Cathedrale Saint-Gatien de Tours
A Gothic cathedral built over three centuries with a stunning collection of 13th-century stained glass and a Renaissance cloister. Free to enter, with a small fee for the cloister that is well worth it.
City in France
Tours
4 things to see
Tours is the gateway to the Loire Valley castles, a university city with a beautiful old town square and affordable restaurants that make it a smart base for chateau day trips. The half-timbered Place Plumereau, the cathedral, and the riverside walks along the Loire cost nothing to enjoy, and the lively student scene keeps food and drink cheap. A fast train links it to Paris in around an hour, so it works as a budget base for exploring the valley by train and bus. Spring and early autumn bring the gardens to life without the summer crowds.
What to see
Things to do in Tours
What each one costs, where the cost is known.
Jardin Botanique de Tours
A 5-hectare botanical garden near the train station with a tropical greenhouse, animal enclosures, and over 3,000 plant species. Free entry and a surprisingly rich green space for a mid-sized French city.
Musee des Beaux-Arts de Tours
Housed in a former archbishop's palace next to the cathedral, with works by Mantegna, Rubens, and Degas. Low admission and a collection that punches well above the weight of a Loire Valley regional museum.
Place Plumereau
The lively medieval heart of Tours, surrounded by half-timbered houses dating to the 15th century. Free to soak in the atmosphere at any time, though the terrace cafes can tempt even the most disciplined budget traveler.
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