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For a truly memorable stay in Touraine, see our irresistible offers in order to discover, explore and savour the region! Châteaux, gardens, art, vineyards and gastronomy, you'll find the essence of your stay here…

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The Tours Loire Valley Tourist Office and the city of Tours offer a thematic tour of the Old Town of Tours, led by a guide. A guided tour of the emblematic Vieux Tours district around Place Plumereau, led by an expert guide.  Medieval half-timbered and stone houses stand side by side with exceptional townhouses. These mansions bear witness to the prosperity of this part of town, which grew up around a huge collegiate church dedicated to Saint Martin. Once home to the saint's body, it was the center of one of the oldest pilgrimages in Christendom. This tour has been awarded the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire label.

Come aboard a tuk-tuk for an original tour of the city of Tours! For 45 minutes, Pascal will be delighted to take you to discover the city's most emblematic sites: the old town of Tours, Les Halles, the Quartier des Arts, the Basilica Saint-Martin and, of course, the riverside of the Loire.

Enjoy the destination's must-see attractions: Castle and Gardens of Villandry, Castle of Azay-le-Rideau, Castle of Tours, Centre of Contemporary Creation Olivier Debré, Fine Arts Museum, « Compagnonnage » Museum, Natural History Museum, Saint-Cosme Priory, Psalette Cloister and a guided tour of Tours. This 48h Pass also includes bike hire, access to the little tourist train (available end of March 2024) and exclusive benefits from our partners (e.g. €3 discount per player with Escape Yourself, 10% discount in the pub « Au temps des Rois »)

Discover the Loire Valley and visit its 2 most prestigious castles in one great day: impressive Château de Chambord and stunning Château de Chenonceau. Learn about the intimate little secrets of the French Kings who once lived there. Enjoy off-the-crowd panoramic views thanks to your local guide, benefit from wealth of thrilling genuine details and funny anecdotes and make the most of this exciting day. Program: 9.30am: Departure from Tours. Meet your friendly guide in front of the Tourist Office in the city of Tours (just in front of the train station). Everybody's here? Let’s start the day! 9:30am: Start in front of the Tourist Office in the city of Tours, and get into our minivan, off to Chenonceau! Next step is Château de Chenonceau! On the way, get a good look at lovely privately owned châteaux but also other must-see castles of Loire Valley such as: Cheverny, Chaumont, Amboise, Montrichard... Chenonceau: this is the most visited historical monument in France after Château de Versailles. Admire this stunning chateau and its unique gallery, built on a bridge across the Cher River. With your guide, stroll through the gorgeously-manicured gardens à la Française named after the famous ladies who lived there: "Catherine de Médicis" and "Diane de Poitiers". Once inside, take your time to appreciate the refined architecture and feminine influence that prevails in each room of this renowned chateau, all decorated with beautiful antiques and the most divine fresh flower arrangements. The kitchens, the Queen bedroom, the Gallery... your tour guide will show you all the beautiful rooms of this incredible place. Lunch will take place off the beaten path. You will enjoy a typical French lunch in a lovely private château of Loire Valley, built by Jean le Breton! Start with the visit of this unique familly Château, meet the family and discover all the authentic rooms and lovely surroundings of this haven of piece. After the visit, hosted by the French Countess who lives there permanently, indulge in the nice and cozy atmosphere with tasty food and local Loire Valley wine. This experience will make you feel like the owner of the place! More than a chateau, this work of art is a glorious historical place that will take you to the heart of the Loire Valley and the Renaissance era. Your guide will make this trip back in time a fun and captivating experience. He will tell you everything about the history of the castle, built by the famous King François 1er. Unforgettable! Once inside, your guide will select for you the most emblematic rooms to visit: the double helix staircase, the chapel, the terrace...He will also share with you memorable anecdotes and point at hidden details of interest and breathtaking views of the château. So get ready to travel back in time of French Renaissance! After this exceptional visit, your tour-guide will advise you some spots to get a impressive view of the chateau. A spectacular day you will never forget. 5.30pm: Back to the Tourist Office in Tours

Head west for half a day! Nature and relaxation guaranteed. Accompanied by a guide, a 15km loop will take you along the "La Loire à Vélo" itinerary to the Ile de la Métairie in La Ville-aux-Dames, formerly known as the Ile de Rochecorbon, characterised by its sandy meadows. A fun, educational trail to help you identify the flora and fauna present.

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Here, events come and go and none is alike other ! The metropolis know how to cultivate its art of living. Numbers of events from traditionnal and old music, to gastronomy or sport are organized throughtout all seasons. This eclectic program also allows to discover some nice historic, or out the ordinary, places.

Tours Loire Valley Tourist Office & Convention Bureau

How to come? What weather in Tours? Where to leave my luggage? Find all practical information here.

The Tourist Office is located: 78-82 Rue Bernard Palissy, 37000 Tours.

Monday to Saturday: 8.30am to 7pm Sundays and public holidays: 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 5pm

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Visit Tours, the gateway city of the Loire Valley

Home › Discover › Tours and the finest cities in Touraine › Visit Tours, the gateway city of the Loire Valley

Beautiful, vibrant and lively, Tours is a pretty stopping point during a couple of days in the middle of the Loire Valley Chateaux . Tour its historic quarters with their half-timbered houses, the bustling Place Plumereau and Saint-Gatien Cathedral, as well as the new Olivier Debré Contemporary Art Centre.

On sunny days, the star of Tours is the River Loire! The now famous ‘Tours-sur-Loire’ guinguette  and the Tours beach extend the city limits to the banks of the river. Numerous activities are offered.

Tours is packed with gourmet bistros featuring fresh, locally sourced produce on their menus. You should taste the nougat of Tours , the potted rillettes of Tours, the saffron , or the "poires tapées" (dried pears). Genuinely unique!

Tours – A tale of two cities

In a perfect location, Tours is the great capital of the Loire Valley, a Unesco world heritage site, but it is far more than just a gateway to the Loire Chateaux. Indeed, Tours delights in being charming and doesn’t think twice about playing a double game in order to do so.

Visit Tours and its architecture full of history

First of all, there is its historical heritage. The birthplace of  Balzac   (more than fifty books to read) is proud of its old quarters , which take visitors on a wonderful journey back in time in France. Explore the narrow cobbled streets,  half-timbered french houses and the stone façade of the monumental  Saint-Gatien Cathedral , which give the city a charming medieval air.

The architecture of the Fine Arts Museum , the Hotel Gouïn  (Renaissance architecture),  Tours castle , the ‘la Psalette’ cloister and the Saint Martin Basilica (near the “tour Charlemagne” and the “tour de l’horloge”) is of great interest! You will enjoy those monuments through a illuminated walking experience , and of course with a guided tour proposed by the tourist office.

Tours - Saint-Gatien Cathedral

Château de Tours - Illuminated walking experience

Tours, a beautiful city in France

In addition to the built heritage, large green spaces perfectly enhance the french city. Designed in the 19th century and classified as a remarkable garden, the Prebendes d’Oe garden is a perfect example, as is the botanic garden and the Gloriette park . Attached to the latter, the practice of La Gloriette Golf may allow you to make your first swing!

You have a few days ahead of you?   Renting a bike , you will cycle from Tours to :

• the St Cosme priory (4km / 14 min),
• the Montbazon fortress (15km / 56 min),
• Vouvray wineries ( Château Gaudrelle , Vigneau-Chevreau …).
• the gardens of Villandry (19km / 1h03),
• the Valmer gardens (19km / 1h06).

The gardens of Villandry castle. France

It is also very pleasant to go shopping, to have a look at the exhibitions at the new  Olivier Debré Contemporary Creation Centre and at the Arts district , to relax at the summer ‘guinguette’, situated along the banks of the Loire River from which you can see the traditional boats (belonging to the Boutavant association ). You may also like to go on board for a fifty minute cruise on the river !

Tours - Boutavant boat on the River Loire

Visit Tours - Olivier Debré Contemporary Creation Centre

For night owls , a stopover in Tours also gives them an opportunity to treat themselves to a show, an evening in one of the many bars and cafés in the Old Town or a front seat at the free sound and light show  projected onto the Fine Art Museum façade every evening in the summer.

Some more pictures of Tours:

The Plumereau square

The Art Deco American Memorial

The Monster of Xavier Veilhan

The Jean Jaurès Square, with the Tours City Hall.

Visit Tours in video

Tours is the ideal place to spend a night as it is situated close to the main Loire Valley chateaux, along the Loire by bike trail , along the GR3 pedestrian route and on the way to Santiago de Compostela !

Practical: Tours Val de Loire Tourist Office

Book tickets, guided tour, day trip, activities for groups: www.tours-tourisme.fr/en +033 (0)2 47 70 37 37

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A Guide to the Best Things to do in Tours, Loire Valley

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 13th March 2023

Categories France

Last Updated on 13th March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Nestled in the heart of the Loire valley, a region of France well known for its many historic châteaux, the town of Tours has kept many vestiges of its medieval past. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Tours , as well as what to know before you go.

What is Tours known for?

Tours cathedral, château de tours, musée des beaux arts de tours, relax in the park prébendes d’oé garden, enjoy the cherry blossom, harry potter store (les trois sorciers), musée du compagnonnage, walk along the river loire , take a boat ride , flood level, get a drink at place plumereau , charlemagne tower , clock tower, basilica , christmas market, take a day trip to amboise, take a day trip to the loire valley château, boll n roll, where to stay in tours.

Tours is a city located in the Loire Valley region of central France, known for its rich history, architecture, and cultural attractions. Among them are the Château de Tours and the Cathedral of Saint Gatien.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours is another notable attraction, featuring a collection of over 12,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

The city also boasts the picturesque Place Plumereau, a popular spot for dining and socialising surrounded by medieval half-timbered buildings, and Les Halles de Tours, a bustling indoor market.

Tours is also known as the gateway to the Loire Valley, home to numerous historic châteaux, including Château de Chenonceau, Château de Chambord , and Château de Villandry, making it a popular destination for history, culture, and food enthusiasts. For more inspiration, check out our suggested Loire Valley itinerary .

Things to do in Tours

Truth be told, one of the best things to do in Tours is to stroll around the old town, which is characterised by its little lanes and timber-framed architecture.

Old Tours makes up the streets surrounding Place Plumereau. Largely pedestrianised, the little cobbled lanes are perfect for snapping stunning medieval-esque photos.

Widely regarded to be one of the most beautiful cathedrals in France , Tours Cathedral is officially known as Cathédrale Saint-Gatien and was constructed between the 12th and 16th-centuries.

Today, highlights of the Gothic ecclesiastical building include original 13th-century stained glass windows and several ornate stone-carved tombs of the children of Anne of Brittany.

As is the case with many medieval towns, Tours boasts its own Château with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. The Château de Tours was constructed in the 11th-century and was once home to the  Lords of France. Today, the castle can be visited for a small fee.

Those who wish to enjoy some of the finest paintings held in the Loire Valley need to look no further than the Museum of Fine Arts. Highlights of the art museum, which is set against the backdrop of the bishop’s former palace, include fine Italian paintings and two paintings by Andrea Mantegna.

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Tours is the park of Prébendes d’Oé, which is a beautiful green space that is centred around a central lake teeming with ducks. When the weather is warm, it’s a great spot to people watch and sit on a bench in the sunshine.

If you happen to be visiting Tours in the summertime, then one of the best places to soak up some summer sunshine is at Guinguette Tours (official name Guinguette de Tours sur Loire), which is an open-air terrace along the banks of the River Loire from the late Spring to early Autumn.

It may surprise many, but Tours is actually a fantastic place to enjoy gorgeous cherry blossoms during the springtime. The best places to enjoy cherry blossom in Tours is along rue Constantine, on the adjacent rue du commerce, and around the train station.

Please note that the pink cherry blossom around the train station is slightly later blooming than that in the centre of town, which tends to bloom in the last couple of weeks of March. If you visit during the last week of March then you will be sure to see at least a few trees in bloom!

One of the more unusual shopping experiences to have in Tours is to head to the wizarding store along  Rue du Commerce. Head in at any given moment and you’ll soon find a wide selection of magical collectibles and clothing inspired by the Harry Potter series.

Set against the backdrop of a former abbey dedicated to Saint-Julien, yet another museum in Tours which is worth checking out is the Musée du Compagnonnage, which is all about trade-guild history.

One of the most famous rivers in France is the Loire, and this is what gives the area its name. As well as being the 171st longest river in the world, the Loire is the longest river in France and the 3rd longest in Europe.

