Tours is the largest city in the region of Centre-Val de Loire, on the lower Loire between Orléans and the Atlantic coast. Its historic centre is nicknamed the White and Blue City, and it is a good base for visiting the Loire châteaux.
A first look at Tours
Basilica of Saint Martin
A Neo-Byzantine basilica, built 1886 to 1924, with the tomb of Saint Martin in the crypt.
Botanical Garden
A garden since 1843 west of the centre, with tropical greenhouses, flamingos, wallabies, turtles and a mini farm.
Charlemagne Tower
The tower of the old Saint Martin collegiate church, which visitors can climb again for a view over the city.
Compagnonnage Museum
A museum of the trade guilds in the former Saint-Julien abbey, with masterpieces by trade from stone to food.
Fine Arts Museum
The fine arts museum beside the cathedral, with Mantegna panels, a Rembrandt, a stuffed elephant and a garden cedar planted in 1804.
Hôtel Goüin
A 15th-century mansion with a Renaissance façade, used for temporary exhibitions and cultural events.
Les Halles de Tours
The old town's covered market, open every day, with stalls for produce, bread, charcuterie, cheese and wine.
La Deuvalière
A modern French restaurant in the old town with seasonal dishes and Loire Valley wines, open for lunch and dinner on weekdays.
La Table Ronde
A rue Colbert restaurant of traditional French and vegetarian cuisine, open Wednesday to Sunday.
Le Léonard de Vinci
An Italian and Touraine restaurant in a 15th-century house in the old town, open for lunch and dinner most days.
This page shows 10 of 20 places. The app has all of them, with hours, maps and a plan for your days.