The capital of Touraine, nestled between the Loire and Cher rivers, Tours is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway! An ancient Gallo-Roman city, it proudly reveals the remarkable vestiges of its past. Ideal for exploring on foot or by bike, Tours charms visitors with the diversity of its neighborhoods, each with its own unique identity. A student town, Tours is always lively, with squares lined with bars and streets packed with restaurants. Gastronomy is an art in Tours, and there are many local products to discover. With its museums, parks, monuments and lively cultural scene, Tours has everything to seduce visitors, who often dream of coming back. And as if that weren't enough, Honoré de Balzac's birthplace is also the gateway to some unmissable wonders: the famous châteaux of the Loire Valley. What to do on a weekend in Tours? Follow us to discover our escapade program!
Day 1: Old Tours, Les Halles, Villandry, Plumereau
What to book: Discover the city of Tours in a unique way with a tuk-tuk tour that you can book here. You'll see the city's most iconic spots, including the Old Town and Les Halles.
Morning: This weekend in Tours in the Loire Valley begins with a stroll through Vieux Tours, a sublime historic district that's always lively and gourmet. The stroll is a journey through history, with streets, alleys and squares home to half-timbered houses and other fine Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and classical residences. A visit to the Place de Châteauneuf, reminiscent of Italy, is a must if you want to see three of the city's treasures: the neo-Byzantine Basilica of Saint-Martin, and the Tour Charlemagne and Tour de l'Horloge, the remains of an ancient basilica dedicated to Martin le Miséricordieux. On Saturday mornings, the Halles market is the place to be for lovers of fresh, local produce. Right next door, the Halles building is the temple of gastronomy. This covered market is home to the fruits, vegetables, cheeses, charcuterie, wines and other products that make Touraine one of France's top gastronomic destinations. In fact, at lunchtime, the restaurants on Place du Grand Marché - known as "Place du Monstre" to the locals - or in its perpendicular streets, invite you to push open their doors and savour a fine Touraine salad or a Vouvray andouillette.
The unusual visit to book: click here to book an immersive guided tour of 13th-century Tours. You'll explore 13th-century Tours with Mahaut, a militiaman's daughter, and discover the history of Martinopole.
Afternoon: Tours, less than 2 hours from Paris, is one of the gateways to the most beautiful châteaux of the Loire Valley. Travelers are advised to rent a car, with electric vehicles available for hire in the center of Tours, to head for the Château de Villandry and its sublime gardens, a 25-minute drive away. Inside the building, you'll discover richly decorated rooms. Outside, the gardens were redesigned by Joachim Carvallo in the early 20th century. Renaissance kitchen garden, gardens of love, water garden, medicinal plant garden, labyrinth and sun garden - these areas, tended by talented gardeners on a daily basis, are an original creation combining tradition and innovation. A delightful stroll.
Evening: Back in town after crossing the gentle Touraine countryside, we join one of France's most beautiful squares for an aperitif: Place Plumereau, one of Tours' must-sees. The charming half-timbered houses dating from the 15th century and the pretty Renaissance-style buildings are a sight to behold. The bars and restaurants surrounding the square invite visitors to relax over a glass of sparkling Vouvray or Chinon wine, accompanied by a gourmet board to share. Other options are available in the evening, such as going to the Grand Théâtre to see an opera, or the Centre Dramatique National de Tours to attend a play.
For gourmets we recommend this wonderful culinary walking tour of medieval Tours!
Day 2: Jean Jaurès, museums, Saint-Gatien cathedral, rue Colbert, the Loire River
Morning: Early morning drive to Tours train station, one of the 10 most beautiful in France and the work of Touraine architect Victor Laloux. Opposite is the Vinci International Convention Center, this time designed by Jean Nouvel. A short walk along Boulevard Heurteloup brings you to Place Jean Jaurès, where you can admire the Palais de Justice and the Hôtel de Ville. The impressive latter is also by Laloux. After a coffee in the square and a walk up Rue Nationale, a shopping street, you arrive at the Centre de création contemporaine Olivier-Debré. This center for experimentation, promotion and dissemination of contemporary artistic creation offers fascinating exhibitions. Next, take rue Colbert, one of Tours' oldest streets, to arrive at Saint-Gatien Cathedral and immortalize its magnificent Gothic architecture. The interior is equally sublime, with a special mention for its stained-glass windows. Not far away is the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours, with its rich collection of ancient works and some contemporary creations. This former episcopal palace boastsa pretty formal garden and a gigantic listed Lebanese cedar. At lunchtime, you can stop off at "Chez Gaster" on rue Colbert for traditional, simple and infinitely generous cuisine.
Afternoon: From rue Colbert, it's a short walk to the banks of the Loire. Both wild and developed, the banks are home to a wide variety of wildlife. We recommend crossing the Pont de Fil and then walking east down to the river's edge. Here, you can enjoy the city's natural landscapes, until you come to the picturesque former Abbey of Marmoutier, surrounded by a cliff. The walk continues along the axis that leads back to the town center. Passing in turn through rue Saint-Gatien, rue de l'Ermitage and rue Losserand, you'll discover some magnificent Touraine homes. In the Paul Bert district, don't hesitate to take a stroll down the charming little medieval alleyways. The city center can then be reached via the Pont de Fil or the Pont Wilson, with its stunning views over the Loire and its islands. Tours can be visited all year round, but is also a great destination for a spring weekend.
Where to stay in Tours for a weekend? Our selection of the best hotels
Tours, a great idea for a weekend getaway on a budget, boasts a number of hotels that combine tradition with modern decor. And there's something for every budget. Here's our selection of 3 must-visit hotels in the city center.
- Le Grand Hôtel, a stone's throw from the station
The hotel boasts 103 rooms in a variety of formats (comfort, superior, family, etc.), with all the comforts you'd expect, and decorated as a tribute to the Roaring Twenties. You can book the Grand Hôtel book here features a bar and private terrace, perfect for a drink on a sunny day. The location is ideal for getting to all parts of the city.
- Les Trésorières, for luxury
Although you'll need to budget, this 5* hotel, which can be booked here, is a little nugget just opposite Les Halles. This beautifully restored building boasts rooms that blend the old with the new. Les Trésorières has a lounge area where you can enjoy a glass of wine, as well as a wellness area with sauna, hammam, swimming pool and gym. Simply sublime!
Has your stay in Tours inspired you to discover the region? Check out our top 10 things to do in the Centre-Val de Loire region and our top 10 things to do in the region by bus or train.
You'll also find below a list of the trendiest things to do in Tours:
