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Tour de France 2024

Latest news from the race.

'Remco Evenepoel will be ready' - Lefevere confident for Tour de France after crash recovery

2026 Tour de France all-but-confirmed to start in Barcelona

'Okaaaayyy let's go' - Remco Evenepoel training at altitude as Tour de France preparation continues

2024 tour de france information.

The 111th edition of the Tour de France starts in Florence, Italy, on Saturday, June 29 and ends three weeks later in Nice on Sunday, July 21. It is the first time the Tour starts in Italy and the first time it finishes in Nice to avoid the preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics Games, which begin just a week later.

The route of the world's biggest race covers a total of 3,492km with some 52,320 metres of overall elevation, passing through four nations – Italy, San Marino, France, and Monaco. It features two individual time trials for a total of 59km, four mountain-top finishes, a series of gravel sections on stage 9, and a final hilly time trial to Nice. The official route was unveiled on October 25 in a special ceremony in Paris.

Tour de France champion  Jonas Vingegaard  (Jumbo-Visma) won his second GC title last year and, if he can recover from his crash injuries in time , will be back to defend his title against top rival Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates), who finished second overall. Vingegaard is likely to face a huge challenge from not just Pogačar, but also Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep) and former teammate turned rival Primož Roglič (Bora-Hansgrohe).

Join Cyclingnews' coverage of the 2024 Tour de France with live coverage, race reports, results, photo galleries, news and race analysis.

• Tour de France 2024 route

The 2024 Tour de France includes 52,230 metres of vertical gain across 3,492km of climbs, sprints and time trialling from Italy into France, with fewer high climbs than in the past and shorter stages. 

It is a balanced three weeks of racing that includes eight flat stages, four mountain-top finishes and two individual time trials, the final test against the clock is a hilly time trial to Nice that could create suspense. The race has 25km of racing above 2,000 metres and 27 mountains classified as second, first, or HC.

Florence, Italy, will host the team presentation, and stage 1 will roll out from Piazzale Michelangelo to open the Grand Tour for the first time. The first two stages are just over 200km each and include climbing, with the third day in Italy a flatter affair at 225km from Piacenza to Turin. 

Stage 4 heads into France and straight away to the Alps, with climbs across Sestriere, the Col de Montgenèvre and the Col du Galibier before a fast descent to Valloire. After two days with opportunities for breakaways and fast finishers, the first time trial comes on stage 7 at 25km. The first week ends with back-to-back stages ending in the champagne capital of Troyes to the southeast of Paris, including stage 9, which is a far tougher day due to the 14 sectors of gravel.

Week two of the 2024 Tour starts with a four-day ride south to the Pyrenees via the Massif Central and the rural France Profonde, with stages to Saint-Amand-Montrond, Le Lioran, Villeneuve-sur-Lot and then Pau. The Tour celebrates the Bastille Day holiday weekend in the Pyrenees with consecutive mountain finishes - stage 14 finishes in Pla d'Adet after climbing the Col du Tourmalet and the Hourquette d’Ancizan while stage 15 climbs the Portet d'Aspet and the Col d’Agnes for the finish up to Plateau de Beille.

Following the second rest day in Gruissan on the Mediterranean coast near the border with Spain on Monday, July 15, the final week leads into the Alps. The contenders should face a final shakeout once the race reaches stage 20, as the 2,802-metre high Cime de la Bonette and final ascent to Isola 2000 will be decisive. The final stage of the 2024 Tour is a 34km hilly time trial from Monaco to Nice.

Check out all the details of the 2024 Tour de France route .

• There's no way to Jumbo-proof the Tour de France - 2024 route analysis
• ‘I think it’s a good parcours for me’ - Jonas Vingegaard keen on 2024 Tour de France route
• Mark Cavendish: 'It might be the hardest route I've ever seen at the Tour de France'
• Jasper Philipsen sees 'a very difficult end' for sprinters in 2024 Tour de France
• Tour de France 2024 gravel stage 'increases chance of bad luck' says Plugge
• Remco Evenepoel tempted by 2024 Giro d'Italia-Tour de France combo
• Regal reveals for Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes 2024 routes - Gallery
• As it happened: All the information about the 2024 Tour de France route unveiled
• Tour de France 2024 routes – All the rumours ahead of the official presentation

Tour de France 2024 Contenders

Defending Tour de France champion  Jonas Vingegaard will again have a strong Jumbo-Visma team to support his quest for a third title, but this time, former team leader Primož Roglič has turned to rival as he looks to give Bora-Hansgrohe top billing. Vingegaard will also face huge challenges from Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) and Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep). 

In the flat stages, look for last year's green jersey victor Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) to contest for another title against Fabio Jakobsen , now with Team dsm-firmenich, and Caleb Ewan , now with Jayco-AlUIa. And fastman Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan) is back for an 18th pro season to mix it up in the sprints, on the hunt for a record-breaking 35th Tour de France stage victory.

And there will be opportunities across the three weeks for breakaway riders to shine, including the likes of Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal-QuickStep), Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) and Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck).

Tour de France 2024 stages

• Tour de France past winners
• Stage 1 | Florence - Rimini 2024-06-29 205km
• Stage 2 | Cesenatico - Bologna 2024-06-30 200km
• Stage 3 | Piacenza - Turin 2024-07-01 225km
• Stage 4 | Pinerolo - Valloire 2024-07-02 138km
• Stage 5 | Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne - Saint-Vulbas Plaine de l'Ain 2024-07-03 177km
• Stage 6 | Mâcon - Dijon 2024-07-04 163km
• Stage 7 | Nuits-Saint-Georges - Gevrey-Chambertin (ITT) 2024-07-05 25km
• Stage 8 | Semur-en-Auxois - Colombey-les-Deux-Églises 2024-07-06 176km
• Stage 9 | Troyes - Troyes 2024-07-07 199km
• Rest Day 1 | Orléans 2024-07-08
• Stage 10 | Orléans - Saint-Amand-Montrond 2024-07-09 187km
• Stage 11 | Évaux-les-Bains - Le Lioran 2024-07-10 211km
• Stage 12 | Aurillac - Villeneuve-sur-Lot 2024-07-11 204km
• Stage 13 | Agen - Pau 2024-07-12 171km
• Stage 14 | Pau - Saint-Lary-Soulan (Pla d'Adet) 2024-07-13 152km
• Stage 15 | Loudenvielle - Plateau de Beille 2024-07-14 198km
• Rest Day 2 | Gruissan 2024-07-15
• Stage 16 | Gruissan - Nîmes 2024-07-16 187km
• Stage 17 | Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux - Superdévoluy 2024-07-17 178km
• Stage 18 | Gap - Barcelonnette 2024-07-18 179km
• Stage 19 | Embru - Isola 2000 2024-07-19 145km
• Stage 20 | Nice - Col de la Couillole 2024-07-20 133km
• Stage 21 | Monaco - Nice (ITT) 2024-07-21 34km

