14 Recommended Spots in Tours | Full of the Atmosphere of Medieval France

About an hour by train from the French capital, Paris, the city of Tours serves as a popular base for exploring the castles of the Loire region. Once the capital during the reign of Louis XI, this city boasts an old town brimming with attractions and numerous historical buildings. The ancient city of Tours, with its medieval charm, is compact enough to explore on foot. It’s also recognized as a tourist-friendly destination ideal for strolling. Tours is a historically significant town where you can truly immerse yourself in French history. Here are some must-visit spots to fully enjoy a leisurely tour of the area.

1. Plumereau Square

Located in the heart of the old town, Plumereau Square is a small square that serves as a central hub for Tours sightseeing. Surrounded by stylish cafes and restaurants, it is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax. The nearby university brings a lively student presence, and the area becomes particularly bustling on sunny days. During the tourist season from spring to summer, the square is filled with visitors, making it one of the liveliest parts of the city.

The area is lined with historic and traditional houses that preserve the essence of old France, making it a perfect spot to soak up the medieval atmosphere. Enjoying a coffee on a café terrace amidst the charming surroundings is a must. The square also has a crepe stand where you can indulge in authentic French flavors while strolling through the medieval streets.

2. Tours Museum

Located about a 10-minute walk from Tours Station, the Tours Museum was originally an archbishop's palace before being renovated and opened as a museum in 1910. Its pristine white façade is reminiscent of a palace, exuding elegance. Adjacent to the museum is a French-style garden featuring a prominent large Lebanon cedar tree. During the warmer months, both tourists and locals gather here to enjoy the seasonal blooms.

Inside the museum, you’ll find a collection of artistic crafts from the Touraine region, along with famous paintings from the 15th to 20th centuries by artists such as Rubens, Rembrandt, and Delacroix. The interior décor, inspired by the Louis XVI style, is also a highlight, with intricate ceiling designs and walls adorned with Tours’ renowned silk textiles. Both the exterior and interior of the building are stunning, making it a must-visit attraction.

3. Saint-Gatien Cathedral

Just next to the Tours Museum stands Saint-Gatien Cathedral, a landmark of Tours and a prime example of Gothic architecture. Taking over three centuries to construct, this cathedral holds a rich history and is a must-see for visitors. From the plaza in front, you can admire its magnificent structure, which is both impressive in scale and beauty.

Inside, the towering ceiling and intricate stained-glass windows will leave you in awe. The delicate craftsmanship of each stained glass piece is captivating and could easily consume hours of your time. The cathedral also houses the tomb of two children of King Charles VIII. Their marble sarcophagus features sculpted figures of the two children lying at rest. As a part of France’s historical heritage, Saint-Gatien Cathedral is an essential stop for anyone touring Tours.

4. Tours Castle

Located in the center of Tours, the Tours Castle is one of the renowned castles of the Loire region. Its appearance resembles more of an aristocratic mansion than a traditional castle. Over the years, the castle has served various purposes; until 2000, it housed a museum and an aquarium featuring over 200 species of fish. After renovations, it was transformed into a contemporary art exhibition venue, showcasing works by artists like Joan Miró, Daniel Buren, and Nadar.

The castle also features exhibits on the history of Tours, including videos, artifacts, and models that delve into the region’s archaeology and history. A visit to Tours Castle offers a blend of modern art and historical insights, where the past and present converge. Experience the essence of France here.

5. Museum of Craftsmanship (Musée du Compagnonnage)

Tours is home to the Museum of Craftsmanship, a unique attraction dedicated to the “compagnonnage” tradition. This system of apprenticeships was a medieval European institution designed to train artisans and preserve their professional interests.

The museum houses masterpieces created by French craftsmen, offering visitors a chance to learn about the country’s rich artisan culture. It is a rare opportunity to view the finest works of skilled artisans from across France, all in one place.

As the only museum of its kind in the world, it reflects France’s deep respect for history and traditional craftsmanship. With its fascinating and beautiful exhibits, the Museum of Craftsmanship is a must-visit for anyone exploring Tours.

6. Basilica of Saint Martin

Located near the city center, the Basilica of Saint Martin is one of Tours’ most iconic attractions. Built over the tomb of Saint Martin, a revered figure believed to have healing powers for those who touched his tombstone, the basilica was originally constructed in the 5th century. Though it was damaged during religious wars, it was rebuilt in the 19th century in a Neo-Byzantine style, featuring a grand domed roof and intricately designed arched windows.

The basilica also boasts a Renaissance-style cloister and two large Romanesque towers, which remain intact from the medieval period, making them historically significant. The clock tower, too, has been preserved in its original form. Visitors can explore the passage leading to the Saint John Chapel, which contains numerous exhibits detailing the basilica’s history. The serene and solemn atmosphere of the basilica makes it a peaceful retreat, cherished by both tourists and the local community.

7. Tours Botanical Garden

The Tours Botanical Garden is a popular destination for tourists, conveniently located near the city center. This tranquil and serene garden offers a changing display of flowers that varies with the seasons, providing a unique experience on every visit. In spring, cherry blossoms attract both locals and visitors for hanami (flower viewing).

