Tours showcases an eclectic mix of old and new, traditional and modern, past and present. Considered by many as the historic cradle of France, the region also benefits from a rich gastronomic heritage and a vibrant culture.
Enjoy the UNESCO world heritage site on foot, bike or flat-bottomed boat typical of the Loire.
The fully stabilised riverbanks from Orleans to Nantes via Tours offer the perfect opportunity to discover exceptional natural scenery.
An ideal destination for lovers of historical and natural heritage sites, Tours offers an urban experience at the heart of France’s largest World Heritage Site, the Loire Valley.
What to discover in the city:
Discover a rich heritage ... 21 chateaux to visit!
Tours is 30 km from the chateaux of Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau and Chaumont-sur-Loire.
The magnificent chateaux of Chenonceau and Chambord are also easily accessible from Tours.
Why not visit Leonardo da Vinci’s last home, the Chateau du Clos Lucé in the neighbouring town of Amboise. Dive into French History and meet one of the greatest minds of all time.
The vineyards of the Loire Valley include many notable wine regions.
The vineyards of Arbois, Cabernet-Franc noir, Cabernet-Sauvignon noir, Chardonnay, Chenin, Folle blanche, Gamay, Grolleau, Grolleau gris, Melon de Bourgogne, Merlot, Pineau d'Aunis, Pinot gris, Pinot noir and Sauvignon, all benefit from a temperate climate and fertile soil.
While the region’s red wines tend to be full-bodied and supple, the rosés are rather fresh and light, and the white wines are known for their dry, fruity and floral qualities.
Enjoy a tasting of the local produce at the hotel bar.
Loire Valley gastronomy is a delight for the most delicate of taste buds. Savour the goat cheese of Sainte-Maure with a glass of Chinon or enjoy the local rillons and rillettes with a nice Muscadet. Meat lovers should opt for Géline de Touraine, also known as La Dame Noire - a small black hen known for its succulent meat. For the sweet tooth among you, why not try the nougat de Tours…
The region’s famed gastronomic heritage can be traced back to Rabelais’ timeless Gargantua whose insatiable appetite for Touraine food and drink helped put the region on the culinary map.