Latest Content on the Race

By James Moultrie published 11 May 24

News Team boss says injuries have caused stiffness in time trial position but expects best level to come at Dauphiné

By Dani Ostanek published 8 May 24

News Local reports suggest Grand Tour set for a fourth foreign start in five years following Copenhagen, Bilbao, Tuscany, and Lille

News Belgian logs training rides in Sierra Nevada a month on from Itzulia Basque Country crash

After his first outdoor ride since horror crash, Jonas Vingegaard has high hopes of Tour de France return

By James Moultrie published 7 May 24

News Two-time defending champion returns to riding outdoors seven weeks before the Tour's start as teammates head to altitude

'His training is producing really good numbers' – Roglič recovered from Itzulia injuries, builds toward Tour de France

By Alasdair Fotheringham published 6 May 24

News Head sports director tells Cyclingnews the 2023 Giro d'Italia winner is confirmed for training camps, Criterium du Dauphine

Jonas Vingegaard to miss Critérium du Dauphiné, team still has Tour de France hopes for defending champion

By Laura Weislo published 3 May 24

News Dane to miss team's altitude camp this week as he recovers from crash injuries

‘The deal is done’ - Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe has the wings to secure super team status

By Stephen Farrand published 2 May 24

News 'With the arrival of Red Bull, we have big, big goals but the Tour de France isn't the only goal' says Ralph Denk

Egan Bernal confirms Tour de France participation following strong early-season form

By Dani Ostanek published 1 May 24

News Colombian is set to join Rodríguez, Thomas, and Pidcock as part of formidable Ineos Grenadiers squad this July

Neilson Powless returns from knee injury in time for 'nice steady build for the Tour'

By Simone Giuliani published 1 May 24

News EF Education-EasyPost rider to resume racing at Eschborn-Frankfurt Wednesday, also returning to US to race Nationals

Remco Evenepoel's Tour de France ambitions back on track after high-speed Itzulia crash

By James Moultrie published 26 April 24

News Belgian superstar training on the road three weeks after breaking collarbone and scapula

Top News on the Race

‘The pain is getting less and less’ - Remco Evenepoel optimistic after Itzulia crash

'Walk first, ride indoors and then on the road' - Jonas Vingegaard's road to recovery after Itzulia crash

'I hope and think my long term goals will not change' – Remco Evenepoel weighs crash consequences

Related features.

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Tour de France 2024 - Four contenders, four different paths to the big showdown

'If nothing goes wrong, Tadej is boss’ - Adam Yates on the Tour de France and life with Pogacar

'It's a year to rebuild and find my feet again' – Caleb Ewan starts over at Jayco-AlUla

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Tours travel guide

Visit Tours (Centre-Loire Valley, France)

The town of Tours is in the Indre-et-Loire department of the Centre region (the Loire Valley), and it is the largest town in the region. A busy, thriving town Tours is also only an hour to the south-west of Paris .

Exploring Tours

France This Way review: in Tours you will discover an extensive medieval historic centre, an imposing cathedral and cloisters, modern shopping streets and several other important monuments: together these make the town a very interesting and enjoyable destination to visit.

If possible, start your visit with a visit to Tours Tourist office on Rue Bernard Palissy to the south-east of the centre: this is adjacent to the car park on Rue Général Leclerc so we suggest you park there if arriving by car. The tourist office have lots of useful information about hidden sites and places you might not otherwise discover, such as a route for wine tasting...

One of the main attractions in Tours is the historic centre of the old town, in and around Place Plumereau. Around the edges of the square there are beautiful 12th to 15th century half timbered houses and some houses that also include fascinating features such as the carved figures on the facade of the house on the corner with Rue du Commerce.

The square is also filled with cafes and open air seating, so it’s a great place to sit and have a drink.

After exploring the streets in the historic centre, if you walk a short distance south along Rue du Change you reach another group of interesting buildings including the Tour Charlemagne, built over the tomb of Luitgarde, the wife of Charlemagne, and the Basilica Saint-Martin.

Inside the Basilica Saint-Martin , built in Tours in the 19th century in the neo-byzantine style, you can admire the painting of the dome and in the crypt of the church is the tomb of Saint-Martin, one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in France.

There are a number of grand houses dating from the Renaissance period along Rue du Commerce, to the east of the old town. Our favourite is the Hotel Gouin with a lovely Renaissance façade: the archeaology museum is now housed in the building.

At the end of Rue du Commerce you can see another impressive religious monument, the Church of Saint-Julien, that combines both roman and gothic styles of architecture.

Cathedral Saint-Gatien and La Psalette cloisters

The Cathedral Saint-Gatien, the most important religious monument in Tours, is at the east end of Rue Commerce and Rue Colbert, and contains the tombs of the children of Charles VIII. Most notable, although part of the cathedral dates from the 12th century, much of the western end was built in the 15th century in so-called 'flamboyant gothic' style.

Adjacent to the cathedral are the cloisters of la Psalette - an impressive structure in a mix of architectural styles with elaborate stonework and a beautiful renaissance staircase. In part of the cloisters you can see the room where religious chanting was practiced. The cloisters are listed as one of 85 National Monuments in France.

See our separate guide for information about Tours cathedral and the la Psalette cloisters .

Other monuments in Tours

Next to the cathedral is the Museum of Fine Arts housed in the Archbishops Palace. You should stroll around the pretty gardens even if you are not going into the museum. There is also a cedar tree in the garden of the Archbishops palace, famous for being planted by Napoleon.

Next to the river on the other side of the cathedral you can see the Chateau of Tours, although only two towers now remain. The Tour de Guise houses a wax-work museum and a Tropical Aquarium.

