Tours benefits from its proximity to the Loire River and the famous Loire Valley, ensuring that numerous outdoor activity possibilities are available to visitors holidaying in the city. From simple pleasures like a soothing countryside stroll to more extreme pursuits such as aerial tours of the area, this destination has it all.

Air Tours
From Tours, it’s possible to take trips over the Loire Valley by hot air balloon, microlite or helicopter. Excursions last anywhere from a mere 10 minutes to a full day, and groups of up to four persons can usually be accommodated.

Boating
With the Loire River on its doorstep, Tours is a good place to enjoy boating activities, whether it’s using your own vessel, hiring a boat or simply enjoying one of the many boat tours that are available.

Cycling
You may need to bring your own bicycle, but for the trouble Tours will reward you with some 42 miles (67kms) of cycle tracks. Tracks cover both flat and mountainous terrain, so there’s something to suit cyclists of all abilities.

Fishing
The Loire River is the perfect place for angling enthusiasts to indulge their passion. Easy access to the riverbank is available from the city centre, and hours of relaxed fishing are available in a scenic and tranquil environment.

Rugby
Residents of Tours are big rugby enthusiasts and support their local team, L'Union Sportive Tours Rugby, enthusiastically. Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere at the Stade Tonnelé rugby ground, where home games are played against other Fédérale 1 teams.

Walking and Hiking
The Touraine region in the city’s surrounds is a picturesque destination with no shortage of rural areas and is where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy either a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike. Take a map and a compass if you intend on covering any distance, and be wary of straying onto private land.

Tours is a good holiday destination for culture seekers, offering a varied selection of attractions, from beautiful flower gardens to fascinating museums. With the Loire Valley being one of France’s biggest wine-producing regions, it won’t come as a surprise that there are wine tours and even a wine museum available.

History of Tours Workshop
This modest but impressive museum offers an insight into the history of the city via both permanent displays and temporary exhibitions. Entrance is free, and visitors can take guided tours by previous arrangement. Phone: +39 2 47 64 90 52

Le Jardin de la France
Known as the capital of the Garden of France, Tours is home to close to 630 hectares of green areas, among which are 367 hectares of maintained woods and forests and 8,500 square metres of flowered spaces. If you are lover of natural aesthetics, then Tours is the place for you.

Natural History Museum
Housed in an 18^th century building previously used by the city’s judiciary, this museum takes an extensive look at the historic background of Tours, from its early beginnings up to its modern day progress. Phone: +39 2 47 64 13 31

The Fine Arts Museum
The Musée des Beaux-Arts is housed in a grand building that formerly served as the Archbishop’s palace. The museum’s collection includes pieces by famous names such as Rembrandt, Degas, Rubens, Calder and Boucher plus works in media such as sculpture, furniture and wrought-iron. Phone: +39 2 47 05 68 73

Touraine Wine Museum
Housed in the 13^th century wine cellars of St Julien’s Church, the Touraine Wine Museum offers background on all aspects of wine production in Tours and the Touraine region and includes displays dedicated to history, wine-growing and wine-making. Phone: +39 2 47 61 07 93

Wine Tasting
The Touraine region around the city is home to a large number of vineyards and wineries where visitors can sample the locally made vintages and purchase a bottle or two of the ones that please their palates the most. The vineyards of Vouvray are renowned for their white wines, those of Chinon for their white, reds and rosés and those of Bourgueil for their light reds.

Tours is a typical French city in that its restaurant and dining scene reflect the national passion for fine cuisine. Visitors will find an array of eateries covering everything from small backstreet cafés where you can enjoy a baguette sandwich and a glass of wine to upmarket restaurants where a four-course meal and the height of good service are on offer.

The best places to find a restaurant are Place d’Eglise, Place Plumereau or Rue Colbert, with each of these locations featuring a variety of dining establishments. Wherever you choose to eat in Tours, you can be sure that there will be some fine wine available to wash the food down.

You can dine on typical local fare such as the tripe sausage creation known as andouillette or the goose or pork liver pâté known as rillettes, or you can enjoy some international fare at Italian, Iranian, Turkish, Lebanese and Vietnamese venues, to name but a few.

Rue Nationale and Rue Bordeaux are the city’s main shopping streets and are home to a varied selection of outlets selling both locally made goods and imported and branded products. Indoor shopping centres worth checking out include Atlantes, Grand Passage, Galerie Nationale, Galerie du Palais and Galerie du Metropole.

Wine is naturally a popular purchase among many visitors, especially with prices being so favourable. Other local goods to check out include any of the many excellent locally made cheeses on offer. If you like flowers and want something to brighten your hotel room, then be sure to take a trip to the city’s colourful flower market.