Top Tours How to Get Around in 2026

Step into the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, when the French royal court abandoned Paris for the Loire Valley and made Tours the kingdom's political and economic nerve center. Follow historian Max and local guide Iris as they untangle the city's twin identities: the fortified episcopal Cité and the bustling merchant borough of Châteauneuf. Discover how royal decrees planted France's silk trade, how Italian Renaissance carving collided with medieval timber frames, and how the daily trade of markets, canon libraries, and lost pilgrimage shrines fed the ambition of kings. - A 2.8 km self-guided tour with 7 stops over 105 min - Ideal for travelers interested in History & Memory and Art, Design & Aesthetics - Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals - Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app

Experience a seamless half-day journey from Tours to the stunning Azay-le-Rideau Castle, ideal for history lovers seeking a guided, stress-free Loire Valley adventure. Begin with pick-up in central Tours and meet your expert English-speaking guide for a scenic drive through charming villages and river landscapes. Discover the Renaissance beauty of Azay-le-Rideau on a guided tour revealing its rich history, elegant interiors, spiral staircases, and famous “mirror of water” reflections on the Indre River. Learn hidden stories and architectural highlights that bring the château’s royal past to life. Enjoy free time to wander the gardens, capture photos, or explore at your own pace before returning comfortably to Tours. This experience includes round-trip transport, entry tickets, and a dedicated guide for an enriching, memorable morning in the Loire Valley.

The Loire Valley produces a wide variety of wines from award-winning white varietals to full-bodied reds and sweet dessert wines. This private tasting tour ensures a tailor-made experience, visiting three of the most renowned wine regions—Vouvray, Chinon, and Bourgueil. Tour three different wineries, enjoy expert-led wine tastings, tuck into a gourmet wine tasting lunch (own expense), and explore the medieval town of Chinon.

Welcome to Tours, a city that, between the 19th century and the early 20th century, underwent profound transformations shaped by what is known as the Belle Époque. This period, spanning from 1871 to 1914, is synonymous with modernity, progress, and economic growth. But even before the Belle Époque, Tours was already deeply rooted in French literary history thanks to one of its most illustrious residents: Honoré de Balzac. Born here in 1799, Balzac is one of the greatest writers of the 19th century and the author of La Comédie humaine (the human comedy), a monumental body of work in which he paints a remarkably detailed portrait of the society of his time. Through his novels, he highlights the ambitions, tensions, and lifestyles of the bourgeoisie. Start the tour at the Hôtel de Ville, where important decisions are made, stroll through the streets in search of monuments that have made its history, and finish the tour at the Pont Wilson, in front of a wonderful view over the Loire.

Start your walking tour in the heart of Tours, a city where history is written in stone and faith still Guides the steps of its visitors. In the Middle Ages, Tours was a major religious, political and strategic center. From 1355, faced with the ravages of the Hundred Years’ War, the cities of Tours and Châteauneuf were united in one system of fortifications, reinforcing the defensive and urban unity of the city. Discover the city’s rich historical and spiritual heritage through its iconic monuments and sites linked to Saint Martin, one of the most venerated saints in France. Elected bishop of Tours in 371, he established his hermitage in Marmoutier and evangelized the Tourangelle region, creating many parishes. His death during a trip to Candes on 8 November 397 and his burial in Tours on 11 November transformed the city into a major place of pilgrimage as early as the 5th century.

Reconnect with nature through forestry. An ancestral activity that plunges you into the soothing world of the forests of Indre et Loire. Each immersion is a discovery of the benefits of trees and plants on your well-being. Practice various techniques such as walking barefoot, listening to the sounds of the forest and creating mandalas, while enjoying the soothing and regenerating virtues of nature. Let’s create a healing bubble away from everyday stress and transform your perception of the world by leaving with tools to continue this practice in total autonomy.

Discover Tours’ wealth of history and culture—and visit many of its most important historical highlights—on this private walking tour. Choose from a wide range of start times throughout the day, meet your guide in central Tours, and set off on foot. You’ll admire the Tours Cathedral, explore its Old Town, will see the medieval Tower of Charlemagne, will have the chance to taste locally made wine, and more.

Experience a typical day tour in Loire Valley and discover the Chinon and Bourgueil vineyards. Visit Chateau wineries and taste Loire Valley red, white and sparkling wines on this private full day tour from Tours.

Explore the grounds of the Chateau de Chenonceau on a guided walking tour. Learn about women’s history, people’s beliefs, mysterious graffiti, and much more about the chateau. Check out the interior and grounds as you listen to the fascinating stories the guide tells based on your preference.

Embark on an exclusive 2-hour private walking tour of Amboise, a picturesque town along the Loire River in France. Start at the magnificent Château d'Amboise with its panoramic views and historical significance, then stroll through the charming streets of the Old Town, lined with historic buildings and artisan shops. Visit Clos Lucé, the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci, and explore its fascinating exhibits. Conclude with a serene walk along the scenic Loire River promenade. With a knowledgeable guide providing insightful commentary, this curated itinerary offers an immersive experience of Amboise's rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Book now to enjoy a personalized and unforgettable journey through this enchanting town.

In a small group of no more than 8 guests, set off from Amboise to discover the vineyards of eastern Touraine, accompanied by your expert guide. Your day begins with a visit to a wine estate in the Vouvray or Touraine-Amboise appellation. Explore the vineyards, learn about the local terroir and winemaking techniques, and discover a traditional troglodyte cellar carved into the region’s characteristic tuffeau limestone. A wine tasting will introduce you to the diversity and character of the estate’s wines. Enjoy a convivial lunch, with two options available: In your private troglodyte cellar: enjoy a homemade meal paired with wines from your personal collection, carefully selected from the Loire Valley. At the wine estate: share an authentic lunch in a typically local setting, accompanied by a tasting of the estate’s wines. In the afternoon, continue to the Touraine-Chenonceaux appellation (or Touraine-Amboise) to discover a second wine estate. Visit the property, learn more about its winemaking traditions and finish the day with a tasting of its wine range.

Embark on a side-rant experience! You will be amazed by all the splendor of these Renaissance masterpieces that are the castles of Amboise, Chenonceau, Cheverny, Blois and Chaumont-sur-Loire, whose beauty is revealed all the more on board our authentic sidecars. A vintage atmosphere guaranteed for the prettiest stroll in Touraine! The sidecar is undoubtedly the most suitable and original way to appreciate the magnificent landscapes. Very comfortable and accessible to everyone, it will be suitable for families, friends, looking for adventure or gentle transport.

Experience 2 of the most emblematic Châteaux of the Loire Valley. Board your comfortable, premium A/C vehicle and begin to make your way to the Loire Valley Chateau Route with your English speaking driver / guide who is an expert in the local history. Discover Château de Chenonceau & Château de Chambord on your program today. Enjoy a conducted visit with our local guide, expert in Loire Valley History.