One of the most gentle and relaxing ways to get a different view of the Loire Valley is by taking a boat ride along the River Loire. One agency that proposes tours down the river in a flat-bottomed wooden river boat is the Boutavant Association. Find more details here.

If you’re looking for a unique hidden gem of Tours that’s a little off the beaten path, then you can head to the flood level marker that lies along the banks of the River Loire. The marker details all recent flooding levels, as well as more historic ones.

The very beating heart of Tours is Place Plumereau, which is a big open square with sprawling cafés, restaurants, and eateries. While the brasseries on the square are not of the best quality, it’s one of the best spots in the city to grab a drink and people watch when the sun is shining.

One of the more historic buildings you’ll see when wandering around town is the Charlemagne Tower. This is known as the tower of Charles the Great in English and is now all that remains of the original Basilica of St. Martin of Tours. Local legend suggests that it was in this basilica or close by that Charlemagne interred his wife.

Known as the Tour de l’Horloge in French, the clock tower is situated in the vieux-ville portion of Tours and dates back to the 11th-century, though much of what you see today was added in the 16th-century.

Tours Cathedral is not the only important ecclesiastical building in Tours. There is also the Basilica of Saint Martin (known as the Basilique Saint Martin in French) which was constructed to replace an earlier one of which the Charlemagne Tower is the only remaining remnant. Today, a visit to the interior of Basilica is free and open every day of the week.

Visitors who frequent the ancient settlement during the winter will soon discover the Tours Christmas Market, which takes place on an annual basis. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our Tours Christmas Market guide .

Tours is the gateway city to the Loire Valley, making it a great place to base yourself from which to explore the wider region. One of the most delightful towns near Tours is Amboise, which is where there’s a wonderful château and medieval town.

Of course, history buffs will be well aware that the Loire Valley is best-known for its amazing Châteaux. Some of the most famous Châteaux in the region are Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau.

The easiest way to get to the Loire Valley Châteaux is by car as many of the castles are not served by public transport. Alternatively, if you want all of the transportation details taken care of for you, then you can book a guided tour like this one.

Where to eat 

In the French countryside outside of Paris, it can be hard to find vegetarian options and any vegan offerings are even harder to find still. One particular favourite of mine when it comes to somewhat healthy fast food in Tours is Boll n Roll, where there are several meat-free options on the menu.

Thanks to its fairly large size and popularity, there are a number of different places to stay in Tours to suit almost any budget and taste. Here are some of the best places to stay in Tours based on web-reviews and location:

Budget: One of the most affordable and yet cosy places to stay in Tours is The People. This chic hostel offers private rooms as well as mixed-gender and female-only dorms. There’s a bar onsite with a terrace. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range: Those in search of an affordable luxury option when it comes to staying in Tours can check out this cosy little hotel. Amenities include air conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a fairly central location. Check prices and availability here.

Luxury: For the ultimate luxury experience during your time in Tours, consider booking yourself a stay at this four-star hotel. Highlights include a pool and spa, as well as a fitness centre. Check prices and availability here.

Enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Tours? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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What To Do in Tours, France (Guide + Map)

• December 26, 2023

Located just an hour away by train from Paris, Tours is often used as a base for visiting the chateaux of Loire Valley. It is one of the largest cities in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France, well connected by public transport to the most famous castles in the area. Indeed, from here, you can easily reach the historic palaces of Chenonceau, Chambord, Blois and Amboise.

Once the capital of France, today Tours is a lively city boasting a beautiful historic centre with half-timbered houses and gourmet bistros. A perfect stop on your way through the Loire Valley!

What to do in Tours, France in one day

Thanks to its central location and excellent public transport connections to the nearby towns, Tours is a great base to discover the chateaux of Loire. This is one of the main cities I’d recommend you to base yourself in, especially if you’re travelling by train.

Besides being an excellent base for touring the historic chateaux, Tours itself is worth at least half a day of exploring. Take a walk along the narrow cobbled streets while admiring the half-timbered houses, the impressive Saint-Gatien Cathedral and the Renaissance Hotel Gouïn.

Follow my itinerary to discover the best things to do in Tours, France for one day. You’ll also find what are the most famous chateaux to visit near the city and some restaurant recommendations.

At the end of the blog post, you can find a map of this itinerary (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites).

What to do in Tours in one day

Breakfast at l’atelier du talemelier.

• Visit Basilique Saint-Martin de Tours

Tour de l’Horloge and Tour de Charlemagne

• Have a cup of coffee at Place Plumereau
• Admire Hôtel Goüin

Lunch at Les Gens Heureux

• Visit Saint-Gatien Cathedral

Hôtel de Ville de Tours

• Admire the art at Musée des Beaux-Arts
• Take a walk in the Botanical Garden
• Visit the quirky Musée de Compagnonnage

09:00 AM – 10:00 AM Start your one day in Tours with breakfast at L’Atelier du Talemelier or Kat’s Coffee . L’Atelier du Talemelier is a great bakery which offers quality pastries and sandwiches. However, if you prefer to enjoy some delicious cakes with your coffee, head to Kat’s Coffee.

Basilique Saint-Martin de Tours

10:00 AM – 10:25 AM Basilique Saint-Martin de Tours (Basilica of St. Martin) is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, the third bishop of Tours. It was built over the traditional burial site of the saint in the 5th century AD. During the centuries, the small basilica was replaced several times with larger structures.

The basilica in a Neo-byzantine style that you see today dates from the 19th century. However, you can still see some of the remains of the older Romanesque edifice – the western clock tower and Tour de Charlemagne (Charlemagne Tower). They are located just a few steps away from the current church.

Inside the crypt, you’ll find the tomb of Saint Martin.

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM Tour de l’Horloge (Clock Tower) and Tour de Charlemagne are the only remnants of the impressive structure of the 11th-century Romanesque Basilica of Saint Martin.

Tour de Charlemagne was built on the site of the tomb of Luitgard, the last wife of Charlemagne. The king was so greatly affected by her death in 800, that he decided that Luitgard would be buried in the Basilica of Saint Martin. In the 19th century, the Charlemagne Tower was converted into a water tower.

Although, it’s not possible to visit the towers, take a few moments and admire their structure. Just imagine the grandeur of the 11th-century Romanesque basilica, of which these towers were part!

Place Plumereau

10:50 AM – 11:05 AM Place Plumereau is the heart of the historic centre of Tours. It is a lively square with bars and restaurants, framed by charming 15th-century half-timbered houses. A popular place to sit and watch the world go by!

The square is named in honour of Charles Plumereau, a municipal councillor of Tours, who bequeathed 3000 francs to the city.

Hôtel Goüin

11:15 AM – 11:30 AM This Renaissance palace served as a private mansion of a family of silk merchants in the 15th century. The façade with its beautiful arches is a real masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. So don’t miss to take a quick look and admire the exterior!

Hôtel Goüin is named after a family of Breton bankers who purchased the building in 1738. And don’t be fooled by the word hotel, this is not an actual hotel, but a museum for temporary art exhibitions.

12:00 PM – 02:00 PM For lunch head to Les Gens Heureux . This typical French restaurant offers a small selection of interesting dishes with a unique combination of flavours.

Saint-Gatien Cathedral

02:00 PM – 02:30 PM Tours Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Gatien) is dedicated to the first bishop of Tours – Saint Gatianus. Built between 1170 and 1547, it reflects the development of the Gothic style of architecture. Some of the cathedral’s highlights include the spectacular 13th-14th century stained glass windows and an Italian-style organ.

The cathedral houses the tombs of the children of Anne de Bretagne and Charles VII. Also, you’ll find a chapel dedicated to Joan of Arc. She had met with Charles VII here in Tours, an important meeting which became a turning point in the Hundred Years’ War.

02:45 PM – 03:00 PM The last stop of this Tours itinerary is the town hall, Hôtel de Ville de Tours. Take your time and enjoy its magnificent Renaissance Revival façade.

The town hall was built between 1896 and 1904 by the famous architect Victor Laloux. It is the same architect who designed the Orsay museum in Paris!

Dinner at La Maison des Halles

Finish your one day in Tours with dinner at La Maison des Halles . The wine list here is great and the menu is excellent (don’t miss the desserts – the best I’ve had during a week in France).

More ideas for your one day in Tours, France

Museum of fine arts.

The Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) is housed in the former bishop’s palace. The museum owns a remarkable collection of Italian Primitives from the 14th-15th centuries. Among them are two renaissance paintings by Andrea Mantegna, considered masterpieces. You’ll also find many artworks by Delacroix, Degas, Monet, Rembrandt, Rubens and Rodin.

Don’t miss the staggering cedar tree at the museum entrance, which is over 200 years old!

Castle of Tours

Close to the cathedral, you’ll find the Castle of Tours (Château de Tours). Built in the 11th century, this small chateau served as a residence of the Carolingian dynasty. Today, it houses contemporary exhibitions of paintings and photographs .

Church of Saint Julien

The Church of Saint Julien (Église Saint-Julien de Tours) is a part of a former Benedictine abbey founded in the 6th century. Most of the church is in Romanesque style and dates back to the 13th century.

Tours Botanical Garden

Founded in 1843, the Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique de Tours) is the oldest city park. It’s a lovely area with lots of wildlife and thematic gardens – greenhouses, orchards, medical gardens, arboretums and many others. There is also a petting zoo with farm animals like donkeys, sheep, rabbits and poultry!

Musée de Compagnonnage

Musée de Compagnonnage occupies the dormitory at the former Abbey of Saint-Julien. This quirky museum is dedicated to the city’s trade guilds. The exhibition represents various objects related to metalwork, tailoring, culinary, shoemaking and woodcarving.

Where to stay in Tours, France

If you intend to use Tours as a base to explore the Loire castles, take a look at my recommendations below on where to stay. You’ll find most of the historic attractions and restaurants in the area between the Loire River and the Central Railway station. So, I’d advise you to look for accommodations in this area, because you’ll be within walking distance of everything.

Perfectly located in the heart of Tours, just a short walk from everything. Also, the hotel features a good bistro-style restaurant and a wellness centre with Spa, hammam and heated indoor pool. Why book – a short walk from the Old Town and Tours train station, heated indoor pool, private parking

Les Trésorières is an excellent choice for an upscale stay in Tours. Central quiet location and bright spacious room. A great wellness area, featuring a hammam, sauna and an indoor pool. Why book – at walking distance to the Old Town and Tours train station, indoor pool, parking nearby

Getting around in Tours, France

Find here a detailed map of this Tours walking itinerary.

The Old Town of Tours is very compact and you can easily explore it by walking in less than an hour.

How to get to Tours, France

Tours is well connected to other major cities in France by train. For example, it’s less than a 2 hours journey from Paris Gare Montparnasse. Tours station (Gare de Tours) is the city’s main railway station. It’s located just a short walk from the Old Town.

Check timetables and book train tickets online at SNCF official website .

Tours is divided into three different types of zones – red, orange and blue. The first two are limited to 3 hours of parking, while the blue one – to 5 hours. However, parking in the Old Town is free on Sundays and Monday – Saturday (between 12 PM – 2 PM and 6:30 PM – 9 AM).

If you’re arriving by car I’d recommend booking a hotel with parking or using any of the paid car parks in the city centre (see a list of all car parks here ).

Day trips from Tours, France

Loire valley chateaux.

The central location of Tours makes it a great base to explore the chateaux of Loire Valley. You’ll find a few of the most popular castles just a short train ride away. For more information, take a look at my guide on how to visit the Loire Valley .

Here are the most famous chateaux you can visit near Tours:

• Château de Chenonceau – known as Château des Dames, it’s the most beautiful Renaissance castle of Loire Valley
• Château de Chambord – this royal residence is one of the largest chateaux in France
• Château de Blois – home to 7 kings and 10 queens of France between the 13th and 17th centuries
• Château d’Amboise – the place where Leonardo Da Vinci spent his last years and where he is buried
• Château de Chaumont – a fairytale 10th-century castle, once home to Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers
• Château de Villandry – is known for its beautiful French Gardens, which consist of several terraces of renaissance gardens

Blois is one of the most charming towns in the Loire Valley. The city is known for its royal chateau and the Cathedral of Saint-Louis, a Gothic masterpiece. For more information, take a look at my travel guide on how to spend one day in Blois .

How to get to Blois Take a train from Gare de Tours to Gare de Blois – Chambord (40min journey). From there, it’s a 10min walk to the Old Town and the chateau.

Located just a short train ride away, Angers is a great option for a day trip from Tours. The city is famous for its castle, the ancient seat of the Plantagenet dynasty and the Apocalypse tapestry, the largest medieval tapestry in the world. Find out more in my travel guide to the best things to do in Angers .

How to get to Angers Take a train from Gare de Tours to Gare d’Angers Saint-Laud (50min journey). From the central train station, it’s about a 10min walk to the city centre.

How many days in Tours, France

Is one day in tours enough.

The city of Tours can be easily visited in less than a day. In fact, most of the people come not for sightseeing but to use the city as a base to explore the nearby castles. Still, there is plenty to see, so dedicate at least half a day to this charming town.

Best time to visit Tours, France

If you intend to visit Tours as a part of your Loire Valley trip, do it in the months of May, June or September. Crowds are fewer and the weather is not hot, but nice and warm.

Faqs about visiting Tours, France

Tours is one of the largest cities in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. It is worth visiting not only for the impressive Saint-Gatien Cathedral and the Renaissance Hotel Gouïn, but also for the picturesque half-timbered houses. Thanks to its central location, the city is an excellent base to explore the castles of the Loire Valley.

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About the author

Thank you for the blog which covers Tours in depth. We are travelling On Nov 07th to Blois to see three castles and unfortunately all public transport stops on Nov 05th. We don’t have car. Apart from Taxi any other alternate solution ?

Many Thanks -Yoga

Unfortunately, there is no other option, but a taxi. However, there are still a lot of castles, which are are reachable by train – Château de Chenonceau, Château de Blois, Château de Chaumont, Château d’Amboise, Château d’Angers, Château de Langeais, Château de Saumur, Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, Château de Loches, Château de Chinon and Château de Meung-sur-Loire.

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Visit the Amazing City of Tours: Things to do in Tours, France

If you have been dreaming of touring Tours, then now is the time to make it a reality! Not only dynamic and captivatingly historic, but also an imperative stopover for anyone on the Route of Loire Valley Castle.

Table of Contents

Nestled in Val-de-Loire along both riverside shores of Loire and Cher Rivers, this town has about 135 thousand inhabitants including almost 30 thousands students! Its vibrant historical core serves as a perfect starting point for all tourists looking to explore its beauty.

Looking for things to do in Tours? Winalist takes you to discover the city and its surroundings in this guide selecting the best visits and activities. You will also find our tips on the best wine experiences in the Loire Valley and the Loire Valley wine route .

Things to do in Tours: Visit Tours in 1 day

Do you want to discover Tours, but only have one day to do so ? here are the Top places that we recommend you to see first.

The historic city center of Tours

One of the most captivating things to do in Tours is exploring its historic city center, which will instantly transport you to a different era. The cobblestone streets and Tudor-style architecture evoke an almost mesmerizing atmosphere that encourages further exploration through every winding corner.

Several buildings have remarkable and very well preserved architecture, such as the Saint-Martin Basilica , the Cloister of Psalette , or the Museum of Fine Arts .

When visiting the city center of Tours, you will be delighted to discover an abundance of bars, restaurants and shops that come alive during summertime when their terraces are bustling.

Idea for a walk: In the evening, the city of Tours showcases all its riches by offering ” Light Trails “ by illuminating the city’s emblematic monuments. All you have to do is criss-cross the “Vieux-Tours” or “Balzac” route to enjoy this open-air spectacle.

Saint-Gatien Cathedral

One of the most impressive things to do in Tours is this special ampitheater. Built on the remains of the Gallo-Roman city Caesarodunum , the Saint-Gatien cathedral is right in the center of the city. It is also known as the “ Tours Ampitheater “. In the past, it was one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in the West.

Bringing together the pious, lovers of art, architecture or history, this building is a clever mix of Gothic construction and Renaissance style, testimony to its evolution through the ages.

Once you have entered the Saint-Gatien cathedral, you will not miss the stained glass windows and its imposing rose window which adorn the walls, as well as its large organ made up of around 4000 pipes.

Walk along the banks of the Loire

As you probably know, Tours is crossed by the Loire River . It is therefore natural that we advise walkers and hikers to tread the urban path starting from rue André Malraux.

For about 5 kilometers (1h30), you follow the banks of the Loire and discover Ile Aucard as well as Ile Simon which offers a beautiful view of the Pont Wilson for a photo break.

The botanical garden

Next on our list of things to do in Tours is its Botanical garden. Since 1843, the botanical garden has been an essential place for a walk. There is a space dedicated to plant collections, a playground for children and even an animal park.

Today this garden has several roles:

• ensure the safeguarding of rare and protected plants through their conservation
• coordinate scientific research work on the plants already present and those introduced into the park
• raise public awareness of species preservation
• provide a quiet place for locals and tourists

Visit the vineyards of the Val-de-Loire

With over 65 distinct appellations, the Loire Valley is renowned for its vineyards and iconic Castles.

Let Winalist guide you through this incredible region of white and rosé wines! Experience the beauty of local cellars, engage with passionate winegrowers and collect unforgettable memories while indulging in a variety of flavors.

Discover Maison Brédif in Rochecorbon

Founded in 1893, Maison Brédif and its wine-loving owner open their doors to you . In a few hours, you will discover how the different wines produced on the estate are made, and how they are kept in the 2 kilometers of cellars and underground galleries.

Private visits with Maison Brédif are one of the best things to do in Tours and are always accompanied by a tasting of 5 of the best wines from Maison Brédif (Chinon, Bourgueil or Saumur Champigny).

Among the themes of the various visits and tastings, you will have the choice between:

• The simple visit
• Visit with a selection of cheeses and charcuterie
• Taste wine directly in the troglodyte cellars, a magical place

See the details of the oenological experiences offered by Maison Brédif . Oneological experiences are some of the absolute best things to do in Tours, France.

What is the most beautiful castle to visit near Tours?

For one of the best things to do in Tours, you could visit the Château de Tours located in the center of the city. This is a Carolingian-style castle hosting exhibitions of contemporary and historical art.

But if you are rather looking to see one of the most beautiful castles of the Loire , we recommend that you go west from Tours to enter the magnificent Château de Villandry. This great Renaissance palace is notably surrounded by a famous park with a labyrinth: the famous gardens of Villandry.

What to do in Tours: The best activities

Here is a selection of ideal things to do in Tours during a stay with family or friends in this beautiful city:

• Museum of Fine Arts

Visit Segway Tours

• Take a day trip to the vineyards
• Take a wine rally in the heart of the vineyards

The Museum of Fine Arts in Tours

Located in Old Tours near the cathedral, in the former episcopal palace, the Museum of Fine Arts in Tours has an important collection of paintings including several masterpieces. There are Italian Renaissance galleries, French paintings from the 17th to 19th centuries, as well as Flemish and Dutch paintings by Rubens.

This museum also preserves statues and sculptures, some of which date back to antiquity.

Don’t feel like walking? Then you can go to the Tours Tourist Office to rent a segway! After a brief introduction, all you have to do is explore Vieux-Tours thanks to this original and ecological means of transport.

The tourist office offers day and night rides by segway, on the banks of the Loire or in the town centre. Count about 1h30 for each walk.

Loire Valley Vineyard Day Trip

Discover the treasures of the Loire Valley comfortably seated in a 9-seater mini-bus with the Val de Loire Travel agency.

During a full day, you will be taken to several villages around Tours to discover the troglodytes, the know-how and the wines of the region . The wine tour will end with a visit to one of the most beautiful private castles in the region, located in the middle of the forest of Chinon .

The expedition will include several tastings of fine wines and a delightful meal, all meticulously planned by the organizers. At day’s end, you’ll be brought back to your launching point in Tours’ city center.

Oeno-Rally in the heart of the vineyards

If you’re looking for a fun way to explore the wines of the Loire Valley, Ame-Wine is your go-to! They offer custom quizzes that will reveal all the secrets of local vineyards – one glass at a time.

Tour, France is a beautiful city full of history and culture. From its impressive gardens to its majestic châteaux, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Tour. Whether you’re looking for some historic sites, outdoor activities or a vibrant nightlife, Tour has something for everyone. With its array of cultural attractions and stunning architecture, the city is sure to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience. Discover more about how to have the best time in Tours, France, with Winalist.

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Visit Tours, a Historic City in the Loire Valley

Here, living is an art.

Tours , the capital of Touraine , enjoys an exceptional location in the heart of the prestigious region of the Loire châteaux (External link) . Crossed by two rivers, this charming Gallo-Roman town maintains its status as a timeless "Garden of France."

On foot, by train or bicycle, discover the famous district of "Old Tours" or stroll through the historic gardens of the city. On the terrace of a café, in medieval alleys or through its markets, you'll taste the "sweetness of Tours."

Traditional departure site for tours to major cultural attractions in the Loire Valley, Tours is also the home of the "live well and eat well" ideal, so dear to Rabelais.

What not to miss in this beautiful European city:

As a city of art and history, Tours has benefited from an active policy of restoring its old quarters during the 60s, which has allowed it to keep the Place Plumereau, one of the largest restored areas in Europe.

• The Museum of Compagnons: The heritage of Compagnons - the guilds of skilled craftsmen found nowhere else in the world!
• Place Plumereau and its half-timbered houses, medieval streets, the Châteauneuf neighborhood.
• The Cathedral of St. Gatien (External link)
• The Basilica of St. Martin
• Traditional markets
• The Vinci International Convention Center, designed by Jean Nouvel.
• The Prébendes d'Oé Garden
• Specialties: "Rillettes de Tours," "Nougat de Tours," Vouvray wines, and wines from Montlouis-sur-Loire

The "Tours" of events

• The Fêtes Musicales in Touraine: International Festival of Classical Music. In February, June and November.
• The Vocal Anthology: International Competition of Choral Singing at Pentecost.
• Tours on the Loire: Guinguette along the Loire, outdoor cinema, and shows. From mid-May to mid-September.
• Vitiloire: one hundred winegrowers give you a taste of the wines of the Loire. Early June.
• Garlic and Basil Fair: traditional gourmet feast. In July.
• 10 and 20 km Tours marathons. In September.
• The Paris-Tours: for over a hundred years, this famous bicycle race is held annually in October.

Visit Tours

• Led by guide-lecturers from Villes et Pays d'Art et d'Histoire , the Tours/Loire Valley Tourist Office offers a wide selection of general or themed guided tours: "Antique", "Renaissance", "Cathedral", "St. Martin", "Victor Laloux," and "Nocturne"
• Audio tours: Discover Tours at your leisure with our IPOD!
• The little train: Let yourself be carried through the old quarters of the city for a 50-minute guided tour. Easter to October.
• The carriage: You'll discover the streets of Tours to the rhythm of hooves pounding the pavements of the old town. In July and August.
• Visit Tours and its surroundings with the "Pass through Tours" passes available in several options at reasonable prices.

"This town is joyous, loving, fresh, flowery, and better-perfumed than any other city in the world ..." - (Balzac, born in Tours).

Getting to Tours

Tours is one of the major French cities, situated at the crossroads of central France and at the heart of European communication lines.

• Train: Take the train to the Gare de Tours Centre, or to the Gare de Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (with shuttle trains to Tours).
• International airport just outside Tours
• Freeways: A10 - A85 - A28
• FACEBOOK - Tours N' Loire (French) (External link)
• TWITTER - Tours N' Loire (French) (External link)

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Tours: The ancient renaissance city in the Loire Valley

• Post category: Loire Valley
• Post author: Nassie Angadi

The city of Tours is one of the oldest cities in France. Located on the river Loire, it is a beautiful city surrounded by several world-famous châteaux that are within an hours drive.

It is within 1 hour of several famous châteaux in the area like Château de Chenonceau , Château Royale d’Amboise , Château de Chaumont , Château de Chambord , and Château de Cheverny , near the cities of Amboise and Tours . And it is about 3 hours away from Paris, making it ideal for a day trip from the city.

But even before the chateaux of the Loire , the city of Tours is one that marked the history books, dating back to the Roman era. So let’s see why Tours is so famous and what there is to see and do in the city, shall we? Allons-y!

20. Wine tastings

History of tours.

The city of Tours is located with the Loire river on one side and the Cher river on the other. This strategic location made a settlement here of vital importance for centuries. The city was formerly named Caesarodunum by its founder, Roman Emperor Augustus, after his predecessor Julius Caesar who had conquered Gaul (old France) .

Much of what is known about this period is due to the famous 6th century historian Gregoire de Tours who was from the area, and who produced several books about the time, including about Clovis, the 1st King of the Franks .

It was also the location of the historic Battle of Tours of 732, when Frankish tribes led by Charles Martel defeated over the invading Saracen forces who had come from the muslim-ruled Iberian Peninsula (today Spain). The defeat prevented the Sarancen invasion of France, stopping further invasions into northern Europe.

The city of Tours became the seat of the authority of the Counts of Tours (later Counts of Anjou) and the Kings of France , as the capital of the province of Tourraine . The one of the first major currencies used in France was named after the city’s mint, the Livre Tournois .

In the Middle ages, Tours was heavily disputed between the Counts of Anjou and the Counts of Blois . (The English King Richard the Lionheart fought here as he was also the Count of Anjou and Aquitaine, titles gained from war and from his mother Eleanor of Aquitaine .)

The city of Tours became so important, it was practically considered a capital of France between 1430 and 1530, with a continual stay of kings in the province of Touraine.

However, it was the château at Blois (Louis XII’s childhood home) and then Château d’Amboise ( François Ier’s childhood home) where the Kings of France would eventually stay, rather than the Château at Tours.

Although Tours would slowly decline in importance as the French royals would install themselves in Fontainebleau and then eventually Versailles , the city would become the capital of France again briefly in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian war . As Paris was under seige for 4 months by the Germans , and the French government operated from Tours during that period.

During WWI, Tours became a garrison town with 25,000 American soldiers stationed here in 1917. Factories for the manufacture of uniforms, repair shops for military equipment, munitions dumps, and even an American military hospital was set up to support the Allied armies.

The city of Tours suffered greatly during WWII, when it was severely bombed. Large fires destroyed much of the city’s core. Many monuments around the city are dedicated to this era, including a bridge named after Woodrow Wilson, the U.S. president during the war.

After the war, reconstruction efforts have made it a vibrant center in the Loire valley, and a university town attracting the young and old.

Things to do in Tours

1. tours cathedral.

The Cathédrale Saint-Gatien, which is also known as the Tours Cathedral is one of the grand gothic cathedrals of France .

It is the seat of the Archbishops of Tours, and construction began in the 12th century, around the same time as the cathedrals of Paris , Reims , and Chartres . Earlier churches have stood on the site, dating back to the 4th century.

It is a Roman Catholic church and is also notable for holding the tombs of the children of Anne of Brittany and her first husband, King Charles VIII of France.  (Her 2nd husband was King Louis XII, making her twice the Queen of France.)

In 1793, during the French Revolution , it was nationalised and transformed into a Temple of Reason, until it was finally restored to a church in the 19th century.

2. Château de Tours

Constructed in the 11th century, the Château de Tours stands just footsteps away from the Cathedral of Tours. Unlike the newer and ornamental Renaissance châteaux of the Loire, the Château de Tours is a medieval fortress that was built to defend.

It was almost completely destroyed in the 18th century, with only two medieval towers remaining. A newer wing to the château was added later. These days it is an events and cultural space, holding temporary exhibitions with paintings, sculptures, engravings, drawings, photography, and video.

3. Tours Amphitheatre

As Tours used to be a Roman settlement, it used to hold one of the largest amphitheaters of the Roman Empire in France , the Tours Amphitheatre. Known at the time as the  Caesarodunum amphitheater, it is located directly behind the Tours Cathedral and

However, not much of the amphitheatre remains above ground today. Its walls were integrated in the ramparts of the city, along with the Château de Tours, and much of it was completely forgotten and demolished over the centuries.

The amphitheater was rediscovered (1855) during construction works nearby, and its cellars uncovered under the city. You can still see some of the walls and ruins along Rue du Général-Meusnier, Rue Racine and Rue de la Bazoche, which are free to explore.

4. Vieux Tours

In the center of the city of Tours, stands the medieval old town. With its timbered buildings and narrow cobblestone streets, there is much to explore.

Notable streets in the area are Rue de Colbert, Rue de Commerce and Rue de Grand Marché, all of which are lined with tiny shops and restaurants.

5. Place Plumereau

Place Plumereau in the center of the old part of Tours is a large square that is lined with restaurants.

It is a bustling part of town that gets very busy in the evening, so head over early if you are looking for dinner and a prime spot to watch all the activity.

6. Tours Charlemagne

The Charlemagne tower in Vieux Tours is a remnant of an old basilica dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours . Saint Martin was the local Bishop of Tours from the 3rd century who is heralded as one of the patron saints of France .

Known as Martin the Merciful, he converted to Christianity at a young age and was later sanctified.

The name of Tour Charlemagne however comes from the 8th century, when Emperor Charlemagne buried his 4th wife Luitgarde d’Alémanie near the tomb, after she died during his stay in Tours.

The Tour Charlemagne is the start of the Circuit Saint Martin to follow the footsteps of Saint Martin. Signs around the city note that the “Pilgrimage of Tours is one of the oldest of Christendom along with ones in Rome, Jerusalem, and Santiago de Compostela”.

7. Basilique Saint-Martin

A few meters across the street from the Tour Charlemagne is the Basilique Saint-Martin. With gold decorations on its dome, it is another stop on the Circuit Saint-Martin.

The present church was built between 1886 and 1924 in a neo-Byzantine style, on the site of a church which dated back to the 6th century.

8. Toue River cruises

Around Tours you will find the traditional flat-bottomed wooden boats called the “Toue” which sail on the Loire and Cher rivers.

The boats usually sail in the summer time, offering commentary about the local history, stories and other anecdotes while floating past beautiful landscapes. You can catch a toue on the quais along the Loire, from the center of Tours.

9. Musée des beaux arts 

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours is located in a former palace of the Bishops of Tours, near the Cathedral St. Gatien. The museum has a wide collection of paintings from the Middle ages, when Tours was at its height in terms of cultural influence.

There are also many sculptures dating back to antiquity and the Roman era, as well as more recent paintings from the 18th and 19th century. The museum is also famous for its model of Fritz, a stuffed Asian elephant that was shot when it became uncontrollable during a Barnum & Bailey circus parade in Tours in 1902.

10. Botanical garden 

Established in 1843, the Jardin botanique de Tours is a large botanical garden holding over 2000 types of trees and plants.

Inside the garden are several greenhouses to allow for a wide variety of plants to be grown, including several exotic species and medical plants. The gardens are open daily, although may be closed on holidays.

11. Halle de Tours

The Halle de Tours is a large French indoor market selling local specialties such as artisan breads , charcuterie , cheeses & wine from the terroir .

The current building dates back to the 19th century, and people flock here form all over the Loire for its gastronomical delights.

12. Château de Villandry

About 20 minutes outside of Tours, you will find the magnificent Château de Villandry and its beautiful gardens . While the other grand châteaux are a bit further away, the Château de Villandry is a lovely place to visit in the afternoon, after visiting the city center of Tours.

Dating back to the 10th century and the Middle ages, the fortress that once stood here was known as the “Coulombiers”. It is believed that the French King Philippe Auguste and English King Richard the Lionheart met at Villandry to discuss peace terms. You can see still see the fortified castle of Coulombiers as it was during this period.

Today, the Château de Villandry is a private château with elaborate exhibitions inside, along with beautiful curated gardens and even a labyrinth maze. You can find guided tours to take you Château de Villandry f r o m T o u r s here.

13. Église Saint-Julien de Tours

A church has stood on the site of the Église Saint-Julien de Tours since the 6th century. The current building dates mostly back to the 13th century after it was destroyed and rebuilt many times (including during WWII).

14. Harry Potter store (Les Trois sorciers)

If you are a Harry Potter fan, you will want to check out Les Trois sorciers shop in Tours. It is located on Rue du Commerce and is dedicated to toys, books, and tricks for all sorts of sorcery and witchery.

15. Musée du Compagnonnage

Just in front of the Église Saint-Julien de Tours church is the Musée du Compagnonnage.

It is a museum displaying crafts & exhibits relating to the trade-guilds and their history. Skilled labor works such as stone sculpting, woodcarving, etc are located in what used to be an abbey attached to the church, along with temporary exhibitions.

16. Hotel Gouin

An emblematic building in the city of Tours is the Hotel Gouin. It is a 15th century hotel particulier (private mansion) that was the home of a family of silk merchants.

The sub-basement contains Galloroman remains, but the visible facade dates from the 16th century in early Renaissance style. Inside is an exhibition center featuring various exhibitions and events for limited periods of time.

17. American Monument Fountain

The Monument aux morts Américain de Tours was constructed by the U.S. Government in dedication to the 640,000 soldiers who served in the area during WWI.

The American Services of Supply (SOS) had their headquarters in Tours, supporting the expeditionary forces that were operating across Western Europe.

This fountain with its golden eagle stands on the quai of the Loire river, right next to Pont Wilson bridge, in dedication to their bravery.

18. Resistance and Deportation Memorial

Right next to the American monument stands the Resistance and Deportation memorial for those who fought and lost their lives during WWII.

On the banks of the river Loire, it is a beautiful place to reflect on the past and the history that has occurred on the city’s shores.

19. Loire Valley châteaux

The Loire Valley is famous for its multitude of châteaux and the city of Tours is right in the thick of things.

The châteaux of Chambord , Blois , Chenonceau , Chaumont and Chéverny are within 1 hour, and the city of Amboise (with the Château Royale d’Amboise ) is also within 30 minutes. The various Loire Valley châteaux are officially recognized on the UNESCO world heritage list .

Along with those famous châteaux and royal palaces , there are several smaller châteaux for nobility who lived in the area and built housing near the seat of power during the Renaissance.

In all, you can easily spend a week in the area, going from château to château and exploring the area. (For those travelling with children, there is also the Zoo de Beauval at Saint-Aignan within 50 minutes of Tours, if you want to a break between the châteaux.)

One of the local specialties in and around Tours is the Loire valley wines. Although not as famous as other French wines , they have a following of their own and are gaining in popularity.

The Loire Valley mostly produces white wines , but there are some red wiens as well. The area is the second-largest concentration of sparkling-wine producing vines in France after the Champagne region.

Having French royalty like François I and Catherine de Medici nearby as well as the British royals, meant that their courtiers and followers all got used to drinking wines from the Loire Valley, and effectively marketed the wines to other nobles and royals around France and Europe.

There are many wine-tasting tours that will combine with chateaux visits in the Loire Valley.

How to get to Tours?

The city of Tours is quite accessible from Paris by car and by train. It takes approximately 2h15 to drive from Paris depending on traffic. By train, you can take a TGV high speed train from Paris’s Montparnasse station to the city of Tours, which takes approximately 1 hour.

There are also various tour options leaving from Tours which head to the Château de Chambord and Chenonceau and other sights in the area. Certain tours combine wine-tasting and sightseeing. You can see the  tour options for the city of Tours  here.

How easy is it getting around?

The city of Tours is quite walkable, and there are several large parking lots that you can park your car at and visit all the centrally located sights. One of the larger parking lots is right under the quai in front of Pont Wilson bridge. From there you will find the Cathedral of Tours and the Château on one side, with the Old Tours on the other.

How many days should you spend?

I would suggest spending at least a day in Tours, to explore its different streets and neighborhoods. You can choose to base yourself here and stay overnight for a few days as there are several châteaux and vineyards in the surrounding area.

Where should you stay?

There are several wonderful hotels in the Tours city center, near all the sights and shops. Some recommended hotels are:

• €€€ – Hotel Du Cygne Tours
• €€€€ – Oceania L’Univers Tours
• €€€€€ – Les Trésorières hotel

You can also choose to stay in nearby Amboise or Blois which are a bit closer to the other famous châteaux of the Loire.

If you enjoyed that article, you may like to read more about traveling around the Loire Valley . A bientôt!

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Tours (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Tours (France)

It’s no mystery that Tours is a favourite base for people discovering the Loire Valley’s exalted châteaux.

Villandry, Chenonceau and Amboise are moments by car, and with the help of the Loire à Vélo network you can visit them on two wheels with ease.

But you may find that if you delve a little more into Tours’ history and attractions, it could be difficult to leave the city at all.

In the centre are timber houses and renaissance mansions on car-free streets, and museums that draw you into the city’s medieval past.

There are vineyards welcoming inquisitive oenophiles in the countryside and both the waters and banks of the Loire invite you to go wherever your sense of curiosity leads.

Lets explore the best things to do in Tours :

1. Tours Cathedral

Even by the glacial speed of construction in the middle ages, Tours Cathedral took a long time to be completed.

Building began in 1170 and wouldn’t be finished until 1547, but this means we’re met with a perfect summary of the evolution of gothic art.

The ensemble of original 13th-century stained glass windows in the ambulatory chapels and above the choir is one of the finest in France, and seems to generate its own light.

The cathedral has information panels giving you the meaning behind each image.

The marble renaissance tombs of King Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany’s children are also moving, as both died in infancy.

2. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours

The riches from Cardinal Richelieu’s 17th-century campaign against the Huguenots and the art seized from abbeys during the Revolution all ended up at Tours’ stellar museum of fine art.

Because of their religious source there’s a good body of Italian gothic primitives from the 14th and 15th centuries, while the two renaissance paintings by Andrea Mentegna are regarded as masterpieces.

You’ve got over a thousand artworks to get through, with sculpture by Rodin, Flemish and Dutch painting by Rembrandt and Rubens, and Impressionism by Monet and Degas.

3. Tours Botanical Garden

The city’s municipal garden has a bit of a troublesome setting, between the Loire and Cher, which made it susceptible to flooding in the past, with two devastating inundations in the mid-19th century that filled the greenhouses with two metres of water.

Even after being hit by bombs in the Second World War there isn’t the slightest hint of a troubled past at these serene gardens.

On your walk you may notice some trees you haven’t seen before, like the Chinese empress tree, ginkgo biloba and the endangered dawn redwood.

The animal park is from 1863 and has farm animals for kids to bond with, as well as more exotic species like wallabies.

4. Le Vieux Tours

Like all the best historic city centres the historic buildings on the pedestrian streets around Place Plumereau aren’t sterile museum pieces but vibrant cornerstones of local life, used as shops, restaurants and bars.

Place de Plumereau is at the nerve centre of one of the largest conservation areas in Europe, with renaissance mansions boasting sculpted reliefs or cantilevered timber houses, going strong for hundreds of years.

If you’re OK with everybody knowing you’re a tourist, jump aboard the little train that departs every hour from Place Plumereau in summer.

5. Musée du Compagnonnage

In the 16th-century Dormitory at the former Abbey of Saint-Julien is a museum devoted to a French workers’ movement that dates back to medieval times.

Roughly, the Compagnons du Tour de France is like a guild of journeymen that preserves historic trades and educates young people about them as part of an apprenticeship.

To complete the apprenticeship and become a “companion” a craftsman had to create a masterpiece for whatever discipline he worked in.

And these dumbfounding creations are presented at the museum, in all kinds of different disciplines, like metalwork, tailoring, shoemaking and woodcarving.

6. Hôtel Goüin

What may be the most beautiful of Tours’ many old building has just come through a long restoration and is open to the public once more.

Hôtel Goüin is an early-renaissance palace on Rue du Commerce, with a balustraded porch and the sort of loggia in which you might expect to see Juliet calling for Romeo.

During the restoration they unearthed fragments of an older building from the 1100s, with four arches and a well, which are on show.

You might just want to stop for a photo of that magnificent facade, but there’s an archaeological museum inside with artefacts from Roman times up to the 1800s.

7. Halles de Tours

Billed as the “Belly of Tours” (ventre de Tours), the city’s indoor market may not be France’s largest, but it’s a gastronome’s idea of heaven.

You may even want to bring your camera or have your phone at the ready, because the cheese, charcuterie, seafood and in-season fruit and vegetable counters are presented with real flair.

If you’re stuck for gift ideas then markets like this tick the box as they’re stocked with all the best from the region.

At Tours that entails wine from the Loire Valley and luxury chocolate.

The city is one of France’s chocolate capitals, and every years holds the Salon du Chocolat de Tours at the Centre de Congrès Vinci.

Come for lunch too: The oyster bar shucks your oyster as you go.

8. Jardin des Prébendes d’Oé

During the French Second Empire from the mid-1800s English-style parks like this one popped up in provincial cities across France.

This was a spot for urban families to take promenades, kids to play and for the city to put on outdoor concerts at the park’s gazebo.

There’s less of the formality of French parterres, as paths weave through tulip flowerbeds and  copses of lime, plane, cedar, chestnut and lofty redwood trees.

So if you could do with a moment of repose take a wander by the pond and pause for a tea or coffee at the kiosk.

On warmer days you could load up on cheese and charcuterie at the market and have the perfect French picnic.

9. Église Saint-Julien de Tours

The predecessors of this  12th-century abbey were wrecked by the Normans in the 9th century and then in a war between the feudal houses of Blois and Anjou in the 10th century.

But miraculously the building that followed has survived everything from the French Revolution to the Second World War.

It was part of a long-gone abbey, and the garden next to the church is where the cloister used to be, while the Musée de Compagnonnage occupies the old dormitory.

10. “Toue” River Cruises

Commercial craft floated along the Loire and Cher since antiquity, hauling people, wine, silk, lumber, salt and all sorts of other cargo up and down these rivers.

Because the waterways can get very shallow they used flat-bottomed sailboats called “toues”, and you can too! Toues can carry between 12 and 30 passengers for hour-long trips, or even romantic dinner cruises in the evening.

Their skippers know these waters and banks like the backs of their hands: And with the deck as your balcony, they’ll shed light on the Tours’ river trade, its many colourful characters and perils.

11. Loire à Vélo

If you had to picture some quintessentially French holiday activities, a bike ride next to the Loire with a backdrop of gentle vine-striped hills and châteaux must be one of the first that comes to mind.

About 150km of the of the Loire à Vélo cycle trail’s totalling 800km are in the Touraine region.

The route is clearly-marked, easy -going because it never leaves the riverside and convenient as there are dozens of hire stations along the way.

You could give yourself set destinations like Amboise or Villandry, which are both reachable in about an hour.

Or make more of an adventure of it by going further afield and spending the night at the inns on the route that are happy to accommodate cyclists.

12. Guinguette sur Loire

On the left bank of the Loire, just by Pont Wilson, is where Tours’ “Guinguette” takes place from May to September.

It isn’t officially summer in Tours until this outdoor café by the river is bustling every evening with locals and tourists at the bar terrace, taking part in dance lessons, enjoying concerts or watching movies at the outdoor cinema.

Tours is a student city so the atmosphere is always warm and energetic.

The location is wonderful, under willow trees and string lights, with the river rolling past.

And every year there Guinguette has something new on the schedule.

13. Wine and Gastronmic Visits

If you’re a wine-lover you’ve come to the right place.

There’s an absurd amount of AOCs nearby: A dozen within an hour, and five bordering the city.

The diversity will make your head spin more than the wine itself, with the reds of Touraine-Chenonceau, the whites of Touraine Sauvignon and rosés made in Touraine noble joué.

When it comes to precious foodstuffs there’s a saffron market in Preuilly-sur-Claise and a seasonal truffle market at Marigny-Marmande.

The local cheese, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine is known to all for its cylindrical shape and the straw that pierces it through the centre.

To know more, pay a visit to the dairy at Les Passerelles or the child-friendly goat farm, Cabri au Lait, which makes Sainte-Maure but also has a petting zoo for the little guys and girls.

14. Château de Villandry

It would be criminal to visit Tours and not call in at one of the abundant château in the region.

Tours is touted as a gateway for these sensational pieces of French royal or noble heritage.

You can reach Villandry in 20 minutes, and it’s one of the finest.

The gardens are the showstopper at this château.

They were restored at the turn of the century by the Spanish doctor Joachim Carvallo.

He conceived several terraces of renaissance gardens, all with precisely trimmed boxwood hedges in joyous geometric configurations.

There’s a water garden, labyrinth, sun garden, ornamental garden with high hedges, but the most astounding is the formal medieval kitchen garden, all in neat plots.

15. Château d’Amboise

The home of Francis I and most of the French royalty in the 16th century is a 20-minute car or train ride to the east.

The château had its heyday in the renaissance period after Charles VIII turned it from a fortress into the Loire valley’s first Italian-style palace in the late-1400s.

In 1516 Francis I invited Leonardo da Vinci to live and work in Amboise, and the polymath’s home at Clos Lucé was actually connected to the Château d’Amboise by underground passageways that you can discover today by prior arrangement.

Da Vinci died here in 1519 and is buried at the Chapel of Saint-Hubert at the Château.

The gardens are embellished with spherical topiaries and the views from this spur above the Loire are divine.

15 Best Things to Do in Tours (France):

• Tours Cathedral
• Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours
• Tours Botanical Garden
• Le Vieux Tours
• Musée du Compagnonnage
• Hôtel Goüin
• Halles de Tours
• Jardin des Prébendes d'Oé
• Église Saint-Julien de Tours
• "Toue" River Cruises
• Loire à Vélo
• Guinguette sur Loire
• Wine and Gastronmic Visits
• Château de Villandry
• Château d'Amboise

Discover the best tours in the Loire Valley

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Discover the best Loire Valley tours with authentic local guides

Join our day trips from Tours, Amboise or Paris: English or French speaking semi-private, half or full day guided tours by minivan, by E-Bike or with your own car. Visit the must-see castles and experience the French art de vivre feeling like a King! Immerse yourself in the royal splendor of the Loire Valley castles and savor local gastronomy and wines !

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Chambord, Chenonceau & lunch at a chateau - Full-day

Discover the Loire Valley and visit its 2 most prestigious castles in one great day: impressive Château de Chambord and stunning Château de Chenonceau. Learn about the intimate little secrets of the French Kings who once lived there. Enjoy off-the-crowd panoramic views thanks to your local guide, benefit from wealth of thrilling genuine details and funny anecdotes and make the most of this exciting day. One of the highlights will definitely be a restful lunch away from tourist groups in a beautiful privately-owned chateau still inhabited by the family.

Loire Valley wine tour to Vouvray - Afternoon

Explore the Loire Valley wine route and its vineyards, full of tradition and passion! Visit a local winery of the Vouvray Appellation, admire the wonderful vineyard landscapes and learn how to taste these elegant wines produced from one of the most well-known terroir of the Val de Loire area!

Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau & Vouvray wine tour - Full-day

Enjoy a complete discovery of Loire Valley with the visit of must-see Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau and Château de Villandry and its remarkable gardens. Benefit from your guide's thrilling historical anecdotes and feel part of these old days. In the afternoon, learn everything about Loire Valley wines by visiting a local winery of the Vouvray Appellation, well-known for its sparkling and white wines. A fun adventure you will always remember!

Villandry & Azay-le-Rideau châteaux - Morning

Enjoy the famous French Art de Vivre with this delightful morning including the visit of the elegant chateau of Azay-le-Rideau and the Chateau de Villandry and its unique gardens. An experience you will never forget ! Your passionate guide will stay with you all along sharing many anecdotes that will make you feel part of those royal days.

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By minivan or by e-bike, explore the best of the Loire Valley region with our friendly and professional local guides.

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Couples, groups of friends, families. These tours are made for you. Jump in our van for a private and memorable day.

Our customers are talking about us

We had a wonderful day touring Chenonceau and Chambord with our guide Marion! She had lots of great information about each chateau and was very friendly. The lunch was also fantastic, an original French meal.

Trip Advisor

WOW! This tour is amazing. We had a lovely combination of guided tours and plenty of free time to explore the grounds of the chateaus that we visited. The lunch was exquisite and superb by every measure - local food and wine in a private chateau dining room prepared to perfection

Amazing well organized tour!! Our tour guide Merrion was awesome and we learned so many interesting stories and facts about the castles history - we were engaged the whole time! Lunch at a smaller family chateau was a great inclusion and had enough time to explore the chateau’s! Highly recommend this tour!!

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What brings us is? Our love of travel and the opportunity to share our discoveries with you. We like to think of others, to communicate, to meet people. Basically, we love others! And we always look on the bright side!

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THE 10 BEST Loire Valley Tours & Excursions

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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Loire Valley Castles Day Trip from Paris with Wine Tasting

2. Loire Valley Wine and Castles Small-Group Day Trip from Paris

3. Hot-Air Balloon Ride over the Loire Valley, from Amboise or Chenonceau

4. Day Tour of Chateaux of Chenonceau, Chambord & Caves Ambacia from Tours/Amboise

5. Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle

6. Normandy Loire Valley 3-Days Trip with Mont Saint Michel and Castles from Paris

7. English Speaking Loire Winery Tours pickup from Amboise or Tours

8. Loire Valley Castles Trip with Chenonceau and Chambord from Paris

9. Morning - Loire Valley Wine Tour in Vouvray and Montlouis

10. Loire Valley Tour Chambord and Chenonceau from Tours or Amboise

11. Loire Valley Wine Half Day Tour in Vouvray

12. Loire Valley Day from Amboise : Azay le Rideau, Villandry, Winery

13. Caves Ambacia, Tour and Wine Tasting in Amboise, Loire Valley

14. Day Tour to Chenonceau and Chambord Castles

15. Da Vinci's Footsteps in Amboise Private Walking Tour

16. Loire Valley Ebike Tour to Chambord from Amboise

17. Picnic in the Vines - A Unique Loire Wine Experience

18. Loire Valley Day from Tours : Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Winery

19. Afternoon Loire Valley Wine Tour from Tours or Amboise

20. English Speaking Loire Winery Tours originating from Chinon

21. Loire Valley Wines and Castle Small Group Day Trip from Paris

22. Vineyard cycle tours in and around Chinon, in the Loire Valley

23. 2 Days Mont Saint Michel, Loire Castles Guided Tour

24. Full Day Wine Tour in Vouvray and Chinon with LUNCH at the winery

25. 7-Hour Guided Wine Tour in Loire Valley

26. Loire Valley Ebike Tour to Chambord FROM TOURS

27. Day at the castles of Chenonceau and Chambord from Blois

28. Loire Valley Half Day : Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau from Tours

29. Loire Valley Day Trip with 3 Castles including Chambord and Chenonceau

30. Lunchtime Food Tour of Tours

What travelers are saying.

• Loire Valley Castles Day Trip from Paris with Wine Tasting
• Loire Valley Wine and Castles Small-Group Day Trip from Paris
• Caves Ambacia, Tour and Wine Tasting in Amboise, Loire Valley
• Hot-Air Balloon Ride over the Loire Valley, from Amboise or Chenonceau
• Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle
• Les Petits Trains
• A la Francaise! Loire Valley
• Le Tasting Room Wine - Day Tours
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19 trips match your search criteria

• 0 - 3 hours
• 750 - 1000€

Chenonceau & Chambord Castles: A Royal Journey Through History

Loire Valley Wine Tour : Exploring Chinon & Bourgueil Vineyards

Chenonceau Castle: Exploring Renaissance Elegance from Tours

Vouvray Wine Discovery: Vineyard visit & Tasting Trip from Tours

Fairytale Escape: Exclusive Visit to Chenonceau & Chambord from Tours

Loire Valley Wine Tour: Chinon & Bourgueil Vineyards & Tastings

Experience the Loire Valley Your Way: Private Package with Tailored Experiences

Loire Valley Château Shared Hot Air Balloon Flight

Loire Valley Château Private VIP Hot Air Balloon Flight

Chenonceau, Chambord & Wines: 4-Day Loire Valley Escape with a Small Group

Chambord Castle Visit from Tours: A Royal Retreat

Chenonceau Castle Visit from Tours: An Intimate Exploration

Learn more about tours, tours travel guide (loire valley, france).

The town of Tours is located in the heart of the Loire Valley, a region known for its stunning Renaissance chateaux, beautiful countryside, and charming small towns. With its rich history and lively culture, Tours is the perfect base for exploring the region.

Things to Do in Tours:

1. Visit the Cathedral Saint-Gatien, a stunning example of Gothic architecture with its impressive stained glass windows and soaring ceilings. Stroll through the Jardin des Prébendes d'Oé, a beautiful park with formal gardens and a lake.

2. Explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours, which houses an impressive collection of art from the Renaissance to the present day.

3. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Place Plumereau, a picturesque square lined with restaurants and cafes.

Day Trips from Tours:

1. Château de Chenonceau - This stunning castle spans the Cher River and is known for its beautiful gardens and stunning architecture. You can book your Château de Chenonceau visit here !

2. Chateau de Chambord - The largest castle in the region, Chambord is famous for its double-helix staircase and impressive architecture. Book our half day trip from Tours to Château de Chambord here .

3. Amboise - This charming town is full of history and charm, with picturesque streets and a stunning castle overlooking the river. Visit Château d' Amboise on this day trip from Tours .

4. Vineyard Tours - The Loire Valley is known for its excellent wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc. Join our Loire Valley wine tour in Chinon & Bourgueil to visit local vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and of course, taste some delicious wines.

Where to Eat in Tours:

1. La Maison des Halles - This bustling market hall is full of stalls selling fresh produce, meat, and cheese, as well as cafes and restaurants.

2. Les Bocaux - This cozy restaurant serves up delicious homemade dishes using local ingredients.

3. L'Atelier des Augustins - Located in a beautiful 15th-century building, this restaurant serves up classic French cuisine with a modern twist.

Where to Stay in Tours:

1. Hotel Oceania - This modern hotel is located in the heart of Tours and offers comfortable rooms and a beautiful indoor pool. This is one of our selected 4* Hotel included in this Loire Valley Travel Package .

2. Hotel de L'univers - This historic hotel has been welcoming guests since the 16th century and offers comfortable rooms and a great location. This is one of our selected 4* hotel included in this Loire Valley Vacation Package.

3. Mercure Tours Centre Gare - Located near the train station, this hotel offers modern rooms and a great location for exploring the town.

With its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine, Tours and the Loire Valley are a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to France. Book your trip today and experience the best that this beautiful region has to offer.

Reviews from our Tours trips

18, apr 2024, 04, nov 2023, larry petchenik, 18, oct 2023, line graugaard, 17, oct 2023, secured payments, easy cancellation, trusted reviews.

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Loire Valley Tours

From a single day tour to a 5 day escapade or more

Our itineraries are crafted to give you the very best of the Loire Valley. Notwithstanding the length of your stay, they will give you a chance to discover our region with our unique touch.  The following tours are just some examples of itineraries. They can be customized to fit your own needs.

Fully or semi guided?

During a fully guided tour , your guide will stay with you most of the time, touring the area’s sights with you in a private luxury vehicle. Enjoy his/her historical expertise and take advantage of his/her in-depth knowledge of the region.   NEED MORE TIME ON YOUR OWN? Request a semi-guided tour , mixing sightseeing with your personal guide and driver, with periods of free time to enjoy the region at your own pace. Remember that drinking and driving is a no go in France, therefore all our wine journeys are fully guided.

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5 days is ideal to discover the Loire Valley from the inside. To the “must see”, we have added off-the-beaten tracks activities and gourmet stops for an ultimate stay.

You will be surprised by how much you can see and do within 3 days for an experience that will stay with you long after your trip ends.

The Loire Valley has so many resources that you can easily spend over 5 days here between the castles, the nature and the people. The best way to feel ‘part of it”.

We have packed the best of the Loire Valley in a single day, to give you a taste of the region and make you want to come back…

A well balanced mix of fully guided visits with a private guide and self-guided periods to discover the area at your own pace.

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Loire Valley Chateau Tours

• Tours in France

With its majestic chateaux, historic towns and rolling vineyards, the Loire Valley is one of the world’s best-known World Heritage Sites listed by UNESCO. Think magical properties such as Chenonceau, Chambord and Cheverny; towns like Blois, Amboise and Orléans; and internationally renowned wines such as Chinon, Saumur and Vouvray.

Far more than just a collection of fancy aristocratic homes, the UNESCO-listed area extends for 280km along the central section of the river, a ‘cultural landscape’ that combines history, heritage and architecture with the flora, fauna and rural landscape that borders France’s longest river.

So if you really want to get under the skin of this captivating area, it pays to take a tour with an insider who can bring every place zinging vividly to life. Enter Loire Valley Chateau Tours run by husband and wife team Graham and Jacqueline. After careers in Britain’s National Health Service, in education and in retail, the couple moved to France just before Brexit to run a luxury Chambre d’Hôte (guest house) and run tours which take in the most enchanting castles of the Loire Valley.

Tour the Chateaux of the Loire Valley

Tour guests stay at their home in the tranquil village of Ranton, half an hour from the medieval town of Chinon. Built in the 18 th century from local Tuffeau stone – building material for the Loire Valley’s signature white chateaux – Maison de Lavande was originally a winemaker’s house and the grape press can still be seen in their underground wine caves.

Tastefully renovated with contemporary but homely furnishings, Maison de Lavande features exposed stone walls and A-framed beams alongside modern facilities and many luxury touches. Relax in the indoor sitting room, chill out in the large garden, or sink into the bubbles of the Jacuzzi.

Guests have a choice of two small group tours – no more than six people – to ensure that everyone receives the same personal service and that guests can get to know each other and share their impressions and experiences of each site.

Six-day tour of the Loire Valley chateaux

Book the Six of the Best tour for a six-day adventure to discover some of the Loire Valley’s most iconic castles and gardens. After settling in to your accommodation at Maison de Lavande, your first night’s dinner is in an atmospheric restaurant in Montreuil-Bellay, listed amongst the elite band of Plus Beaux Detours de France.

Next day you set off by air-conditioned private transport to visit the moated gem of Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, followed by nearby Château d’Ussé, inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. Tour the gardens designed by André Le Nôtre of Vaux-le-Vicomte and Versailles fame and taste a range of Loire Valley vintages.

Ussé and Azay-le-Rideau are both utterly magical, but the chateaux step up somewhat in size and grandeur over the next two days. With its elegant arches spanning the river Cher and its formal gardens designed for Catherine de Médici and Diane de Poitiers – wife and mistress of French King Henri II – the Château de Chenonceau is one of the most visited in the Loire Valley. Next stop is  Amboise with free time to visit the Royal Chateau, last resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, or maybe his final home at the bijou Château de Clos Lucé just a short walk away where many of his inventions are reproduced as working models in the house and shady park.

After an overnight stay in an elegant town house beneath the castle, you will leave Amboise for the Château de Chambord , entertainment palace for Renaissance king François I. Like statistics? Chambord goes into overload with 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces and a chimney for every day of the year! And don’t miss the chance to try out the double-helix staircase thought to have been designed by Da Vinci himself.  One person can go up and another go down at the same time without ever meeting!

From Chambord with its vast park and hunting forest, you’ll drive to the Château de Cheverny, home to a famous pack of hunting dogs and the inspiration for Belgian cartoonist Hergé for the Chateau de Mounlinsart in the series of books about boy detective Tintin.

After overnighting again back at Maison de Lavande, your last full day starts in the medieval town of Chinon below the walls of the medieval fortress, a favourite home of Plantagenet King Henry II and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine. After lunch in a bistro, you will make the short drive to Château de Villandry famed for its outstanding formal gardens. Never thought of planting vegetables amongst your flowers and topiary? You’ll think again after wandering the paths of this horticultural haven.

9-day tour of the Loire Valley Chateaux

If you have more time to spare, book instead on to Seventh Heaven , a 9-day tour that offers additions to the 6-day itinerary. Discover the lesser-known town of Richelieu, founded by Cardinal Richelieu, minister to King Louis XIII and chief villain in Alexandre Dumas’ book, The Three Musketeers . Browse the street market to soak up the colours and aromas of the Loire Valley’s local produce, then head to the medieval Château de Rivau for lunch and a stroll round its 14 individual gardens themed to famous fairy tales such as Tom Thumb and Rapunzel.

Enjoy a free morning in Saumur to visit the hilltop castle, browse the boutiques or maybe take a river cruise. Then discover a range of liqueurs at an artisan distillery and visit a wine domaine producing delicious Crémant de Loire sparkling wine.

You’ll also spend a day visiting three very different but equally enchanting villages – Montsoreau and its antiques market; the flower-fringed streets of Candes-St-Martin both Plus Beaux Villages and Montreuil Bellay with its medieval chateau.

All tours include collection and return to local airports at Tours or Poitiers, or train stations at Chinon, Tours or Saumur, as well as private en-suite accommodation, all breakfasts and a full complement of lunches, dinners or picnics. Tours run from early April to late October and dates can be found on the website, but Graham and Jacqueline endeavour to run similar tours for groups of 2-6 guests at other times on request.

In an area where history oozes from every stone, where the vineyards tell a tale and the wine is divine, and flavour flows from every succulent mouthful, the expertise offered by Loire Valley Chateau Tours will help to satisfy all your senses, making sure you get the very best out of your visit to this enchanting area.

Find out more and book your tour at Loire Valley Chateau Tours: loirevallechateautours.com

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Loire Valley Tours & Trips

Just a short journey from Paris will see you arrive in the picturesque Loire Valley – a UNESCO listed destination. Take in the memorable sites, prestigious vineyards and historic cities and fairytale chateaux of the Loire Valley area on a delightful adventure.

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46 loire valley tour packages with 21 reviews.

Cycle the Loire Valley

Fabulous leaders and incredible route - pathways along the river or back country roads or cycling through small cute towns. Mostly flat - and very nicely paced with coffee and photo stops, or lunch, or a chateau visit! Only reason this didn’t get excellent from me was some of the hotels could have been better (and their free breakfasts)

• Self-Guided Cycling

Loire Cycle Path: Wild-romantic all the way to the sea (from Orleans to St-Nazaire)

Fantastic trip. Hotels were tremendous, especially the meal in the hotel in Saint Florent-le-Vieil. Maps were good though I used my app Bikemap.net, to act as a Sat Nav. A couple of hiccups with luggaeew but minor in comparison with holiday organisation. Would certainly recommend.

Loire Cycle Path: Wild-romantic all the way to the sea (from Tours to St-Nazaire)

The luggage was always on site, the hotels so O.k. and the description was good. For the navigation I was glad about the Garmin Navi.

