Tours City Info

At the junction of the Loire and Cher Rivers, Tours is a busy university town and the traditional point of departure for exploring the Loire Valley. During the Middle Ages, it was one of the great pilgrimage sites of Europe. Today, the city boasts wonderful Renaissance and neo-classical mansions, which are clustered around the famous Plumereau square, fine museums including a collection of craftsmen's masterpieces and the Cathedral of St-Gatien. Famous wine region, especially Vouvray, Chinon, Bourgueil. The most interesting sites in the Surrounding area are the châteaux of Azay-IeRideau, which reflects on the river, Villandry, surrounded by Renaissance gardens, Ussé, said to be the original Sleeping Beauty's castle, Langeais and Loches, as well as the splendid medieval city of Chinon.

In this peaceful region of south-west France you will enjoy beautiful meandering rivers, charming medieval villages, rich vineyards, undulating green hills, limestone cliffs and a wealth of historic sites. Steeped in history the Dordogne region has an unforgettable charm. Centuries of erosion have carved the river valleys out of the limestone rocks resulting in majestic cliff top castles perched above the river and in the rock cave a wealth of archaeological finds.

Trip to France, of course, would not be complete without sampling its world-famous cuisine in Tours. Eating well is of prime importance to the French and they spend a considerable amount of time thinking about, talking about and consuming food. French gastronomic delights are far too many to mention, but a few not to miss dainties include foie gras, truffles, snails, Roquefort cheese and outstanding patisseries.

Tours produces some of the best wines in the world. Other lesser-known but highly popular French drinks include Calvados (apple brandy from Normandy) and Pastis - an aniseed flavored liqueur. And don't worry about piling on the pounds - with the sea or the mountains never more than a train journey away, you'll have no excuse not to ski, swim, or walk yourself back to fitness!