Weekend in Tours

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.

Tip: 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.

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.

Tip: 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).

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.

Tip: 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.

Tip: Visit in spring when the magnolias are in bloom. The greenhouse is only open on weekend afternoons.

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 free to explore.

Tip: The permanent collection is free every first Sunday of the month. The garden's cedar of Lebanon, planted in 1804, is worth a look.