Tours, the historical capital of Touraine and today the hub of the Centre-Val de Loire region, is strategically positioned between the Loire and Cher rivers. It is the ideal gateway for exploring the magnificent Châteaux of the Loire Valley (UNESCO World Heritage), such as Chenonceau and Villandry. Tours itself boasts a rich historical heritage, particularly in its charming medieval old town and the famous Place Plumereau. It is a perfect destination for a stay that combines historic luxury, wine culture, and the discovery of the French Renaissance.

What our local guides recommend to see: History, Architecture, and Meeting Places

• Place Plumereau (Place Plume) – The heart of day and nightlife. We recommend having an aperitif in one of its beautifully preserved half-timbered houses for an authentic medieval experience.
• Saint-Gatien Cathedral – A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, notable for its lavish stained-glass windows that filter a mystical light.
• Tours Museum of Fine Arts – Housed in the former archbishop's palace, it offers a rich collection and a magnificent Cedar of Lebanon in its garden.
• Vieux-Tours Quarter (Old Tours) – Getting lost in its narrow streets is a must to discover the half-timbered houses and small craft boutiques.

Gastronomy and Wines of the Loire

• Loire Wines (Vins de Loire) – The region is renowned for its dry white wines (such as Vouvray and Chinon), ideal for guided tastings in the nearby troglodyte cellars.
• Rillettes de Tours – A specialty of pork meat ground and slowly cooked until it becomes a spreadable paste. Perfect for a picnic along the Loire.
• Sainte-Maure de Touraine PDO – Cylindrical goat cheese with a rye straw running through the centre. A delight to pair with Vouvray.

Experiences: Châteaux and Cycling Itineraries

The true added value of Tours is its central location for exploring the Loire Valley by bike. We recommend renting a bicycle for a day and following the marked routes along the river (such as the Loire à Vélo), combining the visit of a lesser-known château (like the Château of Azay-le-Rideau) with a lunch stop at a typical restaurant, for a complete and active experience.

Institutional Links

• Official Website of the Municipality of Tours
• Official Website of the Tours Val de Loire Tourist Office

Top 3 Luxury Accommodations Recommended by our travel designers

• Château Belmont Hôtel & Spa Tours – Offers a classic luxury experience with a spa, pool, and a magnificent park, an oasis of tranquility near the centre.
• Oceania L'Univers Tours – A historic hotel in the heart of the city, combining period charm with modern high-end services.
• Hôtel du Cygne – A charming boutique hotel in a historic building in the centre, perfect for a more intimate and refined experience.

Top 3 Recommended Restaurants with Michelin Stars

• Le Charles Barrier (near Tours) – A historic restaurant with one Michelin star, a symbol of gastronomy in Touraine, for a traditional and top-level culinary experience.
• Ascension – Starred restaurant offering contemporary, bold, and highly appreciated cuisine in the city's culinary scene.
• Ardent – Not starred, but known for its creative bistronomic cuisine and the use of local products, an excellent accessible luxury alternative.