If you walk south along Rue Nationale from the Church of Saint-Julien you can pause to do some shopping then continue to Place Jean Jaures to see two very impressive classical style buildings dating from Tours period of prosperity in the 18th century: the Palais de Justice and the Hotel de Ville.

As you would expect of a major town such as Tours you will also find a wide range of shops, restaurants and all other commerces. There are also markets held in different parts of the town almost every day of the week.

Parcs and gardens in Tours

For a change from the bustle of the streets there are several public parks and gardens in Tours. We enjoyed a visit to the Botanic gardens, an extensive area of trees, gardens and water features opposite the Bretonneau Hospital to the west of the centre and also a stroll around the Jardin des Prébendes d'Oé to the south of Tours town centre (rue Roger Salengro).

There are many others that we did not unfortunately have time to visit, which you will find on the map given out by the tourist office in Tours.

Attractions nearby

Of course no visit to the Loire Valley would be complete without visiting a castle or two, and several of the most important castles, towns and villages are within easy reach of Tours.

Among our favourites, the gardens at Château de Villandry are a short distance along the river to the west of Tours, and in the pretty town of Amboise you can visit the Chateau d'Amboise and Chateau de Clos Lucé , once home to Leonardo da Vinci. See also Loire Valley castles for more information.

You can find more travel ideas in the Indre-et-Loire guide and the Loire Valley guide .

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Map of tours and places nearby, visit near tours with france this way reviews.

Basilica of Saint-Martin in Tours

The basilica Saint-Martin is an imposing neo-byzantine church in the town of Tours

Tours Cathedral and La Psalette Cloisters

The la Psalette cloister and the cathedral of Tours together make a very impressive religious monument with various architectural styles

Chateau de Villandry

The rooms at Chateau de Villandry can be explored, but it is the world famous French style gardens here that will hold your attention the longest

Although it is the castle that attracts visitors to Amboise, you will also enjoy exploring the main square and old streets elsewhere in the small town

Azay-le-Rideau

The village of Azay-le-Rideau is best known for its castle but also has a pleasant centre with a historic church and mill to explore

Chateau d'Amboise

The Chateau d'Amboise is a castle with impressive gardens and a lovely view across the rooftops of Amboise

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Indre-et-Loire

Tourist classifications for Tours

Tours has received the following tourist classifications: listed town of Art and History ; historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé); village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*

Address: Tours, Loire Valley, 37000, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 47.393, longitude 0.6891

Plan your visit to Tours, Indre-et-Loire

Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby.

• Cloisters of la Psalette : national monument
• Le jardin des Prébendes d'Oé: remarkable garden
• Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire: ville fleurie 4*
• Les jardins du prieuré de Saint-Cosme: remarkable garden (2 km)
• Les jardins du château de Villandry : remarkable garden (14 km)
• Parc et jardins du château de Valmer: remarkable garden (15 km)
• Aquarium du Val-de-Loire: aquarium (17 km)
• Les jardins de la Chatonnière: remarkable garden (22 km)
• Amboise : secteur sauvegarde (22 km)
• Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau : national monument (22 km)
• Réserve de Beaumarchais: zoo or wildlife park (27 km)
• Parc et jardins du château de Chenonceau : remarkable garden (30 km)

The French version of this page is at Tours (Francais)

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in France

Find the right fully guided tour for you in France. There are 723 trips to choose from, that range from 2 days in length, up to 31 days. The month with the most departures is September, making it the most popular time to visit France.

250+ Fully Guided tour packages in France with 2,235 reviews

• River Cruise

Paris to Normandy 2024

It was a shot in the dark, trying to choose the best cruise and we definitely hit the jackpot with Avalon. The cabins were comfortable and well kept, the food was divine, the tour options were diverse and encompassed everything we could wish for...and the crew were friendly, going out of their way to be helpful. With ages ranging from 14 to 50 in our family group, we were all catered for and everyone enjoyed the vacation. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Avalon, in fact we were so impressed, we are traveling again next March with Avalon and cannot wait.

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

French Dream ( 6 days )

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes

Mont Blanc Highlights

Wonderful guided hikes, all different and amazing views. Tourradar really surpassed all my expectations. From a wonderful hotel - stayed at Richemond Hotel, in the centre of town to the amazing prepared lunches and restaurant dinners to our wonderful and knowledgeable guide Nichole. Thank you Nicole for your energy, patience, calmness, and expertise both up and down each mountain adventure. You made our trip a wonderful

Cycle Provence

French Ring ( 11 days )

Paris to Normandy WWII Remembrance & History Cruise (Southbound)

• In-depth Cultural

The Treasures of France including Normandy (8 Days)

Totally good but need more organized

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

France Family Journey: From Paris to Normandy and Beyond

The tour was interesting, fun, and just the right balance of group and independent activities. The tour guides were knowledgeable, helpful, and very organized!

Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley (Classic, 8 Days)

This was a fantastic trip! The knowledge and passion my Travel Director Elizabeth had was amazing. The accommodation was incredible you walked outside and were in the centre of town. In Brittany I had a view of the sea. I never felt rushed and enough free time.

Paris, Normandy and the Loire

My husband and I had a wonderful experience, the driver was very experience with narrow streets, the guide went above and beyond to make sure we are comfortable, safe and enjoying our trip.

Paris Explorer (8 Days)

This trip was for my 80th birthday. The tour director and specialists gave us insights you wouldn’t get going alone especially the Normandy optional tour. There was enough free time to go off on your own. I discovered profiteroles are my new favorite dessert.

Paris & Normandy Highlights National Geographic Journeys

We loved the itinerary and the extra sites we visited, also. Our CEO Alexiane did well. We would have like to hear more history of the places we saw. Alexiane took care to provide for the needs of individuals on our tour. That was especially helpful for me. Our bus driver, Frederick, was excellent and caring, too.

• Wine tasting

Brilliant Bordeaux (2024) (Bordeaux to Bordeaux, 2024)

Paris, Normandy, & Châteaux Country

Went on Normandy, Chateaux country tour. Had Riccardo, he was great. The tour was a well organized tour, and his attention to detail making sure everything was smoothly run. Great trip

The Must-see Sights of the Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise)

I was kept informed & on promptly basis. A very professional approach by your staff

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in France

It was a very comfortable and enjoyable cruise. The service staff were very friendly and attentive. The fellow passengers were very friendly and sociable which makes the whole cruise line one big happy family.

