20 Lovely Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Tours, France

August 12, 2024 Mustafa Natalwala 738 Views

Tours is the largest city in Centre Val de Loire, also called Loire Valley, in France. While there are a lot of places to visit in Tours, it is also the hopping point for various attractions within the valley. The town has an abundantly rich history with steep ties to the Frech royalty. The majority of top things to do in Tours revolve around this aspect. This is a city of chateaus!

As France rose to prominence over Italy, the French royalty built numerous palaces and mansions in the region. These are now some of the most beautiful things to see in Tours, France. These show a blend of a variety of styles including Gothic, Italian Renaissance, Baroque, and French Classic. Many of these Tours attractions have been inspirations for fairy tales and have been shown in movies and TV shows.

They have also hosted great celebrities, present and past. One of these Tours tourist attractions was the last home of Leonardo da Vinci. There is another castle where Joan of Arc came to ask for war horses. You will discover many such fascinating pieces of history during Tours sightseeing. And it is not just the exteriors, within the castle, you will get the true sense of word extravagance. The chateau’s are adorned with the finest of everything. They are must-see places in Tours if you are looking for decor ideas but without a budget cap.

Owing to the city’s opulence, many artists came to visit Tours over the ages. This gave rise to a vibrant artistic culture in the city and around it. The city also has some of the most incredible art museums exhibiting contemporary and classic artworks. The city was also a major centre of trade and commerce.

The markets attracted merchants and goods from far away places and they were moved along the river Loire in flattened boats called Tou. You can enjoy part of Tours travel on these boats and relive the history of traders and craftsmen.

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Table of Contents

Top 20 Tourist Places to Visit in Tours, France

1. Château de Tours

This palace sits in Indre-et Loire and is one of the most prominent historical sites in the region. The castle was built in the 11th century and has served various purposes during its lifetime. It has housed the Lords of France as well as fishes.

The history alone makes it one of the most fascinating things to see in Tours, France. The castle is also known for its Carolingian architecture. The palace houses several works of ancient architecture and also hosts exhibitions for modern and contemporary artworks. You will need about an hour to explore this chateau when you visit Tours.

2. Cloître de la Psalette

This cloister served as the workplace for canons of St. Gatien Cathedral. Its history goes back to the Middle Ages and it has seen several expansions, reconstructions, and renovations over the ages. You can literally see periods of history in various sections of the cloister.

One of the key features of the cloister is the spiral staircase, which is a replica of the one in Blois Castle. This is one of the popular Tours attractions for those interested in the cultural history of the town. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes to explore the cloister.

3. Tours Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Gatien de Tours)

This roman catholic cathedral is among the most important places to visit in Tours, France. The history of the cathedral goes back to 337 AD, while the current structure was built between 1170 and 1547. This is again one of the few places in the city where you can see the history of stones.

The cathedral is also home to several historical, religious, and artistic treasures. It has a 16th-century organ made by Barnabe Delanoue. The church is also home to ornate tombs of French nobility made by Girolamo da Fiesole in the 15th century. There is a lot to explore in this church and you will need at least an hour for it.

4. Museum of Fine Arts of Tours (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours)

This museum of fine arts is housed in a bishop’s palace and hosts one of the finest boutique collections of artworks and paintings in France. This is quite an accolade, because, you know, it is France. The collection houses 12,000+ artworks of which only a portion remains on display at any given time.

This Tours tourist attraction houses artworks by renowned masters such as Andrea Mantegna, Giovanni di Paolo, Monet, Giuseppe Bazzani, Antonio Vivarini, Phillippe de Champaigne, and several others. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.

5. Basilica of Saint Martin

This basilica houses the tomb of Saint Martin of Tours and is an important historical and religious site in the city. It was first built during the Middle Ages but was demolished during the French Revolution.

It was rebuilt in 1886 and was designed by Victor Laloux. It is designed in a neo-byzantine style. It is one of the must-see places in Tours. You will need about an hour or so to explore this basilica.

