Créé par Romane, le 7 mai 2026
Votre guide Ryo
© Shutterstock
Welcome to the banks of the Loire and Cher rivers in the Indre-et-Loire department. Have you decided to make a stop in the city of Tours? It must be said that it's pleasant with its historical monuments. It has a regal air with its Loire châteaux and rich cultural heritage. It's the type of city where, when you leave, you immediately feel more educated, our general knowledge about the history of our beautiful country that is France becomes greater at that moment.
If you want more guidance on where to go out in Tours? Which monument to visit as a priority? Ryo explains everything! Splendid half-timbered houses, exquisite restaurants, endless shops... Here's an idea of the pleasant living environment of Tours, which attracts many visitors each year.
What to do in Tours?
1. Saint-Gatien Cathedral
Category: €€/Cultural
Description: Made of stone and glass, Saint-Gatien Cathedral is a truly legendary monument: its architecture and stained glass windows testify to the beauty of Gothic art. The Touraine heritage is proud of it. Built during the 13th and 16th centuries in the Gallo-Roman era, the atmosphere is still as electric and mysterious. At night, its flamboyant facade comes to life and illuminates the surroundings with a thousand lights. Imposing, it has written the history of several generations who lived in these places, and bears witness to the Judeo-Christian values of Western society. Open every day from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, head to Rue Racine to admire this spectacle!
2. Tours Castle
Category: €/Cultural
Description: It is located in the oldest district of Tours and is today considered one of the most important French castles. Much more than a castle, it presents an artistic program made of sculptures, paintings, archaeological projects, various installations, and photographs. In the four levels of the castle, all these objects represent an ode to contemporary art, it's a quiet place where serenity reigns. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 2 PM to 6 PM, it is located on Avenue André Malraux.
3. Jardin des Prébendes d'Oé
Category: Free entry/Unusual
Description: Many like to nickname it "The English Garden". It's a quite charming place, dotted with pretty flowers and trees offering pleasant shade. It's the kind of place where you want to stay after a tiring and difficult day: you can easily read a novel there, chat, make beautiful encounters, and admire this spectacle of greenery that's offered to you. With a great variety of plants and well-designed water features, the "Jardin des Prébendes d'Oé" is a jewel that makes Tours proud. Towards Rue Roger Salengro, it happens to be open every day from 7:45 AM to 9 PM. We recommend going there at the end of the day, when the sun gradually fades caressing the greenery with its orange rays.
4. Museum of Fine Arts
Category: €€/Cultural
Description: Right at the entrance, you'll be impressed by the large and imposing cedar at least 200 years old that dominates the main courtyard. Go down to its underground areas and you'll discover the stone inscription in glory of the Turons. The building is classified as a historical monument and we find there a whole collection of paintings, furniture, sculptures, and all sorts of objects related to art. You'll be amazed! Open every day from 9:30 AM to 6 PM except Tuesdays, the Museum of Fine Arts is located near Place François Sicard. Many historians and art lovers describe it as "a catalog of ancient and precious objects" that make Tours' authenticity.
5. Hotel Goüin
Category: €€/Cultural
Description: No, this is not a typical hotel that welcomes visitors to stay and sleep during a trip. It represents one of the rare vestiges of Renaissance architecture in the city of Tours, still intact. Entirely dedicated to contemporary art, it is known for its impressive carved decoration on the courtyard facade, which already sets the tone for what awaits you inside... Roman antiquity, local creations, innovative art, masks, objects, ritual outfits... You'll enter another world. Very ancient, this building never ceases to surprise us, and to arouse in us a growing curiosity for the art and history of the city of Tours.
6. Rent a bike and set off to conquer the city
Category: €€/Sports
Description: There's nothing better than visiting a city while taking your time. Forget your car for just one day, and relearn to use your legs (sometimes we forget we have them, we use transportation so much) by pedaling at full speed in this historic city, traveling through its green spaces. This will give you a good breath of fresh air. Strolling along the Loire by bike means taking time to contemplate landscapes adorned with shimmering colors. On the way, take a break by stopping near a restaurant on a charming terrace. Sip a local drink, and continue your route, in the calm and peacefulness of Touraine. The travel agency "Ride in Tours" open every day from 9 AM to 7 PM on Avenue Georges Sand with the "Accueil Vélo" label as well as "Loire à Vélo", will allow you to live fantastic moments on two wheels.
7. Visit the city with the Light Trail
Category: €€/Cultural/Unusual
Description: It's only in Tours that you'll find this program! The city offers two routes, called "light trails" which, when night falls, make you discover the illuminated and sparkling surroundings. We won't tell you too much about the description of the two routes: "Le Balzac" in honor of writer Honoré de Balzac, as well as "Le Vieux Tours" which tells the history of the city as a whole. The light displays are absolutely magnificent and lanterns and other devices are used to dazzle you! This will allow you to admire the diversity of local architecture and heritage in a new light.