Situated in the Loire Valley, the city of Tours is nestled between the rivers of the Loire and the Cher. Tours is known as Le Jardin de la France or the Garden of France for its collection of parks and gardens dotted throughout the city. Characteristic of this city is also the wondrous sea of blue and white roof tops created from the slate used as roofing materials in the North of France.  

See:

• Cathedral of St. Gatien: Construction of this Cathedral commenced in the late 12th century, but its predominant west end towers were designed in extravagant Gothic style in the 15th Century by Jean Fouquet.
• Le Vieux Tours - The old part of the city known as Le Vieux Tours contains fine examples of Medieval half timbered houses and the lively square of Place Plumereau.   
• Museum of Fine Art – This is the most notable museum in Tours and houses a considerable collection of French furniture and foreign paintings from the middle ages through to the 20th century. An unusual collection of other museums also contained within the city, feature wine, crafts and stained glass.
• Châteaux of the Loire– From Tours visit the many Châteaux surrounding the city including Amboise, Blois, Chambord, Chenonceau, Cheverny and many others.

Experience:

• Jardin Botanique – Created in 1843, the Jardin Botanique is the oldest garden in Tours.  The ‘Jardin Botanique’ is made up of several remarkably beautiful tree species along with an animal sanctuary featuring pink flamingos and several aviaries.
• Gastronomy – Tours is said to be a gourmet’s paradise serving local specialities such as: rillettes (goose or pork pate), Ste Maure goat cheese and macaroons made by the monks of Cormery.
• Markets – Tours has an abundance of markets with over 30 operating across the city.  Each market is held at a different time or place and vary in the goods sold.  Some markets specialise in a particular product such as flowers, antiques, crafts or local produce whilst other traditional markets offer a combination of these items.