What to See & Do
Tours Overall Appeal ★★★☆☆
| Name | Appeal | Type | Visit | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Tours Cathedral | ★★★★☆ | Cathedral | Self | Free |
| 02 | City Center | ★★★☆☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 03 | St. Martin Basilica | ★★★☆☆ | Basilica | Self | Free |
| 04 | Campagnonnage Museum | ★★☆☆☆ | Museum - Handicraft | Self | Paid |
| 05 | Botanical Garden | ★★☆☆☆ | Garden | Self | Free |
| 06 | Prébendes Garden | ★☆☆☆☆ | Garden | Self | Free |
| 07 | Loire River Banks | ★☆☆☆☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 08 | Halles Market | ★☆☆☆☆ | Food Market | Self | Free |
| 09 | Fine Arts Museum | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Art | Self | Paid |
| 10 | Charlemagne Tower | ★☆☆☆☆ | Tower | Either | Either |
| 11 | Clock Tower | ★☆☆☆☆ | Tower | Outside | Free |
| 12 | St. Cosme Priory Ruins | ★☆☆☆☆ | Priory Ruins + Garden | Self | Paid |
| 13 | Olivier Debré Art Center | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Modern Art | Self | Paid |
| 14 | Tours Castle | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Exhibitions | Self | Paid |
| 15 | Goüin Hotel | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Exhibitions | Self | Paid |
| 16 | River Boat | ★☆☆☆☆ | Boat Excursion | Tour | Paid |
| 17 | Tours Tourist Train | ★☆☆☆☆ | City Train Tour | Tour | Paid |
01. Tours Cathedral
Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Cathedral
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Tours Cathedral, also known as Cathédrale Saint-Gatien, is a striking example of Gothic architecture that dominates the cityscape. Construction began in the 12th century and was completed in the 16th century, reflecting various Gothic styles.
02. City Center
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
The heart of Tours, the City Center is a vibrant hub with medieval streets, bustling squares, and charming cafes. It’s an excellent place to explore local shops and historic buildings. The area is lively, especially around Place Plumereau, known for its half-timbered houses and outdoor dining.
Squares
– Place Plumereau
– Place Jean Jaurès
Streets
– Rue du Grand Marché
– Rue du Commerce
– Rue Nationale
Bridge
– Pont Wilson
03. St. Martin Basilica
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Basilica
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Basilica of St. Martin is a site dedicated to St. Martin of Tours. Rebuilt in the 19th century after being destroyed during the French Revolution, it stands on the remnants of earlier churches. It combines Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements. The basilica’s crypt houses the tomb of St. Martin, making it a site of great religious importance.
04. Campagnonnage Museum
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Handicraft Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
This unique museum celebrates the tradition of the “Compagnons du Devoir,” skilled craftspeople and artisans of France. It showcases their craftsmanship through various exhibits. Visitors can learn about the history and techniques of these master artisans.
05. Botanical Garden
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Garden
Visit Self
Cost Free
Tours’ Botanical Garden is a lush, green space perfect for relaxation and learning about diverse plant species. Established in 1843, it features themed gardens, a greenhouse, and a small zoo.
06. Prébendes Garden
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Garden
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Prébendes Garden is a picturesque English-style garden with winding paths, ponds, and diverse flora.
07. Loire River Banks
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
The banks on both sides of the Loire River in Tours offer paths where you can take a stroll.
08. Halles Market
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Food Market
Visit Self
Cost Free
Halles Market in Tours is a covered food market open every morning and afternoon, except Sunday afternoon.
On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the market expands outside into the open air.
09. Fine Arts Museum
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Art Museum + Garden
Visit Self
Cost Paid
Housed in the former Archbishop’s Palace, the Fine Arts Museum of Tours features a collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The museum’s collection spans from the Middle Ages to contemporary works.
The building complex also includes a pleasant small garden.
The building complex also includes a pleasant small garden.
10. Charlemagne Tower
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Tower
Visit Outside or Guided
Cost Free or Paid
The Charlemagne Tower is a historic remnant of the ancient basilica dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. Constructed in the 11th century as part of the larger basilica complex, it survived various conflicts and the French Revolution, which destroyed much of the basilica.
On certain days of the year, the interior and top of the tower are open for guided tours, but only in French. If you want to visit, you’ll need to ask at the tourist office.
Here are the dates for the tower tours (French).
11. Clock Tower
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Tower
Visit Outside only
Cost Free
The Clock Tower, or Tour de l’Horloge, is a historic structure built in the 12th century as part of the Basilica of Saint-Martin, similar to the Charlemagne Tower which also survived the French Revolution.
It features a significant clock installed in the late 18th century.
12. St. Cosme Priory Ruins
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Priory Ruins + Garden
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The ruins of St. Cosme Priory are the remains of a former monastery where the poet Pierre de Ronsard spent his last days. The site includes gardens and the poet’s tomb.
13. Olivier Debré Art Center
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Modern Art Exhibitions
Visit Self
Cost Paid
This contemporary art center is dedicated to the works of Olivier Debré, a renowned abstract painter. The center hosts rotating exhibitions and cultural events. Its modern architecture contrasts with the historical surroundings.
14. Tours Castle
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Art Exhibitions
Visit Self
Cost Paid
Tours Castle, also known as Château de Tours, is a historic castle dating back to the 11th century. It now hosts art exhibitions and cultural events.
15. Goüin Hotel
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Art Exhibitions
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Goüin Hotel is a beautiful Renaissance mansion that now serves as a museum. It features mainly art exhibits. The building itself is a fine example of 15th-century architecture.
16. River Boat
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Boat Excursion
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
You can take a leisurely boat ride on the Loire River with the wooden boat named Boutavant.
To make a reservation, you’ll need to contact the tourism office.
17. Tours Tourist Train
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type City Train Tour
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
The Tours Tourist Train provides a convenient and fun way to see the city’s main attractions. The train offers audioguided tours with commentary on the history and landmarks of Tours.
