Location: Tours
Top Things to do in Tours
What to do and see in Tours, Centre-Val de Loire: The Best Things to do
French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.
Restaurants in Tours
1. Cathedrale Saint-Gatien
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,090 reviews
Reviewed By 590JackK - Lebanon, United States
While there are many sites to behold in the city of Tours, be sure to visit this cathedral. It took four hundred years to build, and was listed as an historic monument in 1862. Everything about it is astonishing to see, from the portals of the facade to the stained glass windows. The two towers each hold something significant in them: the north the royal stairs; the south the cathedral's bells. Aside from other Parisian-style gothic architecture, there are also the tombs of Charles VIII and Anne de Bretagne's children, all in the south chapel. There are plentiful cathedrals to visit when visiting this region; I'd make this one of them.
2. Musee du Compagnonnage
3. Jardin Botanique de Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 542 reviews
Depuis 1843, le jardin botanique est un lieu de promenade incontournable, rempli de charme et de souvenirs. D'un côté, on découvre un espace dédié à la botanique avec ses serres de collection Biodivers présentant des plantes exotiques (plantes utilitaires, sous-bois tropicaux, flore d'Afrique du Sud) ainsi que des jardins à thèmes (jardin d'inspiration japonaise, jardin de l'évolution, jardin des plantes vivaces, etc.) et de l'autre un espace ludique avec les jeux et les espaces animaliers au milieu des arbres remarquables de l'arboretum. 2 espaces complètent ce jardin : - au nord, le jardin des 2 mondes structure l'espace autour des végétaux aux formes élaborées répartis à l'est avec les plantes asiatiques et à l'ouest avec les végétaux américains. - au sud, un jardin des plantes médicinales accueille les plantes qui sont toujours utilisées dans la pharmacopée européenne.
Reviewed By ScotsTravels - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Walked round on Thursday 8 May, weather was mixed with a light shower, but generally dry with some Sunshine. A lovely mixed garden with lots of wildlife especially Ducks & Pink Flamingos. Bits of colour through the garden but not as colourful as the Prébendes d'Oé Garden. Excellent water features for the wildlife and plenty of amazing trees ... all shapes and sizes , well balanced with flower beds. Overall great place to visit and spend a couple of hours. Have fun!
4. Jardins des Prebendes d'Oe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
Jardins des Prebendes d'Oe is a wonderful place where you can find some peace and quiet. It's also good for a picnic, a walk, a run, a jog or just a lie down. We did not intend visiting it but came across it by chance and just walked through. There are some lovely landscaped gardens, beautiful plants and nice trees, as well as water features and areas for children to play.
5. Basilique Saint Martin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 478 reviews
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
Basilique Saint Martin has a very long history. The site dates back to the fifth century, when the first church was built. However the present building was constructed around 1900. It is a lovely church in a beautiful architectural style. Worth a visit.
6. Hotel de Ville de Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 443 reviews
Reviewed By antoniowinter - Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Contrary to what it appears, the city hall is located here and not a hotel. It is the most beautiful city hall I have ever known!
7. Place Plumereau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,392 reviews
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
Place Plumereau is a beautiful and rather picturesque area to visit. It is the centre of the old quarters of Tours and it offers some surprising appeal. The architecture of the buildings is rather interesting and many look quite old, but I am not sure how old they would be! The square is full of cafes and restaurants, and it would be easy to just sit at any of them and enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal. However visitors should really be very careful with their choice!
8. Musee des Beaux-Arts Tours
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 320 reviews
Reviewed By 1234texas - Dripping Springs, United States
The museum has a lot going for it and is worth a stop. However, the huge and wonderful cedar is the most memorable part of the stop. The size of the tree is staggering, and the fact that it is standing in the center of a major city is even more amazing. It is not only beautiful, but it is a real feat in gardening. I not seen many thing like it! It is not a Redwood, but it is still incredible!
9. Prieure Saint-Cosme - Demeure de Ronsard
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 163 reviews
Saint Cosme Priory was, according to the canons of the 12th century, "a heaven on earth that eased the journey to the real heaven," less than an hour's walk from Tours. The long history of this monastery, now property of Indre-et-Loire Departmental Council, came to fame after major archaeological excavations carried out in 2009-2010. It is better known as the “Demeure de Ronsard” (home of Ronsard), who was the prior here from 1565 to 1585. His home has been carefully preserved. The poet eventually died here and was buried in the old church. New gardens and an interactive scenic tour were recently set up to restore its historical, spiritual and poetic atmosphere.
10. Office de Tourisme de Tours
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 330 reviews
Welcome at the Tourist Office of Tours. Information,things to do in Tours and Touraine, sihtseeings, restaurants, campsites and guided tours, accommodation, excursions by minibus to the castles, bookings all year. Special offers, stays all included in Loire Valley.
Reviewed By Adventurers049 - Brisbane, Australia
The staff in the office are very friendly and sooo helpful. They gave us so much useful information to help us have a good stay in Tours. If you are planning to visit any chateaus, go here first as you can purchase discount entry tickets to many of them.
