The Tours light trail
Every evening, the city of Tours lights up with a unique nighttime tour, free and accessible to all.
The Light Trail invites visitors to rediscover the jewels of Tours' heritage through artistic, poetic, and immersive lighting displays.
Let yourself be guided through the medieval streets and admire the historic monuments to see Tours in a new light.
Throughout the year, two trails illuminate Tours each evening with 800 light points.
The Old Tours Trail
The Old Tours Trail transforms the historic center into an open-air stage for 45 minutes.
Animated projections adorn the city's iconic facades.
From Place Châteauneuf to Place Plumereau, including the Clock Tower and the Charlemagne Tower, each building comes to life with subtle lighting. This nighttime stroll will transport you through centuries of history.
The Balzac Trail
The Balzac Trail highlights the main places where Honoré de Balzac was born and lived.
This one-hour trail crosses Place Jean Jaurès, where an artistic creation marks the site of the former statue of Balzac, or passes through his birthplace on Rue Nationale, where you can see quotes from La Comédie Humaine.
The trail follows a free itinerary of approximately three kilometers.
It generally begins at Place Jean Jaurès, then follows Rue Nationale to the Grand Théâtre before winding through the narrow streets of Old Tours to Place Plumereau, a play of light and shadow.
The highlight of the show remains the illumination of Saint Gatien Cathedral, which transforms the Gothic façade into a symphony of light.
Admire the scenography from the square, combining light, music, and narration.
The Tours Light Trail is offered every evening, from dusk until midnight in summer, and ends at 11 p.m. in winter.
It is completely free and accessible without reservation. The trail can be completed on foot, strolling at your own pace, with family or friends.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes and check the specific schedule on the City of Tours website, as it varies slightly depending on the season.
The Best Western Plus L'Artist Hotel enjoys a prime location in downtown Tours, 300 meters from the train station.
You'll appreciate the contemporary design of this four-star hotel and its proximity to restaurants and shops.
Discover our rooms equipped with queen-size beds, private bathrooms, and air conditioning.
Wake up and enjoy a breakfast buffet from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
If you're visiting in the summer, also enjoy the open-air cafés along the Loire.
The Light Trail invites visitors to rediscover the jewels of Tours' heritage through artistic, poetic, and immersive lighting displays.
Let yourself be guided through the medieval streets and admire the historic monuments to see Tours in a new light.
Discover this unique nighttime experience in the heart of Tours.
Two light trails offered every evening.
Throughout the year, two trails illuminate Tours each evening with 800 light points.
The Old Tours Trail
The Old Tours Trail transforms the historic center into an open-air stage for 45 minutes.
Animated projections adorn the city's iconic facades.
From Place Châteauneuf to Place Plumereau, including the Clock Tower and the Charlemagne Tower, each building comes to life with subtle lighting. This nighttime stroll will transport you through centuries of history.
The Balzac Trail
The Balzac Trail highlights the main places where Honoré de Balzac was born and lived.
This one-hour trail crosses Place Jean Jaurès, where an artistic creation marks the site of the former statue of Balzac, or passes through his birthplace on Rue Nationale, where you can see quotes from La Comédie Humaine.
A Free Route Combining Digital Art and Heritage
The trail follows a free itinerary of approximately three kilometers.
It generally begins at Place Jean Jaurès, then follows Rue Nationale to the Grand Théâtre before winding through the narrow streets of Old Tours to Place Plumereau, a play of light and shadow.
The highlight of the show remains the illumination of Saint Gatien Cathedral, which transforms the Gothic façade into a symphony of light.
Admire the scenography from the square, combining light, music, and narration.
Practical Information
The Tours Light Trail is offered every evening, from dusk until midnight in summer, and ends at 11 p.m. in winter.
It is completely free and accessible without reservation. The trail can be completed on foot, strolling at your own pace, with family or friends.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes and check the specific schedule on the City of Tours website, as it varies slightly depending on the season.
Stay in downtown Tours to make the most of the light trail.
The Best Western Plus L'Artist Hotel enjoys a prime location in downtown Tours, 300 meters from the train station.
You'll appreciate the contemporary design of this four-star hotel and its proximity to restaurants and shops.
Discover our rooms equipped with queen-size beds, private bathrooms, and air conditioning.
Wake up and enjoy a breakfast buffet from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
If you're visiting in the summer, also enjoy the open-air cafés along the Loire.
