Tours: Private Walking Tour of the Historical Center

Tours , France

Tours: Private Walking Tour of the Historical Center

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About this experience

Do you know which city was the capital of France in 15th century ? Which city is considered to be the Garden of France? Or where you can hear the purest French spoken language?

The answer to all of these questions is Tours, a historic city dating back to the Middle Ages located right in the heart of France, just one hour away from Paris.

Join our helpful and knowledgeable guides to discover the rich history and wonderful medieval buildings of Tours. Admire the exterior of the city's beloved Cathédrale Saint-Gatien, a beautiful mix of different architectural styles.

Another point of interest may be the medieval Tour Charlemagne, located in the center of the Old City. Feel free to visit the famous museum of Beaux- Arts on your own, admiring its impressive collection.

Then, enjoy a taste of the region's fine wine, considered by many to be among the best in all of France. Let us show you the beautiful city of Tours through the eyes of a local!

Available options

Tour in French or English

Langues Allemand et Espagnol

What's included

Services of a local expert guide during a private walking tour in the city of Tours

Detailed itinerary

Visiting the city of Tours for the first time? Discover a whole new side of this beautiful place on a 2-hour walking tour, and explore the city's history and rich culture. Enjoy a customized tour with a private guide, based on your interests and schedule.

What's not included

Any entrance tickets and transportation - food and beverages - tips - amenities

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.3

4 reviews

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The meeting point for your tour will be Place Jean Jaurès.

About Tours

Tours is a historic city in the Loire Valley, known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and proximity to some of France's most famous châteaux. The city offers a blend of medieval charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal base for exploring the Loire Valley.

Top Attractions

Château de Villandry

A stunning Renaissance château known for its beautiful gardens, including the famous ornamental gardens and vegetable gardens.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €11.50 (adult), €6.50 (child)

Tours Cathedral

A beautiful Gothic cathedral with a rich history, featuring stunning stained-glass windows and intricate stonework.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours

A fine arts museum housed in a former bishop's palace, featuring a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

Museum 1-2 hours €7 (adult), Free for EU residents under 26

Jardin Botanique de Tours

A beautiful botanical garden featuring a wide variety of plants, greenhouses, and a peaceful setting for a leisurely stroll.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Place Plumereau

A charming medieval square in the heart of Tours, surrounded by half-timbered houses, cafes, and restaurants.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rillettes de Tours

A traditional pork pâté made with shredded meat and fat, slow-cooked and served as a spread.

Appetizer Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Tarte Tatin

A famous upside-down apple tart with a caramelized top, originating from the Loire Valley.

Dessert Vegetarian (if made with butter and sugar only)

Chinon Wine

A red wine from the nearby Chinon region, known for its fruity and earthy flavors.

Drink Contains alcohol, not suitable for those avoiding alcohol

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Loire Valley Cycling along the Loire River Hot air balloon rides Wine tasting Picnicking in the gardens Spas and wellness centers Visiting châteaux Exploring historic streets

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with warm weather and long daylight hours. This is the best time to visit for outdoor activities and exploring the châteaux.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken (Many people in the tourism industry speak English, but it's helpful to know some basic French phrases.)

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe (Tours is generally a safe city, but as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.)

Tours is a generally safe city with low crime rates. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas, so it's important to be vigilant and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.

Getting there

By air

Tours Val de Loire Airport • 6 km from city center
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport • 250 km from Tours

By train

Tours Centre

By bus

Tours Centre Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Fil Bleu bus network covers the entire city and surrounding areas. Buses are frequent and reliable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Heetch

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Vieux Tours (Old Town) Les Fontaines Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire

Day trips

Château de Chambord

40 km from Tours • Full day

One of the most famous châteaux in the Loire Valley, known for its stunning Renaissance architecture and vast forest.

Château de Chenonceau

30 km from Tours • Full day

A stunning château spanning the Cher River, known for its elegant architecture and beautiful gardens.

Amboise

25 km from Tours • Half day to full day

A charming town in the Loire Valley, known for its beautiful château, historic streets, and proximity to other attractions.

Festivals

Tours International Jazz Festival • October Fête de la Musique • June 21 Tours en Fête • July

Pro tips

Visit the local markets, such as the Marché des Halles de Tours, for fresh produce, cheeses, and specialty foods.
Explore the historic streets and neighborhoods of Tours, such as Vieux Tours (Old Town) and Les Fontaines.
Take a day trip to the nearby châteaux, such as Château de Villandry, Château de Chambord, and Château de Chenonceau.
Sample local wines and visit the vineyards of the Loire Valley, such as those in Chinon and Vouvray.
Attend local festivals and events, such as the Tours International Jazz Festival and the Fête de la Musique.