What souvenirs should you buy when visiting tours in Central France?
When planning a trip to France, Paris is naturally the first city that comes to mind. However, the historic city of Tours, located in central France, is also a must-visit destination filled with charm and cultural treasures. For travelers seeking an authentic French experience, Tours offers a refreshing contrast to the bustling capital.
If you're visiting Tours, don't miss the opportunity to shop for unique souvenirs you can't find anywhere else. These special keepsakes let you bring home a taste of the city's elegant atmosphere and regional flavor. But what kind of souvenirs is Tours—and the surrounding Loire Valley—famous for?
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What souvenirs should you buy when visiting tours in Central France?
1. About the City of Tours and Souvenirs You Can Buy There
Tours is a city located in the central part of France. Although it's around 240 kilometers away from Paris, you can get there in about an hour by taking the high-speed TGV train, making it a great destination for a short trip. Tours is also a city rich in history, dating back to the Roman Empire. It gained prominence during the reign of Louis XI in the 15th century, and during World War II, it even served briefly as the capital of France.
The city is home to old castles and historic buildings, which make excellent subjects for postcards—popular as souvenirs. Today, Tours remains a hub for the surrounding Loire Valley region, where local products are brought together, making it a great place for souvenir shopping!
2. Loire Wines
The Loire Valley, centered around Tours, is a well-known wine-producing region in France. While areas like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne are often mentioned as France’s top wine regions, the wines of the Loire are more affordable and popular for daily home consumption. Because they are mainly consumed domestically, they are not as widely known, making them a perfect souvenir for wine lovers.
Among them, the most famous is Muscadet! It’s both the name of the white grape variety and the wine-producing area. It makes a wonderful and thoughtful gift from Tours.
3. Guérande Salt
Guérande salt is a natural sea salt made using traditional methods that use almost no machinery even today. It is produced by evaporating seawater using only the power of the sun and wind, allowing salt crystals to naturally form. Since it is made near Tours, it is a well-known specialty item available in the area and makes an excellent souvenir.
Not only is it rich in minerals, but it also has a mild flavor with a subtle seaweed aroma. Since its production method was established in the 9th century, it has been cherished by many French cuisine chefs. Today, it is a renowned salt brand among culinary professionals. It makes a great gift for people who love cooking!
4. Vinegar Made with the Orléans Method
The Loire region, where Tours is located, is rich in history and culinary traditions. One example is the vinegar produced by the long-established Martin Pouret company, founded in 1797. This vinegar is made using the Orléans method, where high-quality wine is aged in barrels for more than six months, resulting in a vinegar with a mild and gentle acidity.
This Orléans-style vinegar is also highly regarded by many French chefs and would be a delightful souvenir for anyone who enjoys cooking. It's a fine choice among the local specialties of Tours.
5. Chèvre-Type Cheese
The Loire Valley is famous for its many local specialties, and since Tours is at the heart of this region, you can find many of those specialties there. However, even if some dishes are regional specialties of Tours, those that require freshness—like Tarte Tatin or game meats.
Instead, chèvre-type cheese is a great recommendation as a souvenir! This cheese is made from goat’s milk and has a distinct taste and aroma. Since it’s made from goat milk, many people tend to avoid it because of its strong flavor. But as a souvenir, something a bit more unique might actually be appreciated.
◎ Summary
What do you think? When it comes to souvenirs from a trip to France, people usually imagine items found in Paris, which have become the standard. However, souvenirs from Tours include many products and specialties from the Loire region—abundant in agricultural produce and reflective of the true essence of France. Since Tours is conveniently close to Paris, why not extend your trip, explore its historical sites and castles, and find some truly distinctive souvenirs?
