Tours has medieval architecture, a rich cultural history, superb cuisine and natural beauty. Whether your tour of Tours is for two days or two weeks, you’ll never forget it.
A brief history
Tours was founded by Emperor Augustus, around 30 BCE, as Caesarodunum. Originally settled by the Turones people as part of Roman Gaul, it grew into an important commercial centre and capital of the Gallia Lugdunensis province.
In the 3rd century, Tours became an important religious centre, under its third bishop (later Saint Martin de Tours). After the fall of the Roman Empire, it came under attack by Visigoths, Bretons and Normans. By the 9th century, though, Tours had emerged as the capital of Touraine under the Frankish kings.
In the 11th and 12th centuries, the city thrived and, with the construction of impressive abbeys and the Cathedral of Saint-Gatien, Tours became a centre of learning, especially for the study of law.
During the Renaissance, Tours benefited from commercial prosperity and the presence of royal courts in the chateaux of the Loire Valley. It was also a strategic crossing point over the Loire River.
A tour of Tours’ attractions
Today, Tours’ historic medieval historic architecture and monuments attract many visitors.
Vieux Tours
Tours has a well-preserved Old Town and if you are familiar with ‘vieux villes‘ around the country, that means cobblestoned streets and half-timbered houses and lots of opportunities for great photos.
Place Plumereau
This cobblestoned plaza or square is the centrepiece of the city. It dates from the 15th century and is surrounded by colourful half-timbered houses from the Renaissance period. There are plenty of cafés, shops and restaurants on the lower floors of the buildings, and it’s a popular meeting place.
Cathédrale de Saint-Gatien
Tours’ Cathedral, Saint-Gatien, is a highlight of the city and easily visible from many parts of town. It has beautiful stained glass windows and a Romanesque crypt. Construction began in the 12th century, and various additions were made over the subsequent centuries, resulting in a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. The cathedral is known for its two asymmetrical towers, only one of which was fully completed, in the flamboyant Gothic style.
Château de Tours
Tours Castle is an imposing structure located behind the cathedral and close to the banks of the river Loire. It was built in the 13th century as a fortress and residence. Later wings were added in the 15th and 16th centuries in an elegant Renaissance style. It was redeveloped and repurposed in the 19th and 20th centuries, most recently as a museum space.
You can take a tour of Tours Castle today to see exhibitions of historical materials, art and sculpture. You’ll also have brilliant views of the river and the city.
Museums
If you love museums, Tours has a great range.
- Since 1910, Tours’ Fine Arts Museum (Musée des Beaux-Arts) has been housed in a beautiful building that was once the Archbishop’s Palace. It has an extensive collection of paintings from the 14th to the 20th centuries, including works by Italian, French, Dutch and Flemish artists. In 2013, the museum underwent an extensive renovation to update the facilities while preserving the historic architecture. In its gardens stands a magnificent Lebanese Cedar.
From the garden you can read the story of Fritz the circus elephant, who went rogue on the streets of Tours in 1902 and had to be killed. His remains have been stuffed and are on display - Another highlight is the Natural History Museum (Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle), which contains wildlife dioramas, meteorites, dinosaur fossils and a botanical garden
- The Archaeological Museum in the underground vaults of the Saint Martin Basilica exhibits Gallo-Roman artifacts unearthed between the 4th century BC to the 3rd century CE
- For specialists, the Guild Museum (Musée du Compagnonnage) has a detailed history of France’s artisan guilds, displaying carved and illuminated works.
More things to see…
A walking tour of Tours is the perfect way to see some of the sights that will take up less of your time. Pick up a map from the tourist office, mark these places, plan your route and just go.
