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Tours, a City of History in the Heart of the Loire Valley

Direct flights to Ajaccio & Bastia

How can one describe Tours other than as one of the most famous French cities for its historical heritage? With its castles, vineyards, and welcoming atmosphere, Tours is undeniably a charming city.

Things to Do in Tours

Tours is not a city that shines for its monuments alone—although it does boast some beautiful museums—but rather for its lifestyle, shaped by its long history. Here, you can enjoy a pleasant time in a unique setting, typical of the capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region.

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Tours
Tours
3:26 pm, Mar 23, 2025
temperature icon 12°C
moderate rain
Humidity 86 %
Pressure 1004 mb
Wind 22 Km/h
Wind Gust Wind Gust: 0 Km/h
Clouds Clouds: 75%
Visibility Visibility: 9 km
Sunrise Sunrise: 6:54 am
Sunset Sunset: 7:13 pm

The Loire River – A Source of Endless Surprises

The Loire, France’s longest river, flows through Tours, offering opportunities to experience nature and freshwater activities or explore nearby towns and villages.

Whether by bike, canoe-kayak, or on foot, adventuring along the Loire is always a worthwhile experience.

Photo of the Loire Riverbanks

Vieux-Tours – A Remarkable Heritage Site

Vieux-Tours is famous for its architectural heritage, cobbled streets, and half-timbered houses.

Place Plumereau is a lively and popular square surrounded by medieval houses. The Cathedral Quarter, with the iconic Saint-Gatien Cathedral, immerses visitors in French history with its historic buildings. If shopping is on your agenda, head to Rue Colbert, where the old-world charm meets modern boutiques.

Half-timbered houses in Vieux-Tours

Botanical Garden of Tours

While Rue Nationale offers bustling city life and shopping, summer is the perfect time to enjoy nature at its finest.

Spend a relaxing afternoon in this beautifully maintained park in the city center. Here, you can unwind and even observe animals such as kangaroos, turtles, and flamingos.

Kangaroos in the Botanical Garden of Tours

The Loire Valley Castles Near Tours

The castles of the Loire are iconic, giving the region international fame. With over 300 castles, each with its own unique style and history, here are some of the most remarkable near Tours.

Château de Villandry

A true gem just 15 km from Tours, near the Cher River. The Renaissance-style gardens are classified as a “Remarkable Garden,” and the castle itself is a listed historical monument.

Aerial view of Château de Villandry

le Château d’Azay le Rideau

Built in the French Renaissance style, Azay-le-Rideau is another masterpiece, located just over 20 km from Tours. This historic monument is surrounded by the Indre River, giving it an almost fairytale-like appearance.

View of Château d'Azay-le-Rideau from the river

Château Royal d’Amboise

With its Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the Royal Château of Amboise sits directly on the Loire River, overlooking the town of Amboise. It is easily seen while canoeing along the Loire or visited directly. It is located about 20 km from Tours.

View of Château Royal d'Amboise from above

Château de Chenonceau

Following the Cher River, you won’t miss Château de Chenonceau, a castle that stretches across the water. Its strategic location played a significant role during World War II, marking the border between occupied and free France, and allowing many French citizens to escape.

View of Château de Chenonceau over the Cher River

le Château de Langeais

Located at a similar distance as Azay-le-Rideau, Château de Langeais was built on the remains of a fortress in the 15th century. Treehouses, historical reenactments, and fascinating insights into French history await visitors here.

Aerial view of Château de Langeais and its gardens

Voyager de la Corse vers Tours avec l’odyssey