Tours

Tours is a lively historic city in the Loire Valley known for its wide boulevards white stone architecture and relaxed atmosphere. The city grew from a Roman settlement and its old town still shows a mix of medieval timber houses and elegant Renaissance façades. The Cathedral of Saint Gatien rises with intricate Gothic details while the nearby Cloister of la Psalette creates a quiet enclosed world of stone arcades and gardens. Place Plumereau is the social heart of Tours with cafés set around half timbered buildings and narrow lanes that stay animated from morning until late evening. The Loire flows along the northern edge of the city and long islands in the river give space for cycling walking and summer gatherings. Tours is also a gateway to the famous châteaux of the Loire and it blends cultural heritage with a modern university driven energy that keeps the city spirited and welcoming.