As the western gateway to the Loire Valley there are plenty of things to do in Tours, which is also a strategic basecamp for exploring the region's fairy-tale châteaux and vine-clad slopes. Storybook scenery awaits in the medieval quarter, where the artful jumble of half-timbered buildings and cobbled lanes host lively street markets and terrace cafés. The mighty Loire River is the lifeblood of the town, and the tree-lined promenade is the spot for afternoon strolls and evening dining. Meanwhile, daily tours set out for Chenonceau, Villandry, and the Loire Valley wineries.
With warm summers and mild, rainy winters, Tours is better when the days are longer. Crowds flock to the Loire Valley during the summer holidays, so plan to visit from April to June or from September to October to enjoy the pleasant weather without too many crowds. Wine lovers should coordinate their trip with Vitiloire, a wine festival featuring some 150 winemakers in late May. If markets are more your scene, the enormous Tours braderie runs from mid-June to mid-August.
Taking the bus is the simplest way to get around Tours city center, but if you’re visiting the châteaux, booking a tour or renting a car is far simpler. Some of the most impressive châteaux close to Tours include Château de Chenonceau, a 16th-century castle that spans the river Cher (book a kayak trip to see it from the water); Château d’Amboise, commissioned by Charles VIII in the 1490s; and the perfectly manicured gardens of Château de Villandry.
At sunrise on a clear day, the countryside around Tours looks a little like Turkey’s Cappadocia. Dozens of brightly colored hot air balloons take to the sky to glide over châteaux and vineyards, with the Loire River snaking through the middle. With your feet back on the ground, head to Ô Lieudit Vin, a fantastic little wine bar with a staggering amount of around 400 different vintages.