Overall a great tour. Much more than we expected. Highly recommend instead of trying to visit a foreign country without a tour guide and driver-- both of whom were fabulous !!

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Armchair travel: 21 virtual tours in France to try in 2021

We’ve rounded up some of France’s best virtual tours so you can take a French holiday from home

The travel forecast may slowly be improving, but for those of us desperate to return for France, virtual visits are the next best thing. From gardens to Gallo-Roman ruins, from châteaux to museums, these virtual tours of France’s landmarks are the perfect chance to see some of the country’s best-loved sights without the tourist crowds.

1. Explore Monet’s garden, a riot of colour that inspired some of his most famous artworks, at the Fondation Monet in Giverny .

2. Marvel at the Gothic grandeur of Sainte-Chapelle in Paris , dating back to the 13th century.

3. See some of the theatre world’s most beautiful costumes at the Centre National du Costume de Scène (National Centre for Stage Costume) in Moulins.

4. Go underground to see a different side to Paris in the city’s eerie catacombs .

5. Visit the fairytale-like Château de Chambord in Loir-et-Cher.

6. Step back in time at the Gallo-Roman remains at La Roquebrussanne .

7. Explore Strasbourg’s breathtaking cathedral , completed in 1439.

8. Soak up the Alpine atmosphere at the legendary La Folie Douce in Val d’Isère.

9. Immerse yourself in the historic surroundings of Fontevraud Abbey in the Loire Valley.

10.Take a trip to the pretty-in-pink Château de Voltaire in Ferney.

11. Pay a visit to the world-famous Sanctuary at Lourdes , at the gateway to the Pyrenees.

12. Visit the setting of the Festival d’Aix , the international music festival in Provence.

13. Follow in the footsteps of royalty at the Château de Versailles near Paris.

14. See one of France’s most unusual art galleries – La Piscine, Roubaix .

15. Discover prehistoric France at the Musée de Préhistoire des Gorges du Verdon .

16. Explore the fantastic Mediterranean gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on the Côte d’Azur.

17. See some of the Louvre’s top exhibits without the crowds.

18. Visit some of Corsica’s most beautiful beaches , including Plage de Palombaggia.

19. Tour the fortified Château de Kerjean in Finistère.

20. Discover the Museum of Street Art in Paris , with some of the city’s best contemporary designs on show.

21. Finally, for young Francophiles, take these child-friendly tours of some more of Paris’ top museums.


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This spring at the palace of versailles.

High attendance is expected this week, visit the fountain shows in the Gardens. Buy your ticket online and avoid waiting times.

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From the seat of power to a museum of the history of France

The estate of Trianon

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The Gardens

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Exhibitions

From 19 March to 23 June 2024 / The estate of Trianon

Imperial silks for Versailles, a collection from the Mobilier National

From 19 March to 23 June 2024, the Grand Trianon is hosting an exhibition dedicated to an exceptional commission placed by Napoleon I with the Lyon silk manufacturers for silks to refurnish the Palace of Versailles.

From 29 March to 31 October 2024 / The Gardens

Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens

From 29 March to 31 October 2024, enjoy the Musical Gardens and the Great Musical Waters in the gardens and groves opened for the occasion. Every Saturday evening from 8 June to 21 September, Sunday 14 July, friday 28 June and Thursday 15 August, discover the Gardens in the evening with the The Night Fountains Show.

Travelling exhibition

Virtually Versailles

After highly successful runs in Singapore and Shanghai, the Virtually Versailles immersive exhibition is reaching out to international audiences at Hangzhou's Winland Center from May 2, 2024. A unique opportunity to discover Versailles from China.

The Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles Exhibition

As part of the Franco-Chinese Year of Cultural Tourism, the Palace of Versailles and the Forbidden City's Palace Museum hold an exhibition in Beijing devoted to exchanges between France and China in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

From march 19 to june 23, 2024

Exhibition : Imperial silks for Versailles

A collection from the mobilier national

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The collection's website

Discover the collections of the Palace of Versailles through the new English version of the website. Containing over 60,000 works, the collections of the Palace of Versailles span a very broad period. The collections reflect the dual identity of the Palace, as both a palace occupied by the kings of France and the royal court, and later a museum “dedicated to the glories of France,” inaugurated by Louis-Philippe in 1837.

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Palace of Versailles x Saint-Louis glassworks

The Palace of Versailles and the Saint-Louis glassworks teamed up to offer a new “Galerie des reines” set of four crystal flutes. Sold exclusively by subscription until September 15, 2024, to benefit the restoration of the Versailles Estate.

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During guided tours, a speaker from the Palace invites you into lesser known locations otherwise closed to the visitors. You can also book online tours to discover the backstage of the Castle from your home!

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The free application of the Palace offers audio tours to accompany your visit to the Estate (Palace, Gardens, Trianon Estate, etc.) as well as an interactive map.

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The best of Versailles for subscribers! For a whole year, benefit from numerous advantages thanks to the SOLO or DUO cards, and unlimited ticket access from only 65€.

22,000 artworks to discover online

With 60,000 artworks, collections of Versailles illustrate 5 centuries of French History. This set reflects the dual vocation of the Palace once inhabited by the sovereigns and then a museum dedicated "to all the glories of France" inaugurated by Louis-Philippe in 1837.

1787 — Elisabeth-Louise Vigée-Lebrun

Marie-Antoinette, reine de France, et ses enfants

1791 - 1792 — Jacques-Louis David

Le serment du Jeu de Paume, 20 juin 1789

1701 — Hyacinthe RIGAUD

1783 — Élisabeth Vigée Lebrun

Portrait de Marie-Antoinette

1665 — Gian-Lorenzo Bernini, dit (le) Bernin

Buste de Louis XIV

1678-1685 — Charles Le Brun

Le roi gouverne par lui-même, 1661

1846 — Horace Vernet

Le roi Louis-Philippe entouré de ses cinq fils [...]

1777 — Michel-Barthélémy Ollivier

Souper du prince

1706 — Antoine Morand

Pendule dite "de Louis XIV"

Video : trailer for the "horace vernet" exhibition.