Inside the greenhouse, staff are available to assist with questions, ensuring a welcoming experience for tourists. The peaceful garden area features benches where visitors can relax and enjoy the natural beauty. The garden also includes a small zoo, offering opportunities to observe birds and interact with animals, making it enjoyable for both adults and children.
With its well-maintained grounds, the Tours Botanical Garden is the perfect spot for a leisurely break during your sightseeing.

8. Tours Town Hall

Built between the 19th and 20th centuries, the Tours Town Hall is a magnificent structure with an impressive façade. Located just a five-minute walk from the train station, it is easily accessible and a favorite stop for tourists. Up close, its intricate decorations and elaborate carvings give it a castle-like appearance. The roof is particularly ornate, making the building stand out among its surroundings.

The main hall on the ground floor houses cultural facilities, including exhibitions related to art and culture. Its central location makes it an ideal stop during your sightseeing tour, where you can admire the architectural beauty up close.

9. Les Halles

"Les Halles" refers to a type of large market hall found in major French cities, and Tours boasts its own vibrant version in the city center. This bustling market houses numerous small shops, offering visitors a glimpse into local life.

At Les Halles in Tours, most stores specialize in food items, including fresh vegetables, fish, meat, bread, and cheese. The market is always lively with locals shopping for their daily essentials, creating an energetic and authentic atmosphere.

Even if you’re not shopping for food, visiting Les Halles offers a chance to experience the local culture. The surrounding area features a plaza with restaurants and shops, including stores selling Asian ingredients. Exploring the area is a delightful way to immerse yourself in Tours’ local charm.

10. Valmer Castle

Located about a 10-minute drive from the center of Tours, Valmer Castle lies on the outskirts of the city. Though much of the castle was destroyed in a fire in 1948, parts of it remain, and the site is now home to a sprawling French-style garden that attracts many visitors.

The garden is divided into four main sections, with one area designed to recreate the castle, offering a glimpse into its past grandeur. This feature is particularly popular with visitors. Large insect sculptures created by artists are scattered throughout the garden, adding a whimsical, storybook-like atmosphere. While access to the castle ruins is restricted, the chapel on the grounds has been preserved in its original state and is open to visitors. The Renaissance-style decorations in the chapel are stunning, and it is even available for weddings.

The property also cultivates vineyards and produces wine, which visitors can taste during their visit—a highlight of the experience. It’s a must-see spot for those looking to explore beyond the city center.

11. St. Julien Church

St. Julien Church is located near Rue Nationale, close to the Wilson Bridge over the Loire River. Its striking spire blends harmoniously with the surrounding cityscape, creating a serene atmosphere. This relatively undiscovered gem is perfect for leisurely walks in the area.

As you approach the church, its towering structure is impressive, and for the best photos, head to the other side of the Loire River to capture the full view of the church’s beauty.

Despite the significant damage inflicted on Tours during World War II, this church miraculously survived. While the interior is currently not open to the public, its historical significance as a survivor of the war makes it a remarkable landmark worth visiting.

12. Hotel Gouin (Touraine Archaeological Museum)

The Hotel Gouin is a precious Renaissance-style building in Tours and a well-known tourist attraction. Originally used as a medieval mansion, it was rebuilt in the 16th century in the Renaissance style. Though it was damaged during World War II, parts of the façade were reconstructed, and the building now stands as a prominent photo spot, frequently visited by tourists.

Currently, the site houses the Touraine Archaeological Museum, which exhibits artifacts and historical materials from the region. Displays include relics from prehistoric sites, historical French currency, medieval measuring instruments, and much more. It’s a fascinating destination for those interested in France’s history and culture.

13. Troglodyte Dwellings

Troglodyte dwellings are homes carved into rock. Across the suspension bridge over the Loire River from the city center of Tours, you'll find an area of white limestone hills. Here, people have historically excavated the rock to create homes, wine cellars, and mushroom farms. While not a conventional tourist attraction, the unique scenery draws many visitors.

This style of living can be found in other parts of France as well, and many people still live in these rock-hewn houses, known as "Maison Troglodytique." The interiors maintain a stable temperature—warm in winter and cool in summer—providing year-round comfort. The walls, often exposed rock, create a distinct and rustic ambiance.

Although you can admire these dwellings from the outside, they are private homes, so entry is not permitted. The area offers a stark contrast to the bustling city center of Tours, showcasing a different and fascinating side of local life.

14. National Street

National Street is one of the largest and most prominent streets in Tours, running straight from the town hall to the Loire River. It’s a must-visit avenue for anyone exploring the city. On the town hall side, vehicle access is restricted to buses, taxis, and emergency vehicles, resulting in low traffic. This makes it a popular space for locals to enjoy activities like inline skating.

The street is lined with various shops and is always bustling with shoppers. It caters primarily to locals rather than tourists, making it an excellent spot to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle. Crowded shops along the street are often a good indicator of quality, offering a chance to find authentic local products.

Take a break from sightseeing to explore National Street, shop like a local, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this central thoroughfare.

◎Summary

The historic city of Tours is a renowned base for exploring the Loire Valley's famous châteaux. Despite its small size, it boasts a rich concentration of historically significant buildings, making it possible to cover key sights even with limited time. Once the capital of France, the city exudes grandeur in its architecture and attractions.

Discover the many facets of France by visiting Tours, where history, culture, and local charm come together in perfect harmony.

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14 Recommended Spots in Tours | Full of the Atmosphere of Medieval France