Tours City Guide

Tours serves as the sophisticated gateway to the Loire Valley, blending a rich medieval heritage with a lively contemporary energy. The heart of the city beats in Vieux Tours, particularly at Place Plumereau, where exquisitely preserved half-timbered houses frame a vibrant square filled with café terraces. It is an essential starting point for any visitor, offering a seamless transition from the city's ancient roots to its modern social life.

Dominating the skyline is the Cathédrale Saint-Gatien, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture renowned for its intricate facade and stunning 13th-century stained glass. Nearby, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, housed in the former archbishop's palace, offers an impressive collection of European art set against the backdrop of manicured formal gardens and a legendary giant cedar tree. For a spiritual journey, the Basilique Saint-Martin pays homage to the city's patron saint and remains a significant pilgrimage site.

Beyond the monuments, the local lifestyle revolves around gastronomy. A visit to Les Halles de Tours provides a sensory feast of regional specialties like rillons and Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine cheese. Whether wandering along the banks of the Loire—a UNESCO World Heritage site—or exploring the nearby royal châteaux, the city offers a perfect balance of cultural depth and refined French art de vivre.

While the timber-framed houses of Place Plumereau draw the crowds, locals spend their Sunday mornings at the Marché Velpeau. This bustling square transforms into a sensory feast of Touraine cheeses, fresh rillons, and organic produce, offering a more authentic slice of daily life than the tourist-centric center.

For a quiet moment of reflection, seek out the Passage du Cœur Navré. Tucked away near the cathedral, this incredibly narrow medieval alleyway—the "Passage of the Heartbroken"—whispers stories of the city’s past, providing an atmospheric shortcut that most visitors walk right past.

When the sun is out, follow the residents south to the Parc de la Gloriette. Far from the manicured gardens of the châteaux, this vast eco-park is where the community gathers for kite flying, open-air concerts, and sprawling picnics along the Petit Cher river, embodying the relaxed spirit of the modern Loire Valley.

Tours is generally a very safe and welcoming city for travelers, maintaining a relaxed atmosphere characteristic of the Loire Valley. Like any popular destination, the most common concern is petty crime, such as pickpocketing, particularly in bustling areas like Place Plumereau or during the lively evening hours in the Old Town. Visitors should keep their belongings secure and stay aware of their surroundings in crowded markets and public transport hubs.

While the city center remains vibrant and secure well into the night, it is wise to exercise standard urban caution when walking alone in quieter residential areas or near the main train station after dark. If cycling through the city or along the Loire à Vélo paths, always use a sturdy lock for your bike and follow local traffic signals. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112, providing peace of mind as you explore this historic gateway to the châteaux region.

Tours is a highly accessible city, best explored on foot within the historic Vieux Tours district where pedestrian streets abound. For longer distances, the Fil Bleu network offers an efficient system of buses and a sleek tramway (Line A) that bisects the city from north to south, connecting major landmarks and the main rail stations. Cyclists will also find the city incredibly welcoming, as it sits on the famous Loire à Vélo route, with numerous bike-rental shops and dedicated lanes throughout the urban core.

For those needing direct door-to-door service, taxis and Uber are readily available and reliable throughout the day. Reaching the city center from Tours Val de Loire Airport (TUF) is straightforward; a dedicated shuttle bus times its departures with flight arrivals for a seamless connection to the Gare de Tours. Alternatively, a taxi ride from the airport to the city center is a quick 15-minute journey.

Transportation in Tours is reasonably priced for visitors. A single Fil Bleu ticket valid for one hour costs approximately €1.60, while a 24-hour pass is about €4.10. A shuttle ride from the airport to the city center costs roughly €6.50. Taxis from the airport to the central hotel district typically range between €15 and €25 depending on the time of day, and a short Uber trip across the central districts usually averages around €8 to €12.

Tours offers a sophisticated yet accessible shopping experience, centered largely around the bustling Rue Nationale. This central artery is lined with international brands and major department stores, making it the perfect starting point for most visitors. For those seeking high-end fashion and independent luxury boutiques, the elegant Rue de la Sellerie and the streets surrounding the Grand Théâtre offer a more curated selection of designer labels and upscale goods.

Budget-conscious shoppers and food lovers should head straight to Les Halles de Tours. This premier indoor market is a sensory delight, showcasing the region's culinary heritage with stalls overflowing with local cheeses and fresh produce. For a more bohemian vibe, the historic Rue Colbert is home to charming antique shops, bookshops, and artisan workshops that reflect the city's creative spirit.

No shopping trip to Tours is complete without picking up local specialties. Look for the famous Rillettes de Tours, a savory potted pork spread, or the sweet Nougat de Tours, a unique apricot and almond cake. Pair these with a bottle of Vouvray or Chinon wine from a local caviste to take a true taste of the Loire Valley home with you.

In Tours, as in the rest of France, tipping is a thoughtful way to show appreciation rather than a strict obligation. Since service charges are typically included in your restaurant bill by law, you aren't expected to calculate a large percentage. For a relaxed cafe visit, rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving a few coins is the local norm. For exceptional service at a sit-down dinner, a tip of 5% to 10% is generous and highly appreciated. The local currency is the Euro (€), with 1 Euro roughly equal to 1.10 US Dollars.

For other services, such as taxi rides or hotel assistance, small gestures go a long way. Offering one or two euros per bag to a porter or rounding up your taxi fare is standard practice. Keep in mind that it is often impossible to add a tip to a credit card transaction, so carrying small coins is helpful for these brief interactions. This subtle approach ensures you honor local etiquette while enjoying the historic beauty of the city.

Late spring and early autumn are the ideal windows for visiting Tours, offering a perfect balance of mild weather and manageable crowd sizes. Between May and June, the gardens of the nearby Loire Valley are in full bloom and the city's outdoor cafes buzz with life. September and October are equally captivating, as the region’s renowned vineyards begin the grape harvest and the summer heat yields to crisp, pleasant afternoons perfect for exploring the medieval Old Town.

Summer brings the warmest temperatures and the liveliest atmosphere, though it also marks the peak for hotel pricing and tourist traffic. For those seeking value and tranquility, the winter months offer significantly lower rates and a cozy charm, particularly during the festive Christmas markets. While winter can be damp and chilly, it provides an intimate look at local life away from the bustling crowds of the high season.