Video : Etonnant Versailles - Episode 1 Versailles celebrates its 400th anniversary!

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France.fr : Explore France and its wonders

7 good reasons to travel to france in spring.

When spring returns and your wanderlust blooms, consider traveling in France! The country is never more beautiful than during this season. You can savor the gentle rays of the sun on charming terraces, stroll through parks and gardens bursting with blooms, and wander quietly along the seaside, in the mountains, or through picturesque countryside. Longer days allow for leisurely exploration. Plus, major exhibitions and joyful festivals are part of the program. It’s an ideal way to awaken your senses before the summer rush. 🌸🌞

Paris 2024 : Open Doors Open Games

An open-air museum, exceptional natural landscapes, local and eco-friendly gastronomy - visitors couldn't dream of a better setting to cheer on the future medallists. A year before the opening ceremony, France.fr takes you behind the scenes of this global event to make sure you don't miss any of the action.

Traveling to France? Here are 8 sustainable things to keep in mind

By carefully deliberating over your needs, your mode of travel and your consumption while travelling, you can considerably reduce the overall ecological impact of your travels. Good news: France is a country in transition to become an eco-friendly hotspot! All over the country, you can choose sustainable options, and thus travel responsibly while fulfilling your dream trips.

France Celebrates 150 Years of Impressionism Throughout the Country!

Sun rays, water reflections, verdant countryside, and the remarkable palette of lights and colors in Normandy and the Seine Valley ignited the creativity of the first impressionist painters. 150 years after the foundational exhibition in Paris in 1874, unprecedented displays are scheduled for 2024 across thirty French museums, featuring 180 exceptional loans from the Musée d'Orsay. From Provence to Hauts-de-France, and from Alsace to the island of La Réunion, visitors will rediscover iconic or lesser-known works while immersing themselves in the natural, urban, or maritime landscapes depicted by Monet, Degas, Pissarro, Morisot, and Cézanne

7 Events Not to Miss in France in 2024

Culture, fashion, gastronomy, art of living: France is teeming with initiatives and exciting news in 2024. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a sports fan, everyone will find something to enjoy while visiting the hexagon. Put on your berets and mark your calendars!

Get inspired

• Cultural Heritage
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The top exhibitions to catch in France in 2024

The 52 wonders of France classified as Unesco heritage sites

Cité internationale de la langue française: why you should go!

• Northern France

Our Favorite Museums to Introduce Children to Culture

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Would you like to visit France but are short of ideas? Alone, with friends, family or as a couple, let yourself be inspired by MarIAnne, our virtual travel advisor, powered by AI*. * Artificial Intelligence

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Activities trending now

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Normandy Impressionist Festival

From 22 March to 22 September 2024

A festive programme of events for the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings

From 1 March to 15 October 2024

The Tour de France

From 29 June to 21 July 2024

European Museum Night

From 18 to 19 May 2024

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WELCOME TO TOUR TRACKER

Tour Tracker has provided custom web and mobile apps for professional cycling since 2007, working with major races such as the Tour de France and broadcasters such as NBC.

Tour Tracker apps have covered over 50 international races and been used by millions of cycling fans, winning the praise of our partners, the media and the cycling community.

If you are a race owner, licensed broadcaster or cycling fan, you have come to right place for award-winning cycling apps.

Looking for our free live desktop coverage? Click here!

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Whether you are a race owner interested in a custom app for your event, a Tour de France licensed broadcaster or a cycling fan with a question, we look forward to hearing from you.

APPLICATION FEATURES

Tour Tracker award-winning apps have earned the praise of millions of cycling fans. Check out some of the key features that are available in Tour Tracker.

PLATFORM FEATURES

The Tour Tracker solution is more than just great apps. Click below to learn about what makes Tour Tracker so valuable to your event and your success.

CURRENT APPS

Tour Tracker has delivered apps for over 50 cycling events worldwide including the Tour de France. Click below to see some of our currently featured apps.

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The SBS Tour Tracker currently has over 10k user reviews with an average of 5 stars. Equally importantly our partners and the media have great things to say.

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Tour Tracker is customized to every race including the features it includes and the look and feel of the app to match your event.

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Tour Tracker is always moving forward to bring our partners, their sponsors and cycling fans the best. Check out what's new.

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Private Guided Tours of France

Private tours, free refunds & rescheduling, customizable itineraries, france's finest private tour specialists.

For over twenty years, we have been designing and delivering the finest custom tours of  France. 

We differ from other tour providers in that we are not satisfied with ‘off the shelf’ tours. Instead, we think  you deserve to make the optimum use of your vacation time , so simply let us know when and where you will arrive in France, how long you would like the tour to last, and what type of things you are interested in seeing, and our specialist tour advisers will create  a unique custom tour itinerary for you , tailored exactly to your requirements and completely complimentary with no obligation to purchase the tour.

Just let us know and we will build it all into your tour.

Destinations in France our clients love...

We can provide certain benefits on our private tours such as skip-the-line access to attractions and off-the-beaten-path experiences like a wine workshop with local artisans and producers that others simply cannot match.

Click the regions below to find out more about our private tours in the area.

Find out more here

Loire Valley

French Riviera

Alsace & Strasborg

Tour itineraries to inspire your trip.

Paris to Normandy 6 Day Tour

Travel from Paris to the Normandy Beaches with your private driver-guide on our day tour...

Corsica in Four Days Tour Itinerary

Explore the best of the Mediterranean island of Corsica with your private guide on our...

21 Day Guided Tour of France & Italy

Discover the best of France and Spain with our 21-day itinerary. From Rome to Pris...

Best of Brittany in 5 Days Itinerary

Discover the gems of the Brittany region with our 5 day tour itinerary, leaving from...

Best of France in 7 Days Itinerary

Explore the Alsace region with your private guide on our 7-day itinerary starting from Paris....

2-Week French Wine Tour

Explore the main wine regions in France with our 2-week private tour itinerary. Including Champagne,...

Four weeks in France Tour Itinerary

Explore France in style with a 28-day luxury tour. Visit Paris, Champagne, Burgundy, and the...

10 Day French Riviera

10-day French Riviera tour itinerary for all the glitz and glamour you deserve! For A-List...

3 Days in Paris Tour Itinerary

Our itinerary planning specialists have crafted this 3-day tour so you can experience the highlights...

2 Weeks England & France

Immerse in the elegance of England and France on a 14-day luxury tour, featuring iconic...

Two Weeks France & Switzerland Tour

Enjoy the best Switzerland & France have to offer on our 2 week guided tour...

South West Coast of France in One Week

Our Driver Guided Itinerary delivers the best of the South West of France between Toulouse...

Southeast Coast of France 8-Day Tour

Discover the allure of France's southeast coast on this curated 8-day guided France tour itinerary....

4 Day Christmas Markets Tour

Join us for a festive 4-day tour of Christmas markets in France. Our English-speaking guide...

London to Paris 10-Day Tour Itinerary

Our 10-day tour itinerary takes you into France via the Eurotunnel from London as you...

Best of Loire Valley in Four Days

Our 4 day tour itinerary allows you to visit the most iconic sights of Paris...

2 Weeks in France Driver-Guided Tour

Discover France in 14 days with your driver guide across five regions including Paris, Loire...

Italy, France & Spain Three Weeks Itinerary

Travel across 3 of Europe's most beautiful countries in our France, Spain, and Italy in...

5 Days in Normandy Private Tour Itinerary

Explore the beauty and history of Normandy on a 5-day luxury tour. Experience stunning landscapes,...

Alsace – 2 Day Tour From Paris 

Explore Alsace in 2 days from Paris: Visit Strasbourg's UNESCO sites, savor local cuisine, and...

Paris To The French Alps: 9 Day Tour

Explore the incredible mountains, crystalline waters, and lush green forests of the French Alps on...

Paris to Dordogne & Bordeaux 3-Day Tour

Explore our 3-day luxury tour from Paris to Dordogne and Bordeaux, exploring medieval towns, vineyards,...

3 Weeks France Driver-Guided Tour

Three-week driver-guided tour itinerary across France including Paris, Normandy, Burgundy, Nice, Marseille, and more....

Certified, experienced, & passionate local guides

We understand that the relationship and connection you enjoy with your private guide is what can truly elevate the experience from being fun and interesting into something magical and worth treasuring forever. 

That is why all of our guides have been selected for their vast knowledge, engaging personalities, and storytelling ability to make the history, myths, and legends of the France come to life for you as you walk the ground where the events took place. Whether it is culture, food, art, wine or history, or even driver-guided tours, we will ensure that you have just the right guide for the occasion.

Our local guides all speak impeccable English and if other languages are required simply let us know.

Meet your personal tour planner

Salut from France! I’m Debbie, founder of Luxury France Tours.

Having developed into a Francophile on a trip to the French Alps many years ago while still in school, I moved to France after a career traveling the world led to me meeting my (now) French Husband in Johannesburg. I created Luxury France Tours as a way of sharing my love of France & igniting this passion in others.

Email Debbie

[email protected]

+1 (856) 888-4286

What makes our private tours of France so special?

We take care of all your requirements and make sure that when you are on tour with your guide, your time is spent doing the things you have always dreamed of, rather than waiting around in larger group tours, huddled shoulder to shoulder with strangers straining to hear what the guide is saying. ​

As officially certified private tour providers with over 20 years of experience, reserving your private tour with us can provide many benefits that you will not see from other providers:

Exclusive tours

Unique experiences unavailable through other providers such as private boating cruises, food & wine tastings with specialist chefs or workshops with master craftsmen

Privileged access

We can arrange skip-the-line access to many of France’s most famous monuments allowing you to spend more time on-site and less precious time waiting in queues

Customizable itineraries

We will provide a totally complimentary custom tour itinerary for you, purpose-built by our specialist tour advisors. Any and all alterations included.

Fill in the form below with as much details as you can about your tour of France

One of our experts will be in touch within 24 hours with your tailor-made itinerary

Customize your tour to suit you & pack your bags for your France vacation!

Request your complimentary private tour itinerary

Whether you know exactly what sites and locations you want to see on your private tour of France, or if you are unsure and don’t even know how long you want your tour to be, just get in touch and allow our advisors to provide all the help, inspiration and guidance you need.

Let us know your questions!

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The best of France unlocked for you

Experience France differently. Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

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"I like to take my guests behind the curtains of my country, sharing family stories from what my Grand Dad recalled of Dunkirk, my Parents of 1968 students uprising to what my children experience at school today. It's a bit like inviting my group to the sunday family lunch table, and of course, there will also be some food recipe talking, because it is in our blood!"

Chantal, Travel Director

Visit the wine capital of Bordeaux

While the city of Bordeaux offers a high-class collection of wines, it is also well-known for its decadent food. We visit local restaurants that highlight Bordeaux’s fresh local produce, from wild oysters and mushrooms to juicy raspberries and freshly plucked figs. Absorb the best of Bordeaux with a wine-tasting tour and a visit to the gothic Cathédrale St-André.

Be amazed by Mont St. Michel on the Normandy coast

Early in the 8th century, a soaring church was built on the island of Mont St. Michel found along France’s Normandy Coast. With monasteries and fortifications added during medieval times, Mont St. Michel is a highlight of our tour to France.

Enjoy Moulin Rouge Cabaret show in Paris

Founded in 1889, Moulin Rouge is known as the birthplace of modern can-can dancing. Easily recognizable by the red windmill that adorns its roof, you will uncover the layers of romance and bohemia in the city of Paris during a night out at Moulin Rouge.

Visit France’s famous perfume house, Fragonard Parfumerie

The perfume house of Fragonard Parfumerie is located in Grasse, a striking town on the French Riviera applauded as the perfume capital of the world. Take a free guided tour of the facilities, learn about perfume production and purchase enchanting fragrances to take home and cherish long after your tour to France.

Visit the magnificent Palace of Versailles

Once the main home of King Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles is a celebration of lavish French design. With its manicured gardens taking forty years to complete and a grand hall offering 357 mirrors to take in, you could spend a whole day revelling in this important piece of French royal history.

Our top 5 things to do in France

From a lavish French palace to the rolling grape vines of Bordeaux. Trafalgar ticks off all the best things to do in France, allowing time to immerse in the decadence of this incredible country.

Many visitors travel to the Louvre to glimpse the alluring Mona Lisa. But Leonardo Da Vinci’s artwork is just one page in the story of this opulent museum. Here you will uncover many precious artefacts, including the classical Greek statue Venus de Milo, Egyptian mummies and paintings from King Louis XIV’s personal collection.

Musée d'Orsay

Built inside a railway station as glamourous as a palace, Musée d'Orsay inspires awe with its enchanting art collection. Admire impressionist art, modern sculptures, furniture and photography spread across four levels. Finish with a rest by the enormous clock windows, taking in the views of the Paris streets below.

Centre Pompidou

Constructed to resemble a building turned inside out, this museum's exterior is as experimental as the art it houses. Soak up performances by entertainers in the building’s front piazza before discovering a panoramic view of Parisian landmarks from the top floor. You’ll want to savour every moment of our visit to Centre Pompidou.

Best museums in France

As the birthplace of some of the world’s most famous artists, it isn’t surprising that France has an impressive list of museums to uncover. From the Mona Lisa to the Musée d'Orsay, our trips soak up the authentic artistic culture of France.

Baked Camembert

First made in France, camembert is a creamy cheese with a rind exterior produced from cow’s milk. The unique baking process creates a cheese that is best appreciated with fresh, crusty bread. A perfect accompaniment to a good bottle of French red wine.

One of France’s most famous recipes, Coq au Vin features wine-braised chicken served alongside ingredients like mushrooms and bacon. Across the country you will try many regional versions of this comforting dish, which translates fittingly to “rooster/cock with wine”.

French cuisine celebrates both savory and sweet ingredients, not just in the form of croissants. Find true street-food joy in the popular dessert of crêpes, with strawberries, Nutella, bananas and lemon curd just some of the toppings loved by locals and travelers alike. Or, try the national specialty crêpes Suzette with orange zest and caramelised butter.

Best food in France

Food is an integral part of French culture, with leisurely two-hour lunch breaks considered a normal part of everyday life. With Trafalgar, you'll sample the country’s culinary highlights for a deeper understanding of how life and food connect here.

What to pack for France

Comfortable shoes

While France is one of the fashion capitals of the world, style comes secondary to comfort when choosing shoes for your visit. With days of exploring paired with cobblestone streets, practical walking shoes will trump elegant high-heeled styles.

French/English phrasebook

The French take great pride in their language. Pack a French phrasebook and you will find yourself connecting better with local culture, even if you start with a few broken words before swapping to English.

Weather-appropriate clothing

Packing items like a waterproof jacket, umbrella and scarf will see you prepared for unexpected weather changes. With many micro-climates found across the country of France, geographic temperature changes are a certainty.

Mini binoculars

Take your sightseeing to a microscopic level with a compact pair of binoculars or a magnifying glass. These will enhance views from tall buildings and mountainous settings, and allow you to enjoy finely detailed artworks.

Security items

Though safety is high in most parts of France, it always pays to be protected from pickpockets with items like anti-theft bags. That way you can relax and feel assured during chance encounters with strangers.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and toiletry bottles.

Our Europe & Britain destinations

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• Trip Advisor

Dentelles in Provence Alain Hocquel - CDT Vaucluse

The "Tour de France"

Lovely Dordogne town CDT Dordogne - Cochise

The Many Facets of France

Castelnaud castle and the Dordogne river Sarlat TO

A Genuine Trip to the South West of France

Vigens Rock - Rocher de la Vierge in the Basque Coastline Emmy Martens

From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean

enjoy Provence towns P.Aguilar - Provence Tourisme

From Provence to Paris - Immersion into the "Real France"

Calvados Tourisme - L. Durand

Paris, the Loire Valley and Normandy at a slower pace

Local sheep from Basque Country Sare Tourist Office

From Paris to Biarritz on the back roads

Burgundy wine tasting ©Alain Doiré

The Center of France on the Back Roads

Half timbered houses in the Loire Valley Half timbered houses in the Loire Valley

Castles, Caves & Coves

La Concorde in Paris David Lefranc - OT Paris

Heritage, Wine & Back Roads

French old buildings David Lefranc - OT Paris

Paris Beauties & Provence Secrets

Honfleur - Chateaux of the Loire tour - loire valley castles tour OT Normandie

Chateaux of the Loire & Norman History

St Céré on market day Cochise Ory

Bordeaux & Dordogne's Heritage

Traditional costumes from the Basque Country OT Hendaye

Focus on the South West of France

Self-guided driving tours of france [fjfy:year], self-guided driving tours of france.

France Just For You takes you away from the beaten paths, on scenic roads for a memorable driving tour of France !

Enjoy a warm French welcome & experience the real France.

We were overwhelmed by the wealth of information available when attempting to plan our 6 week self drive holiday in France. Never having been to France before we found the task …

We were overwhelmed by the wealth of information available when attempting to plan our 6 week self drive holiday in France. Never having been to France before we found the task daunting and sifting through forums full of information only confused us. We have traveled in New Zealand using a New Zealand based travel adviser and decided to look into using a similar company for this trip. So glad we did. We found France Just For You and felt as though we were on the right track. After lots of communication with Laura we came up with an itinerary that proved to be terrific. Our accommodation was all fantastic, suggestions of things to do and places to eat, rental car was organised even down to the all important places to park. We had an unforgettable holiday made so much better on the recommendations of France Just For You. We highly recommend this company if you are wanting guidance for your holiday in France.

Our self-drive tour packages includes

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• Share your wishes with us
• We will interact with you to finalize the itinerary
• Get a detailed Travel Plan & Quote
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• Enjoy the real France!

Let's go touring France by car ! Experience our driving tours of France and you'll never travel the same way. 

Meet the locals, enjoy the gastronomy, drive at your own pace... let us craft the trip of your dreams.

Our Travelers’ Reviews

I was going to plan a trip for my daughter and I and quickly got overwhelmed. We didn't want to go on those tours that have you going for morning until night. We wanted to be able to take our time and enjoy our trip. That's when I found Emiliee. We wanted to stay for 3weeks and really experience France, and Emiliee did just that. Her guide books …

I was going to plan a trip for my daughter and I and quickly got overwhelmed. We didn't want to go on those tours that have you going for morning until night. We wanted to be able to take our time and enjoy our trip. That's when I found Emiliee. We wanted to stay for 3weeks and really experience France, and Emiliee did just that. Her guide books were more than I ever dreamed they would be. Every B&B we stayed at was beautiful. The hosts were wonderful and welcoming. We had the most wonderful trip and Emiliee took care of every detail. I would highly recommend them.

