Tours is a great place for people who like historic attractions. Many people use the city as a resting point before they reach the Chateaux de la Loire, but the city has many great attractions on its own. You can visit Tours to enjoy some of the best foods and drinks in France. They will cost you a lot of money, but they will be worth it in the end. In this article, we will learn more about Tours France attractions to discover.
The Loire River Tours
The Loire River Tours is the longest river in France, and it cuts across Tours. You can spend your evening strolling along the River Loire alone or with your friend. The river is lined with pedestrian paths, and occasionally, you will see a bridge. These bridges can provide access to the other side of the river, and they are developed to accommodate bikes.
The Tours Cathedrale
The Tours Cathedrale is probably the most fascinating building in this city. Construction of the building started towards the end of the 12th century, and it would not be completed until the 16th century. The building has been noted to have the perfect summary of the evolution of Gothic architecture. Since the mid 19th century, the building has been classified as a historical monument by the French government. There are many images in the cathedral, and each one has an information panel which explains the meaning of the image.
The Musee des Beaux-Arts de Tours
This museum of fine art has the collection of all the riches from the campaign against the Huguenots in the 17th century. It also houses the art seized from the abbeys in the Revolution. In the museum, you will find two masterpieces by Andrea Mantegna. Both of them are renaissance paintings.
The Tours Botanical Garden
This arboretum and botanical garden covers an area of 5 hectares. It was established in the middle of the 19th century, and that makes it the oldest garden in the city. If you want to enjoy the city without spending money, you can visit this place. Admission to the garden is free, so you can spend a whole day without any cash. The garden has a troubled past, having been flooded twice in the past. It was also bombed in the Second World War. Still, it represents calm and serenity, and it does not have the slightest hint that it has suffered such disasters in the past. The garden also has some rare plants and trees, some of which are endangered.
Le Vieux Tours
Most Tours France attractions are historical sites. One of the historic centres you should visit is Le Vieux Tours. This old section of the city is full of life, and you can partake in many different activities. There are bars, restaurants, shops, and many other amenities, all of which are hundreds of years old. This place will offer you a cultural experience of the city, and you can even visit the place without spending a cent. In summer, there is a small train that leaves the old town every hour, and you can get on it for an enhanced experience. You should note that most people will identify you as a tourist if you use this train.
The Saint-Martin Basilica
Construction of the Saint-Martin Basilica was completed in 1924, and it was dedicated to Saint-Martin. He was a soldier who became the Bishop of Tours in the 4th century. He is credited with having spread Christianity in France. This basilica was built to commemorate him and appreciate his effort in spreading the religion through the country. Just near the church is a museum that is also dedicated to Saint-Martin. Many people visit this site every year to pay their respects to the saint.
What is the Loire Valley Famous For?
The city of Tours is located in the Loire Valley, and you have probably heard of this valley before. But what exactly is it famous for? Most people visit the place for its vibrant culture, the architectural and historical landmarks, the wineries, and excellent food.
One of the best Tours France attractions in the Loire Valley is the Châteaux de la Loire. This is a collection of castles in the valley which form the architectural heritage of the valley. As mentioned earlier, many people come to the city of Tours to see the Chateau de la Loire.
The most famous castle in the valley is probably the Chateau de Chenonceau. This is one of the most famous castles in the region, and it is truly a sight to behold. The castle graces the River Cher, creating an excellent reflection in the water. The architecture has elements of late Gothic and early Renaissance styles. It is best known for being the residence of Queen Catherine de Medici.
Many people also visit the valley to partake in some wine tasting at Bouvet-Ladubay. This is the best producer of sparkling wine in France, and they offer wine tasting tours. They have 10 miles of wine cellars and a wine tasting at the end of the tour. The best part is that you will not have to walk through the whole tour- you can take their cycling tours.
If you are into cycling, you can take your bike to the Loire Valley. You can cycle a total of 500 kilometers across the valley, but you will likely only complete part of the route. There are many places where you can hire bikes in the area.
Conclusion
There are many things to do in Tours France. The city has many fascinating historic sites, and they will take you back hundreds of years. Make sure you visit the castles, old bars, old restaurants, museums, and religious buildings. Many of them capture essential elements of old architecture and old lifestyles. The good thing about this city is that it is quite affordable. Many of the key attractions in the city of Tours France are free for all people.