Visit Tours in 2 days
Capital of the Loire Valley, Tours is an essential stop on the Loire Valley Châteaux route.
The birthplace of Honoré de Balzac is even the ideal destination for a weekend, as it is located just 1 hour from Paris by TGV.
Listed as a City of Art and History and an International City of Gastronomy, Tours charms as much for its modern side as for its rich historical heritage.
Discover our itinerary to visit Tours in just 2 days.
Start your day by visiting the Saint-Gatien Cathedral and its sumptuous stained glass windows before heading to the Saint-Martin Basilica and the Charlemagne Tower.
Old Tours will immerse you in the past with its half-timbered medieval stone houses.
Then head to Rue des Halles with its trendy boutiques and the Arts district where many workshops are gathered.
Then take a lunch break in one of the restaurants on Place Plumereau to discover the culinary specialties of Tours such as rillettes, Saint-Maure de Touraine or nougat.
In the afternoon, go to the Museum of Fine Arts located in the former Archbishops' Palace.
You can admire works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Delacroix, Degas, Monet and Rodin.
Also take the opportunity to make a detour to the French garden of Fine Arts where you can greet Fritz, the stuffed African elephant.
At nightfall, follow the Parcours des Lumières to discover all the monuments of Old Tours illuminated.
Why not take advantage of your stay to discover the banks of the Loire on foot or by bike?
Several routes are available starting from Pont Wilson or Rue Malraux. The opportunity to stroll along the water and admire the city from another angle.
You can also climb aboard one of the traditional wooden boats of the Boutavant association for an aperitif ride on the site of the former large port of Tours.
During the nice weather, join the Guinguette de Tours sur Loire for a drink, attend a concert or watch an open-air film.
If you have rented a bike, do not hesitate to pedal to the gardens of Villandry or the cellars of the AOC Vouvray for a wine tasting.
Book a guided tour in a local wine cellar in Tours to take part in a wine tasting.
Don't forget that Tours is located in a wine region with no fewer than 23 appellations. You can discover strong and tannic reds as well as sweet whites.
There are several hundred wine cellars to visit in Tours and the surrounding area. The winemakers will be delighted to share their passion with you!
The Artist Hotel is located in the city center of Tours on a quiet little street close to shops and restaurants.
The location is ideal for your 2-day visit to Tours, as it will allow you to discover the city on foot or by public transport.
Drop off your bags in one of our cozy and modern Comfort or Superior rooms with a Queen Size bed, private bathroom and flat-screen TV with Chromecast.
In the morning, a delicious breakfast will be served from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. based on local regional products.
You can enjoy goat cheese from Saint-Maure-de-Touraine, cold meats, scrambled eggs, local jams or even homemade cakes and pastries.
Feeling peckish? Take advantage of our room service available 24 hours a day to order a dish.
The birthplace of Honoré de Balzac is even the ideal destination for a weekend, as it is located just 1 hour from Paris by TGV.
Listed as a City of Art and History and an International City of Gastronomy, Tours charms as much for its modern side as for its rich historical heritage.
Discover our itinerary to visit Tours in just 2 days.
Day 1: Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Tours
Explore the historic district of Old Tours
Start your day by visiting the Saint-Gatien Cathedral and its sumptuous stained glass windows before heading to the Saint-Martin Basilica and the Charlemagne Tower.
Old Tours will immerse you in the past with its half-timbered medieval stone houses.
Then head to Rue des Halles with its trendy boutiques and the Arts district where many workshops are gathered.
Then take a lunch break in one of the restaurants on Place Plumereau to discover the culinary specialties of Tours such as rillettes, Saint-Maure de Touraine or nougat.
Discover the Museum of Fine Arts of Tours
In the afternoon, go to the Museum of Fine Arts located in the former Archbishops' Palace.
You can admire works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Delacroix, Degas, Monet and Rodin.
Also take the opportunity to make a detour to the French garden of Fine Arts where you can greet Fritz, the stuffed African elephant.
At nightfall, follow the Parcours des Lumières to discover all the monuments of Old Tours illuminated.
Day 2: Discover Tours along the water
Stroll along the Loire
Why not take advantage of your stay to discover the banks of the Loire on foot or by bike?
Several routes are available starting from Pont Wilson or Rue Malraux. The opportunity to stroll along the water and admire the city from another angle.
You can also climb aboard one of the traditional wooden boats of the Boutavant association for an aperitif ride on the site of the former large port of Tours.
During the nice weather, join the Guinguette de Tours sur Loire for a drink, attend a concert or watch an open-air film.
If you have rented a bike, do not hesitate to pedal to the gardens of Villandry or the cellars of the AOC Vouvray for a wine tasting.
Visit a wine cellar and taste Touraine wines
Book a guided tour in a local wine cellar in Tours to take part in a wine tasting.
Don't forget that Tours is located in a wine region with no fewer than 23 appellations. You can discover strong and tannic reds as well as sweet whites.
There are several hundred wine cellars to visit in Tours and the surrounding area. The winemakers will be delighted to share their passion with you!
Sleep in the city center of Tours in a 4-star hotel
The Artist Hotel is located in the city center of Tours on a quiet little street close to shops and restaurants.
The location is ideal for your 2-day visit to Tours, as it will allow you to discover the city on foot or by public transport.
Drop off your bags in one of our cozy and modern Comfort or Superior rooms with a Queen Size bed, private bathroom and flat-screen TV with Chromecast.
In the morning, a delicious breakfast will be served from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. based on local regional products.
You can enjoy goat cheese from Saint-Maure-de-Touraine, cold meats, scrambled eggs, local jams or even homemade cakes and pastries.
Feeling peckish? Take advantage of our room service available 24 hours a day to order a dish.
