Tours

Tours, France

The bright, lively capital of the Loire Valley region is nestled between two rivers: the Loire and the Cher, with the picturesque Vieux Tours old quarter lying on the long, narrow peninsula. Brilliant modern architecture contrasts against an array of historic buildings, with an added bonus of fine food and wine famed all over France.

Population:

Approximately 140,000

Currency:

Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Police: 17
Ambulance: 15/112
Fire Brigade: 18

Opening Hours:

Most shops are open from Tuesdays to Saturdays between 9 am-12 pm and 3-7 pm. Most supermarkets are open Mondays to Saturdays between 8.30 am-12.30 pm and 3-7.30 pm, and have late closing on certain days. Most museums and sights keep similar hours, but are closed one day a week, usually Monday or Tuesday.

Newspapers:

La Nouvelle République
Le Monde (national)

The City

Tours (the ‘s’ is silent) lies at the heart of Loire Châteaux Country, a legacy of the centuries when it was the capital of France and the French royal court was based in the Loire Valley. The châteaux of Chenonceau, Blois, Amboise, Cheverny, Azay, Villandry, and Chaumont are all within an hour’s drive. Quality, elegance and class are the region’s hallmarks, also famous for the vineyards surrounding the city. In the city, stylish streets are adorned by neat lines of white stone and black slate.

South of the Cher and north of the Loire extend the newer business districts. The main attraction though is the historic centre between the rivers. In medieval times, Rue Colbert was the main street. Mainly pedestrianized, it remains a domain of little shops and cafés, as well as the museums and Gothic cathedral, beautifully lit up at night. Today, the main street is the always bustling Rue Nationale, with department stores and dozens of interesting small shops.

Do & See

Tours, an ideal destination for lovers of historical and natural heritage, is known to many as the "City of art and history". The city offers historical sites like the Old Town, Cathedral St Gatien, and the amazing art of Rembrandt and Rubens, which you can find in the Musée des Beaux Arts. After the obligatory cultural programme, take a romantic walk along the river Loire or head to a wine tasting, where you will be introduced to superb local wines.

Dining

Tours enjoys fine dining and good wines at moderate prices. Tourte Tourangelle (pork-filled pastry), potted pork meats called rillettes, as well as rillette de pigeon and rillette de canard are the main specialities, plus fresh fish from the Loire, and goat cheese produced locally. The best local wines come from nearby Vouvray and Montlouis.

Cafés

Bars, cafés, and brasseries (bars that serve meals) overlap with no clear distinction. All of them offer the chance to relax, enjoy a drink and a bite to eat, and watch the world go by during the day, and often far into the evening too.