France · 2026 itinerary
Tours 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Tours: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
The historic central square of Tours, lined with half-timbered houses and cafés. It's the main social hub, especially in the evening when locals gather.
🕐 Always accessible
Free entry💡 Skip the tourist-trap crêperies near the fountain. Head to 'Le Vieux Mûrier' on the north side for a decent galette at €10. The square is busiest between 19:00 and 21:00.
Hotels near Place Plumereau →A Gothic cathedral with striking 13th-century stained glass windows and a Renaissance-era facade. The organ is a 16th-century instrument still in use.
🕐 Daily 09:00-19:00
Free entry💡 Step behind the altar to see the 13th-century 'Tree of Jesse' window. Climb the north tower for a view of the Loire (small fee, but the nave is free).
Hotels near Cathédrale Saint-Gatien →Les Beaux gosses · ££
Outback Bar · ££
Deeper Into Tours
A 19th-century basilica built on the tomb of Saint Martin, a key figure in early French Christianity. The crypt contains his sarcophagus and 5th-century fresco fragments.
🕐 Daily 07:30-19:00
💡 Go to the crypt (free) to see the original tomb. The Sunday morning mass at 10:30 includes a small choir—worth timing your visit.
A calm 5-hectare botanical garden with themed sections including medicinal plants, a rose garden, and a small greenhouse. Good for a quiet stroll away from the centre.
🕐 Daily 08:00-20:00 (summer); 08:00-17:30 (winter)
💡 Visit in spring when the magnolias are in bloom. The greenhouse is only open on weekend afternoons.
Le Puits sait tout
Le Café Chaud
Final Favourites & Departure
Fine arts museum housed in the former archbishop's palace, with a notable collection from 14th to 20th century European paintings and sculptures. The garden is
💡 The permanent collection is free every first Sunday of the month. The garden's cedar of Lebanon, planted in 1804, is worth a look.
Mr Bob
Bistro de l'Avenue
Getting Around Tours
Buy a ticket at the automated machine near the stop (coins only) or via the Fil Bleu app. The bus drops at Gare de Tours: walk down Rue de la Gare—the hotel is opposite the station entrance.
The tram is the best way to reach the old town (stop 'Place Jean Jaurès'—10 min walk) or the Palais des Congrès. Buy a 10-trip Carnet (€14.40) if staying multiple days—valid on bus and tram. Validate your ticket in the machine onboard.
TGV from Paris Montparnasse takes 1h05—book at least 2 weeks ahead for €15–30 fares. The hotel is literally across the street from platform 1 exit. Avoid the slow TER regional trains from Paris (3 hours).
Fixed-rate taxi stand outside arrivals; confirm price before getting in. The hotel is 10 minutes from the airport by the D910 road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Tours?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Place Plumereau and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Tours?
See our full best time to visit Tours guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Brit Hotel, Best Western, BestWestern Plus L'Artist Hôtel. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.