• River Cruise

The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy (port-to-port cruise) (8 destinations)

Loire Valley Cycle

I travelled solo on the self guided Loire Valley Cycle. This was my first experience self guiding and it was a great introduction. The cycle routes mainly along cycle paths and country roads were usually well marked and the route notes & overview maps provided helped me to find my way – a few wrong turns here and there when I wasn’t paying attention, all part of the experience! Locals were always welcoming and went out of their way to help. The mix of 2 and 3 star hotels were well chosen for their charm with good locations, simple & plentiful continental breakfasts, delicious 3-4 course dinners if you choose the half board option for all nights (I was fit to bursting by the last day) and staff were always courteous. One of the highlights was the hotel in Chitenay which had a peaceful outdoor courtyard where dinner was served as we had good weather and a pool to make the most of the last of summer in September. The bikes were sturdy and suitable to the mostly flat terrain with rolling hills, typical for a wine growing region where you also have the opportunity for wine tasting and visiting the many chateaux along the way. The standout chateau was in Chambord – impressive just from the outside alone, well worth a look inside. Luggage transfers worked smoothly. Thanks UTracks for a great first experience self guiding and in the Loire!

Cycle the Loire - Nevers to Orléans

Bike was good. Holtels were good. First half of the route (Nevers to Sancerre) was good. Second half (Sancerre to Orleans) not so good (power station, often away from the river, uninteresting countryside).

• Wine tasting

Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

• Educational
• Bike and Barge
• Road Cycling
• Sightseeing

Loire Valley | France | Guided E-bike tour

From the Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau to the Loire Valley (7 destinations)

Loire Valley Castles

Castles on the River Loire: La Route Royal

Cycling the Chateaux of the Loire - Upgraded

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How to Plan the Perfect Loire Valley Itinerary

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

About the Loire Valley, France

The Loire Valley is the region around the Loire River’s middle stretch in Central France. Comprising about 800 km2, this is France’s most extensive area ever to be included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

The Loire Valley is one of the most beautiful destinations in France, a delicate blend of nature, history, and French elegant art-de-vivre . Here, you can enjoy vibrant medieval towns, fairytale castles, stunning gardens, delicious food, and some of France’s best wines.

There is such a variety of stunning places to see in the Loire Valley that it is difficult to choose only a few of them!

Do you plan on visiting the Loire Valley, France? This Loire Valley Trip Planner is here to help you plan the perfect Loire Valley itinerary. Read what to do in the Loire Valley, the best time to go, itinerary suggestions, and our best tips.

Is Loire Valley worth visiting? The Loire Valley is one of the most beautiful regions of France, which perfectly combines nature, history, and French art-de-vivre.

Table of Contents:

• Best Time to Visit the Loire Valley
• How Many Days in the Loire Valley?

How to Visit Loire Valley

Defining the perfect loire valley itinerary, best cities in the loire valley.

• Stay in One of the Château hotels in the Loire Valley

Best Châteaux of the Loire Valley to Visit

Best medieval towns in the loire valley.

• Wine Tasting in the Loire Valley
• Other Fun Things to Do in the Loire Valley

Best Time to Visit Loire Valley

The Loire Valley sits right in the center of France, dividing north and south, so it gets relatively hot in summer (around 25°C in July) and cold in winter (around 7°C in January).

The best time to visit Loire Valley to have good weather is from April to October. Spring is a great time to visit the chateaux’s gardens, all in full bloom.

The best seasons for outdoor activities are spring and autumn. The shoulder seasons in the Loire Valley are perfect for walking and cycling.

The months of July and August see the crowds in the Loire Valley, especially around the main sites. For the best accommodation and prices, it will be key to book well in advance. Also, we recommend buying skip-the-line tickets online in advance for the main Châteaux of the Loire Valley.

The season to avoid for a Loire Valley trip is winter. The winter months see rain and cooler temperatures, and some châteaux may be closed.

How Many Days in Loire Valley

The Loire Valley has so many things to see and do that you could spend all your French holiday in this region.

To get the most out of the Loire Valley, we recommend a minimum of 3 full days, but ideally 5-to 6 days. If you spend 5 to 6 days in the Loire Valley, you will have time to visit a couple of towns and cities, explore some of the best Châteaux of the Loire Valley, wine tasting and shopping, and perhaps a relaxing boat trip.

Loire Valley tours from Paris are also popular amongst people with tight schedules and they are perfectly planned to see a bit of everything.

1. Loire Valley Tour from Paris

Thanks to its proximity to the French capital, the Loire Valley is one of the most popular day trips from Paris .

There are many Loire Valley tours with an expert guide worth considering, but you can also book a customized Loire Valley day tour with the places you like.

Most of the Loire Valley tours are focused around the main Châteaux and towns. If you are more interested in vineyards than stones, check out this Loire Valley wine tour from Paris .

Have a look at this article on how to plan a day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris (self-guided or with a guided tour) and get the most out of your day in the Loire Valley!

2. Take a Loire Valley Road Trip

For extended trips to the Loire Valley, we recommend taking a road trip. A French self-drive holiday will allow you to visit the main sites and also other stunning châteaux and medieval towns, which are more difficult to reach by public transportation.

If you need some inspiration to craft your itinerary, have a look at this 5-day Loire Valley road trip . You will also find this road trip in our France by Car e-book , complete with the best places to eat and sleep for each day and our recommendations on customizing this driving holiday for shorter or longer trips.

If you don’t have a car in France, we recommend booking one with  Discover Cars . This site is great because it takes all major rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, and more, and compares prices for you. If this is your first time driving in France, check out our best  tips for renting a car in France .

If you land at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), you can pick up your rental car at the airport and start your Loire Valley road trip from there. The drive from CDG Airport to Orléans takes less than 2 hours (200 km) – Click here to rent a car at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

If you plan to visit Paris before heading to the Loire Valley, you can take a train from Paris to Tours, Blois, or Orléans and then pick up your rental car in one of these cities.

• Rent a car in Orléans
• Rent your Car in Tours
• Rent your Car in Blois

3. Loire Valley by Train

Cities and towns like Tours, Beaugency, Orléans, Blois, and Amboise are easy to reach by train. Here’s a list of train distances and times from Paris for reference:

• Train Paris – Tours : 1h 12 min (fast train)
• Train Paris – Orléans : 1h 52 min (fast train)
• Train Paris – Blois : 1,5-2hrs (direct or via Orléans)
• Train Paris – Amboise : 2-2,5hrs (direct or via Orléans)

Thanks to the Train Loire à Vélo (Train Loire by Bike) system, you can board trains on the Interloire line with your bicycle, from mid-June to mid-September. The service is free and has dedicated personnel to take care of your bike from the moment you board to when you get it back when you get off.

This train is great for La Loire à Vélo and the Itinéraire Vélocéan bike routes and allows you to easily skip stages or return to your point of departure.

The Loire Valley is more than fairytale castles. The region is also known for its vibrant cities, medieval towns, and natural wonders, so the perfect itinerary Loire Valley combines a little bit of all these things.

If you visit the Loire Valley for the first time, you may want to stick to the main sites. However, the most memorable Loire Valley trip usually begins when you leave the beaten path.

So what should include the perfect Loire Valley itinerary?

• One of the Loire Valley’s main cities
• One or two of the Loire Valley’s medieval towns
• Two of the most popular Châteaux of the Loire Valley
• One of the Châteaux off the main tourist track
• A stay in one of the stunning château-hotels in the Loire Valley
• A Loire Valley wine tour with tastings
• One or two outdoor activities

The list of things to do in the Loire Valley can be longer or shorter depending on the duration of your holiday. For example, for a Loire Valley 3-day itinerary , stay in one of the cities mentioned below. From there, visit a medieval village, one or two top castles, and take a wine tour. For a Loire Valley 5-day itinerary or longer, add at least one night in one of the stunning château-hotels nearby.

The Loire Valley’s main cities are a good place to put down your suitcases for a couple of days. Enjoy the city’s atmosphere and main sights and explore the rest of the Loire Valley on day trips. Here are the cities in the Loire Valle not to miss:

1. Orléans

Orléans is the capital of the Centre-Val-de Loire region . Orléans is famous as the city of  Jeanne d’Arc , a French heroine who, on the 8th of May 1429, played a decisive role in the town’s liberation from the occupying English.  

Over recent years, this dynamic city has engaged in major conservation projects to reveal all its former splendor. Orléans is a good base to explore the medieval towns of Beaugency, Meung-sur-Loire, and the castles of Chambord and Cheverny.

Blois  is a beautiful city with remarkable architectural and cultural heritage. Its Old Town is very compact, and you can easily explore it on foot. In Blois, don’t miss visiting the  Château de Blois , the Loire’s finest in-town château and home to seven French Kings!

Blois is a good base to explore the medieval town of Beaugency, the city of Amboise with its Royal Castle and the Clos de Lucé, and the castles of Chambord, Cheverny, Chaumont sur Loire, and Chenonceau.

Tours is a historic city with a rich heritage. Tours was the capital of the French kingdom, even if for a short time. It is also a student city, with a lively city center populated by many restaurants and bars that pop up their terraces outside as soon as the beautiful days arrive. 

Tours is an excellent base to explore the medieval towns of Chinon, and Langeais, the city of Amboise with its Royal Castle and the Clos de Lucé, and the castles of Chenonceau, Azay-le-Rideau, and Villandry.

Sitting on the River Loire banks, in the region of Pays-de-la-Loire, the city of  Saumur  has a pretty medieval Old Town to explore crowned by a fairytale medieval castle and plenty to see and do.

Saumur is a good base to explore the medieval towns of Chinon and Langeais, the city of Angers with its imposing medieval castle, the magnificent Abbey of Fontevraud – the burial place of the Plantagenets in France – and the castles of Azay-le-Rideau, and Villandry.

Stay in One of the Château Hotels in the Loire Valley

For a total Loire Valley experience, stay a couple of nights in one of the wonderful château hotels in the Loire Valley.

Many Châteaux of the Loire Valley have found new lives as château hotels and now offer accommodation with discerning five-star service that will treat you like a royal, if only just for the night. Explore the best Castles of the Loire Valley during the day, and choose your particular château to rest your head at night.

Click here for the best chateau-hotels in the Loire Valley . Other château hotels in the Loire Valley worth considering are:

• Château de Noizay , near Amboise
• Domaine des Hauts de Loire , near Chaumont-sur-Loire
• Château d’Artigny  near Tours
• Château de Beauvois , near Villandry
• Château de Chissay , near Château de Chenonceau
• Château de la Menaudière , near Château de Chenonceau
• Château de Gizeux , near Tours
• Château de Marçay , near Chinon
• Château de Troussail , in Cheverny
• Château Belmont , in Tours
• Les Sources de Cheverny , in Cheverny
• Château de Perreux , near Amboise
• Château des Arpentis , near Amboise
• Château de Rochecotte , near Villandry, Rigny-Ussé and Chinon
• Château de Pray , near Amboise

In the Loire Valley, you will find some of the most beautiful French castles to visit . Most of the Châteaux of the Loire Valley were built during the Renaissance, so they are very different from the Château de Versailles and other  castles near Paris .

As there are several hundred châteaux in the Loire Valley, with about 100 open to the public, it’s quite difficult to choose only a few for your itinerary!

If you don’t know what castles to visit, this list of the best Châteaux of the Loire Valley may help. For a perfect Loire Valley itinerary, we recommend visiting only 2-3 castles a day and completing the rest of the days with other activities.

If you plan on visiting the Loire Valley during the high season, we recommend buying skip-the-line tickets to the most popular castles online. Below we list the Loire Castles you will need advance tickets for and have added links to our favorite trusty providers for your convenience.

• Château de Chambord
• Château de Blois
• Château d’Amboise
• Château du Clos de Lucé (in Amboise)
• Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
• Château de Villandry
• Château de Chenonceau
• Château de Chaumont sur Loire
• Royal Fortress of Chinon

If you want to visit more than two Châteaux during your Loire Valley trip, consider one of the following Châteaux de la Loire Passes with skip-the-line access to save time and money:

• Leonardo da Vinci Loire Valley Pass – Château du Clos Lucé + Royal Château d’Amboise + Château de Chambord
• Loire Valley Châteaux Pass – Château de Chambord + Château de Chenonceau + Château de Blois (or Château d’Amboise, or Château du Clos Lucé)
• Touraine Château Pass – Château de Villandry + Château d’Azay-le-Rideau + Royal Fortress of Chinon

The Loire Valley is dotted with some of the most beautiful medieval towns in France and other picturesque villages accredited with labels like “Plus beaux villages de France” (Most beautiful villages in France) or “Petites Cités de Caractère” (Small towns of character). You will certainly be charmed by their tuffeau stone houses, flower-filled streets, and medieval remains!