- The American Monument, near the Wilson Bridge, is dedicated to the memory of US servicemen in WW1. Find out more
- History enthusiasts can tour archaeological sites like the Gallo-Roman remains underneath the Basilica of Saint Julien
- Place Foire-le Roi was the site of medieval market fairs and public executions. It has a beautiful stone fountain
- Hotel Pierre du Puy is a classic example of medieval Flemish architecture
- L’ Immeuble Duthoo is a stunning example of art-deco design
- Visit the Basilica of Saint Martin, built on the site of the saint’s tomb and the old basilica, and see the only remaining medieval sections: Charlemagne’s Tower (Tour Charlemagne) and the Clock Tower (Tour de l’Horloge)
- The Food Market (Les Halles) is housed in a modern glass complex that resembles an inverted boat
- On Market Place (Place du Grand Marché), you’ll probably want to photograph ‘The Monster’ a silver-painted sculpture that has been a feature of the square since 2004
- See the Grand Théâtre de Tours, which also houses the Opera and the Symphony Orchestra; and visit the magnificent Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville).
Events
Tours has calendar of cultural festivals and events that showcase the city’s history, traditions and cuisine.
In May, food, wine and spirits take centre stage during Vitiloire, which celebrates the Loire Valley’s produce.
Tours joins in celebrations of the countrywide Fête de la Musique (Festival of Music) each June.
It also shares the Fête de la Gastronomie, usually in September, with themed food events as part of the festivities.
During the Christmas markets, from November to January – in the 2023-24 season, at Place de la Résistance and Boulevard Heurteloup – there are stalls and Christmas activities to enjoy. Check the calendar for other smaller venues.
Famous people of Tours
Tours has been important in the lives of many renowned figures over the centuries.
- St. Martin, a Roman soldier who became a monk, served as Bishop of Tours in the 4th century and is the city’s patron saint
- Prominent writer Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) was born in Tours
- Architect Victor Laloux (1850-1937) is known for his work on the Basilica of Saint Martin, the Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) and train station in Tours and for the Gare d’Orsay (now the Orsay Museum) in Paris.
Cuisine
Tours cuisine highlights the fresh local produce of the Loire Valley region. Your tour of Tours wouldn’t be complete without a trip through the traditional cuisine of the region.
Signature dishes include rillettes of shredded pork cooked in its fat and made into a rich spread, often served with baguettes or toast.
Another specialty is fouée – a round, flat bread typically stuffed with mushrooms, cheese, or charcuterie.
Try goat cheeses from the Touraine area, such as Sainte-Maure de Touraine and Coeur de Touraine (Heart of Touraine), a heart shaped, ash coated cheese made from raw goat’s milk.
Seafood from the nearby Atlantic coast, such as mackerel and white fish, is readily available on menus. The Loire River is the source of eel, perch, pike and shad that chefs incorporate in local dishes.
The city is also known for its poires tapées, nougat cake, macarons and French pastries.
Further afield
After, or during, your tour of Tours, there’s a lot more, practically on the doorstep.
The village of Villandry is just 15 minutes away. It’s worth a visit to see the castle, the gardens and famous geometric flower beds at Château de Villandry.
The historic Château Royal d’Amboise, an easy bus or car ride away from Tours, was once home to kings and queens and is perfect for exploring medieval architecture and for lovely views of the Loire Valley. Adventurous visitors can kayak or boat along the Cher River to see the regions châteaux from a unique vantage point. Château du Clos Lucé, the home of Leonardo da Vinci, is just a few hundred metres away.
The monumental Château de Chenonceau, spanning the Cher River, is just 30 minutes from Tours. Its lavish interior and gardens are a record royal life during the Renaissance.
About 50 kms from Tours, the village of Loches, with its citadel and underground caves, is a like a snapshot of medieval life.
If you are in Tours for several days, the Futuroscope theme park (90 kms away) is a fun day trip for families.
See more Francy That! recommendations for Places To Go.
Information
LOCATION: Tours is in the Centre-Val de Loire region of north-central France, along the Loire River.
DISTANCE FROM PARIS: 240 km (149 miles) southwest of Paris.
POPULATION: 136,000+
NEAREST AIRPORT: Tours Val de Loire Airport (TUF) offers domestic and limited international flights and is located about 6 km (3.7 miles) north of the city centre.
NEAREST TRAIN STATION: Gare de Tours
TOURIST INFORMATION
MARKETS: The Les Halles de Tours is a covered market known for its fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and artisanal goods.
MUST SEE: Cathédrale Saint-Gatien; Place Plumereau; Musee des Beaux-Arts; all the sight on your walking tour of Tours.