6. Botanical Garden (Jardin botanique de Tours)

This is the oldest garden in the town and dates back to 1843 and it was flooded by river Loire in 1848. Now the garden was rebuilt and was again bombarded during WWII. Despite its luck, it thrived and over the ages has been home to numerous plants and trees.

The garden is divided into four zones named after the directions. You will see themed gardens, greenhouses, English arboretums, ponds, flower gardens, and more. It is one of the top attractions in Tours for leisure. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying this place.

7. Charlemagne Tower

This tower is the remainder of the Basilica of St. Martin. The tower is named after the fourth wife of Charlemagne. There were originally three towers and only this one remains. It has a rich and storied history and is one of the top spots for Tours sightseeing. You get amazing views of the town from the top of the tower. It takes only a few minutes to explore this tower.

8. River Cruise

The river cruise is a historical sightseeing experience and one of the top things to do in Tours, France. You will get on board a traditional Tou boat to explore the rivers Loire and Cher. These flat-bottomed boats were specifically designed to navigate the shallow waters of these rivers.

Since ages, these boats have been transporting people and goods across the rivers. The navigator tells you about the history of the trade along the river and the history of the town. You will need about an hour from Tours travel for this boat ride.

9. Old Town Tours

The old town has a charming character. The winding streets with half-timber houses, shops, and old establishments are great for leisurely strolls. It is one of the top activities to do in Tours, Old Town. The vibrant and colourful area holds the history and culture of the town. There is no way to describe it, you just need to breathe in the vibe and experience it. Take an hour or so to walk the streets, visit the cafes, dine in old restaurants, and just watch people go about their businesses.

10. Château de Chenonceau

This UNESCO-listed castle is one of the most visited places in France. Its iconic design resembles several palaces shown in fairy tails. It was built in the 16th century and was designed by Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers. The palace is deeply associated with the story of these two powerful women and houses many artifacts from their time.

Alongside its exterior, it is also one of the most opulent things to see in Tours for its interiors. The lush furnishing, flemish tapestries, artworks adorned on walls, and curated gardens show you the life of the nobility. You will need about an hour to explore it.

I suggest you should get your Admission Ticket to the Château de Chenonceau in advance.

11. Priory of St. Cosmas (Prieuré de Saint-Cosme)

This site of a ruined priory is one of the lesser known Tours attractions. It once housed the famous French poet Ronsard. The history of the building goes back to 1001 AD.

The priory used to house monks for ages and became particularly famous for its association with the poet. People come here to enjoy his works in the environment where they were created.

You will discover little nuggets of life and work spread throughout the site. It is one of the best places to visit in Tours for those who admire literature. You will need an hour or so to tour this site.

12. Château d’Amboise

This is yet another UNESCO-listed chateau that you can explore when you visit Tours. It was built in the 15th century and served as home to several French royals until the 19th century. It also hosted several celebrity visitors including Leonardo da Vinci.

This hilltop castle has a blend of Gothic and Renaissance style giving it a unique facade. It is one of the must-see places in Tours for its architecture alone. The balcony and terrace of the castle give you breathtaking views of the Loire valley. You can see why the royals loved this place. It takes at least an hour to explore this castle.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to the Château d’Amboise in advance.

13. Beavul Zoo

This is considered one of the best zoo parks in the world. It is a blend of a park and a wildlife safari. The zoo houses more than 25,000 animals from around the world. It is one of the best things to do in Tours for families. The animals are kept in a recreated environment.

You don’t just walk to the enclosures, this is different. You also get to explore the environment by walking through valleys, over rope bridges, through the bushes, and even swimming with the animals.

The zoo also has some of the most fun activities to do in Tours for children and adults. There are rides, games, interactive zones, and even interaction sessions with the animals. You will need at least 3 to 4 hours to enjoy this zoo.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to the Beavul Zoo in advance.