My husband and I have just returned from an amazing 16 day trip in France organized thoughtfully and beautifully by Emilie of France Just for You. As the other reviewers have stated, all interactions with Emilie have been prompt, professional and thorough. Although we have organized European travel on our own in the past, concerned that we might be …

My husband and I have just returned from an amazing 16 day trip in France organized thoughtfully and beautifully by Emilie of France Just for You. As the other reviewers have stated, all interactions with Emilie have been prompt, professional and thorough. Although we have organized European travel on our own in the past, concerned that we might be limited by the language barrier (as we do not speak French), I stumbled across Emilie's website when planning for our France vacation. We couldn't have been more pleased with all aspects of her organization, planning, attention to our personal requests and responsiveness. She created an amazing trip for us. Our itinerary (the 400 page personalized book others have mentioned) was chock full of amazing suggestions for experiences tailored just for us. I especially appreciated that Emilie made many great suggestions organized for each day, but it wasn't too structured so we remained in charge of our own time. Emilie additionally organized several tours (in Normandy, Paris and a vineyard in the Loire Valley), as well as a cooking class and a day of biking. We stayed in a French chateau, a wonderful boutique hotel in Paris and the most amazing b and b's! All of the professionals with whom we interacted in France were welcoming, friendly and kind. Emilie's planning allowed us the opportunity to interact with people in a manner that I do not believe we would have experienced otherwise or if we had tried to plan this vacation on our own. The holiday was more special because of these interactions with b and b owners and the other professionals. In the end, we felt as if we left France enriched by the amazing experiences that were personalized and also having made new friends. This would not have been otherwise possible without Emilie's efforts. She takes great care and it's obvious she pays great detail to each trip. At the end of our vacation, I found myself searching to see the other locations where Emilie plans trips as we will surely use her services again and highly recommend for the most wonderful vacation.

We are a group of Wine Aficionados and we recently traveled to Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, and Paris and were very impressed with this service. It took us quite some time to formalize (and agree) what we wanted in terms of places and wineries we wanted to visit, but in the end "France Just for You" came through with excellent organization and …

We are a group of Wine Aficionados and we recently traveled to Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, and Paris and were very impressed with this service. It took us quite some time to formalize (and agree) what we wanted in terms of places and wineries we wanted to visit, but in the end "France Just for You" came through with excellent organization and planning that enabled us to have a worry-free vacation. The lodging was very good in every place they put us up in, except that in several of the Bed & Breakfasts where there was no Air Condition (Saint Emilion and Champagne) and there was a Heat Wave so it was difficult to sleep some nights, however the cleanliness and service in every place was fantastic--especially the Breakfasts and the FANTASTIC hosts. The Tour Guides were exceptional as well in every place we visited. Do make sure a Wine Guide is provided as they have contacts, and know the area, so this way, there is minimal time wasted. Laura provided a fantastic book with ALL the information you may need, organized by day. From things to do, how to get to places, where to get help, etc. Make sure you READ it!! The transportation arrangements were excellent, including Car Rentals.

The only thing that did not go well was the provisioning of 2 Mobile phones that were supposed to be delivered to our first place of stay, but one of them did not work, and because we were on the move a lot, that (non working) phone replacement did not get to us until toward the end of the trip, which made it a little inconvenient, and added extra expense to us, for which they did their best to make it up to us. If this was the only bad thing about the trip, that tells you how good the whole thing was!

I would use "France Just for You" again for any trip to France. They saved us time and headaches, and helped us have a great vacation with memories to last a lifetime.

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Cheese souffle recipe France Just For You

Cheese Soufflé recipe

Monet's garden in Giverny - best gardens in France CC0 Public Domain (pxhere.com)

16 of the most beautiful gardens in France

Private Cooking Classes in Normandy

Chemins de Bourgogne

Expert Wine Tour Guides from Burgundy

Marc Ryckaert , CC-BY SA 4.0

Things to do in Burgundy, France

Remedios Valls

Cotriade Bretonne

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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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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

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Tuesday, May 14, 2024 1:12 pm (Paris)

• International

Xi Jinping's visit to France fails to dispel clouds hanging over bilateral relations

On Tuesday, the two heads of state visited the Hautes-Pyrénées in southern France. This 'personal' trip was marred by wintry weather.

By  Simon Leplâtre   (La Mongie, Hautes-Pyrénées, special correspondent)

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On the second day of Xi Jinping's state visit to France, the Chinese and French presidents took off their ties, a sign of détente between the leaders. The Elysée Palace wanted to create a more personal program, after a very official first day in Paris on Monday, May 6. It was an opportunity to discuss important issues without an army of advisors, and to soften the stance of the president of the world's second-largest power, France hoped. China hoped that the trip would demonstrate that their president is warmly received around the world. But when they reached the Tourmalet pass in southwestern France, a thick blizzard greeted the two heads of state: The hoped-for photo op did not materialize.

It was emblematic of the entire state visit, which failed to clear up the ominous clouds hanging over the bilateral relationship. In a major breakthrough, the two presidents committed themselves to an Olympic truce in the ongoing conflicts surrounding this summer's Paris Games. The Elysée also welcomed a joint statement on the situation in the Middle East, including a reference to the two-state solution.

Conversely, trade issues gave rise to robust exchanges on Monday between Xi and Macron, supported by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, invited by France. While Xi brushed aside the "so-called 'problem of China's overcapacity," his French counterpart affirmed his willingness to "continue to open up trade, but to ensure at all times that it is fully fair." The Elysée was at least pleased to have secured a reprieve for cognac, threatened by a Chinese anti-dumping investigation, launched in retaliation for the European Union's investigation into subsidies for Chinese electric vehicles.

'Friendly but also very frank'

Should this gesture – unconfirmed by the Chinese side – be seen as a desire for appeasement? "Xi is trying to limit the damage, but he knows we're going to take measures: That's what bothers him most, given China's slowdown," said China expert Jean-Pierre Cabestan, a researcher at the Asia Center. Since 2023, Chinese officials have been stepping up their messages of economic openness in a bid to bring back investors, after three years of closure due to the country's zero-Covid policy.

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