- Tours was the temporary capital of France three times: in 1428, 1589, and 1940.
- The city is recognized for its linguistic influence, as the 'Touraine' dialect is historically considered the purest form of spoken French.
- Tours was the birthplace of the 'Compagnonnage' movement, a traditional system of trade guilds that preserves medieval craftsmanship skills.
- During the 19th century, the city became a major center for silk production, which transformed its urban architecture and local economy.
- The local university, established in 1969, maintains a significant influence on the city's demographics, with students making up nearly a quarter of the population.
About Tours
Tours serves as the historic gateway to the Loire Valley, defined by its strategic position between the Loire and Cher rivers. The city is renowned for its preservation of medieval architecture within the Vieux Tours district and its significant religious heritage, anchored by the Cathédrale Saint-Gatien and the Basilique Saint-Martin de Tours. Once the capital of France during the late 15th century, it remains a cultural hub characterized by extensive botanical spaces like the Jardin botanique de Tours. The city seamlessly integrates its academic past with modern urban planning, acting as the primary economic center of the Indre-et-Loire department.
Highlights of Tours
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Admire the transition from Romanesque to Flamboyant Gothic architecture showcased in the facade.
Historical places
Walk through half-timbered houses and narrow streets surrounding the Place Plumereau.
Parks
Observe rare plant species and exotic animals in this long-standing municipal botanical garden.
Temples
Explore the reconstructed shrine dedicated to the city's patron saint, Saint Martin.
Museums
Discover unique master-pieces created by craftsmen as part of their traditional guild training.
Museums
View an extensive collection of fine art housed within an 18th-century episcopal palace.
Historical places
Visit the final resting place of the poet Pierre de Ronsard within the grounds of this former priory.
Temples
Examine the remaining structural elements of this once-powerful Benedictine abbey.
Top things to do in Tours
The 150 highest-rated places in Tours, ranked by travellers.
1
Temples
Cathédrale Saint-Gatien is defined by its flamboyant Gothic facade, which features two contrasting towers dating from th...
2
Parks
The Jardin botanique de Tours is a significant scientific and recreational space spanning approximately 5 hectares in th...
3
Historical places
Vieux Tours is the historic district of Tours, defined by its well-preserved 15th-century half-timbered houses and narro...
4
Parks
Jardin des Prébendes d'Oé is an English-style garden in Tours established in 1872 on the site of former cathedral canons...
5
Temples
The Basilique Saint-Martin de Tours is a neo-Byzantine structure built between 1886 and 1924 to replace the medieval bas...
6
Museums
The Musée du Compagnonnage is the only museum in France dedicated exclusively to the history and traditions of the Compa...
7
Museums
The Museum of Fine Arts of Tours is housed in the former Archiepiscopal Palace, a historic building located adjacent to...
8
Amusement parks
Youpimom' is an indoor recreational playground located in the industrial zone of Chambray-lès-Tours, specifically design...
9
Historical places
Le Prieuré Saint-Cosme is a historic monastic site located in La Riche, most notable as the final resting place of the F...
10
Venues
The Opéra de Tours is a historic cultural venue located in the heart of Tours, France, housed in a late 19th-century bui...
11
Temples
The Abbaye de Saint-Julien is a historic Benedictine abbey located in the heart of Tours, featuring a prominent 13th-cen...
12
Natural attractions
The Parc Forestier de Larçay, often referred to as the Bois des Hâtes, is a protected forested area located near the Châ...
13
Historical places
Hôtel Goüin is a rare example of Renaissance architecture in Tours, featuring an elaborately carved limestone façade dat...
14
Amusement parks
Kizou Aventures is a large indoor amusement park situated in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, designed specifically for children fro...
15
Parks
Park Cousinerie is a designated green space located in the commune of Notre-Dame-d'Oé, positioned on the northern outski...
16
Museums
The Museum of Natural History of Tours is housed in a historic building that formerly served as the city's Jesuit colleg...
17
Parks
18
Temples
19
Parks
20
Parks
21
Parks
22
Venues
23
Parks
24
Beaches and ponds
25
Historical places
26
Parks
27
Venues
28
Parks
29
Temples
30
Historical places
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Tours on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Tours
Late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September), as the temperate climate is ideal for touring the outdoor gardens and surrounding châteaux.
2-3 days to explore the historical core, key museums, and botanical sites at a steady pace.
The city center is highly walkable, supplemented by a modern tram system and an extensive network of local buses.
Stay in the city center near Place Jean Jaurès for proximity to transit, or in the historic Vieux Tours for immediate access to medieval streets.
Mid-range; while dining and accommodation are standard for French provincial cities, costs fluctuate significantly based on seasonal tourism demand.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 150 curated attractions in and around Tours, ranked by traveller ratings.
Cathédrale Saint-Gatien is the highest-rated place to visit in Tours right now.
The largest category is temples, with 45 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Paris, Lyon, Lormont.
Explore more of France
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