14. Château d’Ussé

The magnificent estate is famous for inspiring Sleeping Beauty. The multi-tower architecture gives it a very magical look. It took three centuries to build it and exhibits a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Medieval architectural styles.

15. Musée du Compagnonnage

This museum is housed in the Abbey of St. Julien and focuses on the history of the small town of Compagonnage over the ages. The collection includes paintings, household tools, furniture, weapons, clothes, and several other artifacts from different periods.

The museum specifically focuses on the trades and crafts of the town as well as their evolution over the ages. It is one of the most interesting Tours tourist attractions for the perspective it takes. You will get an insight into how these people and industries shaped the history and culture. It takes about an hour to explore this museum.

16. Château du Rivau

This 15th-century castle is famous for its architecture, themed gardens, and connection with Joan of Arc. The Renaissance style architecture is not as elaborate as other castles, still has a quaint and regal beauty to it.

The castle is home to 14 themed gardens with beautiful as well as quirky sculptures, structures, and art installations. Finally, it is said that Joan of Arc came to the chateau to fetch the war horses at this castle for her cause. Take an hour from Tours sightseeing to explore this castle.

17. Les Halles de Tours

This market is called the Belly of Tours and rightly so. You will find all sorts of things to eat here including fresh produce, food products, meats, bakery goods, street food, wines, cheeses, beverages, chocolates, and more. It is also one of the best places to visit in Tours to enjoy street food and interesting conversations with the locals. You will need about an hour to explore this market.

18. Château du Clos Lucé

This chateau was built in 1471 as a summer house for the French nobility. However, this small chateau became famous for housing the great Leonardo da Vinci. King Francis I gifted this chateau to the artist. Leonardo spent his last days in this place.

The manor is now dedicated to da Vinci and his works. You will see working models of his inventions, paintings, and sketches created by him, and learn what he did during his last days. These are the most interesting things to see in Tours, France. You will need 2 hours to tour this chateau.

I suggest you should get your Entrance Ticket to the Château du Clos Lucé in advance.

19. Château du Villandry

Yet another 15th-century UNESCO-listed chateau! This one was built by Jean le Breton, the Minister of Finance to King Francis I. This one is known for its magnificent size and huge classical gardens.

The riverside chateau also has one of the finest interiors in the region. The entire chateau is one of the most photogenic Tours attractions. The balconies give you beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring it.

I suggest you should book your Tour to the Château du Villandry in advance.

20. Château d’Azay-le-Rideau

This chateau is not very large but is known for its elaborate design, decorated English gardens, and lush 19th-century interiors. The decor of this castle is especially praised for the collection of classic artworks and rich tapestries. These are flanked by regal furnishing and fine arts. You will need an hour or so to tour this chateau.

I suggest you should get your Entrance Ticket to the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau in advance.

If you are looking for more activities to do in Tours, check out the sections below. We have compiled the complete list of attractions and things to do in the town and around it.

Things to do in Tours, France

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Tours, France

Cathedral Saint Gatien
Basilique Saint Martin de Tours
Musee du Compagnonnage
Museum of Fine Arts
Centre de Creation Contemporaine Olivier Debre
Chateau de Chenonceau
Chateau de Villandry
Chateau Royal d’Amboise
Chateau du Clos Luce
Hotel de Ville de Tours
Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau
Chateau de Langeais
Chateau du Rivau
Chateau de Tours
Vieux Tours
Chateau de Nitray
Abbey de Saint Julien
Chateau Gaillard
Cloitre de la Psalette
Museum of Natural History of Tours
Lancer de haches
Le Prieure Saint Cosme
Chateau de Sache
Robert Houdin House of Magic
Museum of Pre-history of Grand Pressigny
Chateau de la Loire
Musee Lansyer

