Medieval Streets to Gourmet Eats: Audio Tour of the City of Tours

France
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Price from: €14Check availability
  • Price from
    €14
  • Duration
    1 h 30 min to 2 h
  • Group size
    Private tour
  • Guide languages
    English

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    Overview

    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.

    What's included

    • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
    • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
    • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
    • App for Android and iOS
    • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

    Not included

    • Smartphone and headphones
    • Transportation
    • Food and drink
    • Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

    What you will do

    • Collegiale Saint Martin et Tour Charlemagne

      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.

      Pass by, no stop

    • 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.

      Pass by, no stop

    • 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."

      Pass by, no stop

    • 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 by, no stop

    • 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.

      Pass by, no stop

    • (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, no stop

    • 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.

      Pass by, no stop

    • 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.

      Pass by, no stop

    • 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.

      Pass by, no stop

    • 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.

      Pass by, no stop

    Meeting point

    This tour starts at Châteauneuf Square. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

    End point: Tour ends at Place Jean Jaurès - City Hall.

    Important information

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Cancellation policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.