions and special events, making it a lively and constantly evolving place. It is a must-see for those who wish to delve deeper into the artistic wealth of the region and discover more about the influence of Renaissance culture in France.

Details of interest

• Duration: 1 to 2 hours.
• Opening hours: the museum is open from Wednesday to Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Address: 18 Place François Sicard, 37000 Tours, France.
• Price: Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month, making it an excellent option for those who want to combine art and budget.

A boat trip on the Loire River allows you to enjoy a panoramic view and a visual tour of the , all while sailing down France's longest river. The Loire is known for its natural beauty and meandering curves through the valley, offering dreamlike views of vineyards, islands, and iconic monuments.

This tour is not only relaxing, but also allows you to learn about the region's rich history. Traditional boats, called "gabarres", were used in ancient times for trade on the river, transporting wine, salt and other products between riverside villages.

Today, the tours invite you to relive that era while enjoying views of iconic castles such as the Château d'Amboise or the Château de Chaumont, both visible from the river.

Details of interest

• Duration: 1 to 2 hours
• What you should know: tours are usually available in different formats, from one-hour tours to sunset excursions, where you can see how the golden rays of the sun illuminate the waters of the Loire.
• Recommendation: this is an ideal activity for couples looking for a romantic experience as well as families who want to learn about the history and nature of the valley.

Crossing the César Bridge is like stepping into a vestige of Roman times that connects the two banks of the Loire River. This imposing stone bridge, with its solid structure and air of antiquity, will transport you to another era.

As you walk across it, you can admire the panoramic views of the city, from the rooftops of medieval houses to majestic cathedrals. It is the perfect place to enjoy a moment of tranquillity and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.