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Tours, France

Parc Naturel Regional Loire Anjou Touraine
Parc Naturel Regional de la Brenne

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Tours, France

Jardin Botanique de Tours
Prebendes d’Oe Garden
Zoopark de Beauval
Gadawi Park Nord
Maxx Parc Tours
Cinemas Studios
Escape Yourself
Parc de la Gloriette
Enigmatik Escape Game
Prison Island Tours
Virtual Xperience
The Five Tours
L’Enquete Tourangelle
Eva Tours
Chambrey les Tours
Lulu Parc
Domaine Huet L’Echansonne

Shopping in Tours, France

Place Victoire
Escape Commercial de I’Horloge
Les Halles
La Petite Arche
Galerie Nationale
Ma Petite Madelaine
L’Huere Tranquille
Centre Commercial Chambray
Passage du Palais
La Galerie la Riche

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Tours, France

Boat Tours
Hiking

Sightseeing in Tours, France

Place Plumereau
Rue Nationale
Hotel Gouin
Pont Wilson
Hotel de Ville de Tours

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Tours, France

Le Marche Gourmond
NYC Bistro
Leonard de Vinci
Newlita
Charles Barrier
Au Martin Bleu
La Deuvaliere
Terre de Loire
Le Petit Patrimoine
L’Accalmie
Le Surya
Vanne
Le Triptyque
Epicure Social Club
La Cantine Arkose Tours
Lazy Suzy
Arbol de Vida
Le Frenchy Resto
Le Chien Fou
Le Bristort 22
Flam’s Tours
Bistro Rossini
Le Cafe de la Poste

Where to Stay in Tours?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Tours. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Tours.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Tours

How to Reach Tours, France?

By Air

The city is served by Tour Val de Loire Airport. You will get direct flights to visit Tours from several cities in Europe including London, Porto, Marseille, Dublin, and Figari. The airport is connected to the city by tram and buses.

If you are travelling from elsewhere, you can also consider the airports of Poitiers, Angers, and Paris. You can get trains to reach Tours from each of these cities.

By Road

France has a pretty well-connected train network. You can get direct trains to travel to Tours from several cities and towns in the country. You should head for St. Pierre des Corps station, which sits just outside the town. The station sits on the TCV line. You can get trains to reach tours from Paris, Angers, Le Mans, Lille, Bordeaux, Nantes, Bourges, and several other destinations in the country.

While the bus network is pretty widespread too, the trains are a much faster and convenient mode of transport in France. You will get buses to reach the town from many nearby towns and cities. You will also get buses to get to places to visit near Tours from the town.

If you are planning to reach Tours by road, you should head for routes A10, A85, or A28. Route A10 directly passes through the town while the other two intersect with A10 just on the outskirts of Tours.

By Water

While you can enjoy boat tours to explore the Loire Valley from tours. These tours connect to a few towns on the banks of the River Loire. But these are for tour purposes only, they are not meant for passenger travel.

Image Reference

Château de Tours – Casper Moller / Flickr
Cloître de la Psalette – Patrick / Flickr
Tours Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Gatien de Tours) – Zairon / Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Fine Arts of Tours (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours) – Patrick / Flickr
Basilica of Saint Martin – Fred Romero / Flickr
Botanical Garden (Jardin botanique de Tours) – Daniel Jolivet / Flickr
Charlemagne Tower – Fred Romero / Flickr
River Cruise – Roland Turner / Flickr
Old Town Tours – Gerard Jalaudin / Wikimedia Commons
Château de Chenonceau – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
Priory of St. Cosmas (Prieuré de Saint-Cosme) – Daniel Jolivet / Flickr
Château d’Amboise – W. Bulach / Wikimedia Commons
Beavul Zoo – Benjamin Zanatta / Flickr
Château d’Ussé – flo21 / Flickr
Musée du Compagnonnage – JopkeB / Wikimedia Commons
Château du Rivau – OliBac / Flickr
Les Halles de Tours – GrandCelinien / Wikimedia Commons
Château du Clos Lucé – Werner Bayer / Flickr
Château du Villandry – Gary Bembridge / Flickr
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau – François Philipp / Flickr