Medieval Streets to Gourmet Eats: Audio Tour of the City of Tours
Description
Tours is a city with Roman origins that entices you to explore its rich historical heritage. During this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover the city’s remarkable evolution, from Antiquity to the Middle Ages, through the Renaissance, and up to today. You’ll also see how each era has left its mark in Balzac’s birthplace. The tour begins at Place Châteauneuf, where the imposing Charlemagne Tower stands, a remnant of the former Saint-Martin Collegiate Church. Throughout the tour, you’ll receive recommendations for local products and restaurants showcasing the Loire Valley’s gastronomic heritage. The tour ends in the heart of the city, the Place Jean Jaurès where you'll be able to admire the imposing Town Hall.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Begin at the imposing Charlemagne Tower, a remnant of the former Saint-Martin Collegiate Church that once dominated Tours. Explore this medieval monument that stands as a testament to the city's religious importance throughout history.
Marvel at this magnificent Gothic cathedral with its soaring spires and stunning stained glass windows spanning five centuries. Discover a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture that took nearly 400 years to complete.
Stroll through this vibrant covered market where local vendors display the bounty of the Loire Valley. Enjoy discovering Touraine specialties including rillettes and the famous pastry called "le Nougat de Tours."
Walk into one of the most beautiful squares in France, surrounded by charming half-timbered houses from the 1400s. Experience the heart of old Tours where cobbled streets and medieval architecture create the perfect setting for an aperitif.
Pass along this historic street lined with Renaissance mansions featuring finely sculpted facades. Explore how Tours' wealthy merchants displayed their prosperity through stunning architectural details.
(Renaissance mansion on the tour route) Admire this exceptional Renaissance mansion with its Italian-inspired façade showcasing intricate stone carvings. Discover a rare survivor of Tours' architectural heritage that escaped destruction over the centuries.
Pass by this elegant opera house designed by renowned Tours architect Victor Laloux, who also created the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. Marvel at the Belle Époque grandeur that brought cultural sophistication to the Loire Valley.
End your tour at the heart of the city where the imposing Town Hall dominates this grand square. Experience the administrative and social center of Tours where history meets modern civic life.
Explore this basilica built on the tomb of Saint Martin, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in medieval Europe. Discover how this sacred space has drawn pilgrims and shaped the city's identity for over 1,500 years.
Stroll through this peaceful garden that offers a tranquil retreat in the historic center. Enjoy a moment of calm surrounded by greenery while reflecting on Tours' layered history.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(2)
I made a mistake and booked the wrong date, so that is on me. However, I and my family member ( who did not book the wrong date) found the process of receiving our reserved tickets to be terribly confusing. We kept going around and around in circles to get access to the recorded tour that my family member had reserved and were ultimately not successful. My family member’s money was clearly paid; why couldn’t the tour provider simply send a link for the taped content? It was a frustrating and unsuccessful effort to try to work with this tour provider.
I took the tour on my own and loved it! The tour was a great pace with a lot of interesting information. It was a good blend of some major points of interests and “off the beaten path” local hot spots. The food recommendations were great and well placed throughout the city. I didn’t have any problems with the technology. It picked up right where I left off, no problems navigating, or knowing where to go next. I really didn’t have to be glued to the phone. I highly recommend!