Here’s the list of the best small towns and villages in the Loire Valley:

Along the banks of the Loire River

• Meung-sur-Loire

Along the banks of the Vienne and Indre Rivers

Along the banks of the Cher River

• Montrichard

Other Loire Valley Villages Worth Exploring

• St-Florent-le-Vieil
• Yèvre-le-Châte
• Candes-Saint-Martin
• Crissay-sur-Manse
• Trentemoult

Taste the Wines of the Loire Valley

If you like French wine , we recommend visiting one or two wineries in the Loire Valley Wine Region , where you’ll learn about the history of the land and get to taste several local wines, sometimes paired with delicious cheeses. 

The Loire Valley is one of the largest wine regions in France. If you are looking for lighter wines, the wines of Loire Valley are right up your alley. There are great selections of lighter red wines, delicate, fruity white wines, sweet roses, and a large production of sparkling wines (named Crémants de Loire).

The Loire Valley Wine Region has different production zones. The production area closest to the main Châteaux of the Loire Valley is Touraine , located around the city of Tours.

East of Tours, the production is focused on white wines from Chenin grape variety (e.g. AOC Vouvray). West of Tours, is the land of red wines from Cabernet Franc grape variety (e.g. AOC Chinon, AOC Borgueil). The AOC Touraine produces light wines in three colors (white, red, rosé).

All these Loire Valley wineries offer top-rated tours and tastings in French and English. A visit to these wineries is also a great opportunity to buy excellent wines directly from the producers. Book your visit online in advance.

• Domaine Thierry Cosme  – AOC Vouvray
• Domaine Les Pièrres d’Aurèle  – AOC Touraine
• Domaine Cahterine et Michel Langlois  – AOC Pouilly Fumé
• Domaine Jean-Marc et Mathieu Crochet  – AOC Sancerre

If you don’t have a car, here are some suggestions for wine day tours in the Loire Valley:

• Loire Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Private Driver (departs from Tours and Amboise)
• Loire Valley Wine Tour in Vouvray and Montlouis (departs from Tours)
• Caves Ambacia, Tour and Wine Tasting (in Amboise, no transportation)

Other Fun Things to Do in the Loire Valley, France

Of course, the Loire Valley offers much more than sightseeing. If you are visiting the Loire Valley for more than two or three days, consider one of these fun activities for adventure lovers:

1. See the Loire Valley Castles from Other Points of View

A visit to the interior of the Châteaux of the Loire Valley is a must, but it’s worth viewing the Castles from other perspectives for more magnificent views.

Take a boat trip to see the Château de Chenonceau from the water . The Canoë Company  offers different boat tours that are guided or self-guided, with different itineraries.

You can also admire the Châteaux de Chenonceau (and the Loire Valley) from a hot-air balloon with  France Montgolfières . Our trip with them over Fontainebleau was an incredible experience that we recommend. You can check our review  here .

Another unique way to explore the Châteaux of the Loire Valley is a micro flight with a professional pilot . Flights last from 30 min to 1,5 hrs, depending on the chosen option. The departure point is 40km from Tours, and you will be able to admire the Châteaux de Chenonceau, Loches, Chaumont, and Amboise.

2. La Loire à Vélo (The Loire Valley by Bike)

Explore the beautiful landscapes of the Loire Valley by following part of the famous Loire Valley bike route . We have covered different sections already, and it’s always a fun experience!

3. Taste the Regional Food

France is well-known for its great food, and the Loire Valley region is no exception. Here’s a list of some delicious specialties from the Loire Valley:

• Game Meat  – Wild boar (sanglier), deer (cerf), duck (canard), quail (caille), pigeon and rabbit (lapin)
• Fish  – Commonly served fish in this region include pike perch/zander (sandre), bream (brème), and eels (anguilles). They are usually served with a butter sauce (beurre blanc)
• Goat Cheese  (chèvre) such as Saint Maure, Pouligny-St-Pierre, Selles-sur-Cher and Crottin de Chavignol
• Rillettes  – usually made using pork, it’s a textured pâté and served spread on bread
• Touraine Rillons  (Rillons de Touraine) – slow-cooked pork belly cubes
• Caramelized Apple pie  (Tarte Tatin) – this famous dessert comes from this region, and more specifically from Sologne

4. Shopping

Most of the Châteaux open to visitors have impressive souvenir shops with interesting history books and medieval-related merchandise.

If you take a wine tour, don’t miss the opportunity to buy a couple of your favorite bottles. Prices are always cheaper than in the wine shops in the city.

Look for the local markets for regional produce, cheese, rillettes, and local sweets.

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Oshkosh native living in Paris shares charms of Southern France in new cookbook, culinary tour

While studying at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Rebekah Peppler got just the right push to follow her dreams. It took just one professor's confidence in her. 

Today the Oshkosh native lives in Paris and leads culinary tours in France. She’s carved out a career path traveling the globe writing about food, wine and cocktails. Yet no matter where she goes, her favorite cheese will always be Wisconsin cheddar.

Peppler, whose newest cookbook is her third written in France, is part of a small group of American expats who have built followings sharing their love of French cooking and culture, including Dorie Greenspan, David Lebovitz and Milwaukee native  Patricia Wells . 

Delving into the food, drinks and places that inspire her love of the south of France, Peppler’s new cookbook, in stores April 23, is “Le Sud: Recipes from Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur” (Chronicle Books), with photos by Joann Pai. A travelogue of taste, “Le Sud” offers a slice of time and place with recipes. 

Her previous books include  “Aperitif: Cocktail Hour the Frency Way” (Clarkson Potter), which was a 2019 James Beard Foundation Book Award nominee, and  “A Table: Recipes for Cooking and Eating the French Way” (Chronicle Books).

Peppler tries to get back to her hometown once a year to see her mother, a librarian. Between stops in New York, Toronto, San Francisco, Chicago and Seattle, she will bring her book tour to Elsewhere Market & Coffee House , 531 N. Main St., Oshkosh at 6 p.m. May 22. 

Working with Modern Adventure, she will also be leading a trip to Provence, France, Sept. 11-17. See  rebekahpeppler.com  or  modernadventure.com  for additional details. 

Peppler recently talked with the Journal Sentinel about her journey to living in France and her newest cookbook.

Making her way from Oshkosh to Paris

I grew up in Oshkosh. I was born there, studied at UW-Oshkosh, got my bachelor's in journalism news editorial with minors in art history and English. One of the reasons I wanted to stay close to home was so I could study abroad. I actually studied in England and Italy. That sparked my idea that I could live further afield later in life. 

When I graduated I decided to go to New York and culinary school. It is  ICC, the International Culinary Center , now. When I was there it was based in Soho, The French Culinary Institute. I got my degree in classic pastry arts. When I was thinking about what I wanted to do it was between that program and a similar one in Paris. I decided to move to New York first, started working as a food stylist, and spent nearing 10 years in New York doing that, but itching to do more writing. I had my feet firmly planted in the styling world, but always wanted to write and write cookbooks.

I never had a fantasy of living in France before I moved here, but I always wanted to live abroad and immerse myself in another culture and language. I started splitting my time between New York and Paris. Then it slowly became just Paris. I spend a lot of time in the U.S. for work, but my full-time life — and all my shoes and books — are in Paris. 

This expat’s first international trip didn’t happen until after high school

I went to Italy for the first time as my high school graduation present. I think I surprised my parents by choosing an international spot.

The power of positive people

Dorie Greenspan  specifically has long been a figure in my personal life. She is a dear human. She was one of the first people that planted the seed in my mind that I could move to France. I just asked her to coffee, and then asked, “What is it like to live (in France) as an American, and how do you split your time?” She was unequivocally, “Do it, just try it and see." Her confidence in my ability to take that leap was formative. 

What makes 'Le Sud' her most personal book

My interest in writing cookbooks stems from my interest in writing about food, but I’m not interested in banging out recipes and putting them in a book and putting pretty pictures in it. I’m more interested in telling stories and a narrative-driven book. That is what I strive for, and across the three books it started that way and leaned harder and harder. I think “Le Sud” is my most personal book. 

I weave in a lot of my life, as well as telling the story of the region and expanding the story outside the beautiful Mediterranean seasons, produce and lavender fields, which Provence has in spades. It also has all these other parts: rivers marshes, rice, beaches, hillsides, wines that aren’t just rosés that are really phenomenal but can be overlooked because we think of Provence and we think rosé. You have the Italian border and its influence. I wanted to learn about that more and transcribe that on the page, but also in a way that felt personal to me, and fun, hopefully funny at points.

How Julia Child’s former home became part of her book

I spent a month there, writing and living in the house. I lived in the house and cooked in the house and wrote in the house. I brought my photographer. ... I also brought my partner, Laila (Said). It felt special to wake up and make my coffee in Julia’s kitchen with the pegboard and watch the sunrise and have these surreal moments alongside real life. 

I had to eat dinner and work, connect with my spouse. There are all these things alongside the fantasy you walk into. That’s one of the things that is a bigger theme in my work in France, to separate the fantasy and the fantastic, what is real, and what can be fantastic about this fantasy, but doesn’t have to lean on the fantasy trope. I feel very privileged to live there for a month and use all the tools and develop and shoot recipes. 

These are her travel essentials

I’m always bringing back kitchen supplies! I bring a lot of salt and coffee. We were just in Japan. I brought back a copper omelet maker and some really gorgeous graters and salts.

When I do a book tour or work travel, moving between different spaces and trying to create a sense of home, I try to be in a place that has a bathtub. Water really grounds me, and I travel with bath salts. 

Who she looks to for inspiration

Melissa Clark has long been both inspiration and mentor for me. She has been such a champion of my work, which has felt like a big honor to me. Dorie Greenspan, the same. Sometimes there is this idea there is not enough to go around. I have found I have been welcomed and offered a lot of support. That is something I have never taken for granted. 

There are other writers who don’t write about food who I reach for, like Alexander Chee. He makes it look easy, but it is powerful.  

What she’s doing next

I have a tour with Modern Adventure (to Provence) in the fall. There are still seats. So if anyone from Wisconsin wants to join us, I would love it. The trip is inspired by the book. 

What this Wisconsin native misses most from home 

I still crave Wisconsin cheddar. It is one of my favorites in the world. The kind of cheddar we get in Europe is mostly English. There is nothing wrong with it. It is very good. I eat it when I can’t get my hands on Wisconsin cheddar. But there is such a flavor profile I haven’t been able to replicate in Europe. I used to bring blocks of cheddar back to New York. Also, heads up: If you travel with cheddar, take it out of your carry-on, because it gets flagged.

We’ll be stopping in Oshkosh right after Chicago (on this tour). I’m very excited. My first meal will include cheddar, and probably a brat on the grill and a seven layer salad. That is still one of my favorite things, and outside of Wisconsin no one knows what seven layer salad is! My mom makes it in a very specific way I love.

How Wisconsin plays a role in her success

It goes back to when I studied at UW-Oshkosh. I studied under an incredible teacher, Grace Lim. She still teaches. I’ll be in contact with her at the (May) event at Elsewhere (Marketplace & Coffee House). She’ll be moderating. She was very formative in starting my confidence in my writing, and also my confidence in being able to do it wherever I want. Educators can play such a huge role in pulling out the dreams of young people, laying them out in front of them and giving them the options.

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La loire--île courtemanche, region stats, recent checklists.

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eBird in La Loire--Île Courtemanche

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New Species

Native and naturalized (5).

• Eurasian Thick-knee Burhinus oedicnemus # Count: 1 Date: 20 Apr 2024 Observer: Clément Delaleu Location: La Loire--Île Courtemanche
• Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius # Count: 4 Date: 20 Apr 2024 Observer: Clément Delaleu Location: La Loire--Île Courtemanche
• Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus # Count: 3 Date: 20 Apr 2024 Observer: Clément Delaleu Location: La Loire--Île Courtemanche
• Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos # Count: 1 Date: 14 Apr 2024 Observer: Clément Delaleu Location: La Loire--Île Courtemanche
• Herring Gull Larus argentatus # Count: 1 Date: 14 Apr 2024 Observer: Clément Delaleu Location: La Loire--Île Courtemanche Show details Details:

20 Apr 2024 5:25 PM

14 apr 2024 9:27 am, 26 mar 2024 7:12 pm, 22 mar 2024 6:19 pm, 21 mar 2024 4:57 pm.

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Checklist Leaders

Species leaders.

• 1. Clément Delaleu 5