In addition to fine art and history museums, Tours offers, in the spirit of the Loire, the Muse des Vins, dedicated to the history, mythology and production of that delightful elixir. The city makes an excellent base from which to tour the region's châteaux, especially by public transport. Trains from Tours run along the river in both directions, and regular bus services radiate from here.

South of Tours, the chateau at Chenonceaux may be the finest of the region's castles. Built in 1520, the building was home to Diane de Poitiers, mistress to Henry II, until his death in 1559, when his widow Catherine de Madici had de Poitiers evicted.

Today, visitors can wander through Catherine's gardens, rent a rowboat to drift along the river Cher or, in summer, kick back and watch the nightly son-et-lumiere (sound and light) extravaganza on the Chateau grounds. There are magnificent 13th-century cathedrals in Chartres and Tours, as well as abbeys and mansions and charming riverside towns and villages.

Other nearby places of outstanding interest include Orléans, famous for its associations with Jeanne d'Arc, with a beautiful cathedral, the Musée des Beaux Arts and 16th-century Hôtel de Ville; and Bourges, a 15th-century town, complete with old houses, museums and the Cathedral of St Etienne.

The charming little town of Loches, southeast of Tours, has a fine château and an interesting walled medieval quarter. It was in the heartland of the Touraine where the true cuisine of France developed (Touraine was given the name 'the garden of France'). If these delightful towns are not quite enough, Paris is only one hour away by train!

Our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture and customs. Below are some of our recommended highlights. Some tours and packages can be organized when booking your program, please see the program price page for more information.

city tour
With its history and well preserved heritage, Tours is a city of captivating charm and perfect for walking. The Châteaux of Kings and Nobles are nestled within immaculate grounds like diamond rings in a jewelry box.

museums
The city has many to choose from including:HOTEL GOUIN (Formerly Hotel Gardette, 16th c.) Touraine Archeological Society collection: prehistory, Gallo-Roman and medieval archeology, medieval, Renaissance, MUSEE DU COMPAGNONNAGE: This museum is unique in the world. It contains the masterpieces, tools, illustrated and written records of the Tour de France journeymen since 1840, NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM: Formerly the Tours bailiff's tribunal, 18th c. Museum present the natural history of Touraine.

chateaux and château de chambord
In the surrounding countryside, you will find many famous chateaux, over 1200 in the Loire valley. Château de Chambord, is the largest of the Loire castles,sumptuous Renaissance Palace , creation of the king François I inspired by the famous Leonardo da Vinci. Dreams of a genial artist made reality by the enthusiasm of the greatest king of the 16C.

markets
The city has over 30 markets, including: the Flower market, Antiques & flea market, Craft market, Second-hand books, post cards and records market , Antiques market and many more.

loire valley
Discovering the Loire Valley is an eye-opening experience: a proliferation of park-lands and forests with huge natural reserves right next door, such as the Brenne with its many lakes, the spectacular game forests of Sologne, the verdant valleys of the Perche or the Loire-Anjou-Touraine park with its troglodyte dwellings...take your pick. Discover the gentle relief of the Loire Valley on foot, on horseback or even by bicycle. Visit the Witchcraft Museum at Concressault to the International Park and Garden Festival at Chaumont sur Loire, from the veritable maze of cereal cropland at Labyrinthus in Touraine to the Maison Picassiette at Chartres.