Medieval Streets to Gourmet Eats: Audio Tour of the City of Tours
Active
1h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
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.
Available options
Medieval Streets to Gourmet Eats: Audio Tour of the City of Tours
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
Detailed itinerary
1
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.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
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.
3
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."
4
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.
5
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.
6
(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.
7
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.
8
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.
9
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.
10
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.
What's not included
Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
Important notes
VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
Create an account
Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
About Tours
Tours is a historic city in the Loire Valley, known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and proximity to some of France's most famous châteaux. The city offers a blend of medieval charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal base for exploring the Loire Valley.
Top Attractions
Château de Villandry
A stunning Renaissance château known for its beautiful gardens, including the famous ornamental gardens and vegetable gardens.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
€11.50 (adult), €6.50 (child)
Tours Cathedral
A beautiful Gothic cathedral with a rich history, featuring stunning stained-glass windows and intricate stonework.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours
A fine arts museum housed in a former bishop's palace, featuring a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
Museum
1-2 hours
€7 (adult), Free for EU residents under 26
Jardin Botanique de Tours
A beautiful botanical garden featuring a wide variety of plants, greenhouses, and a peaceful setting for a leisurely stroll.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Place Plumereau
A charming medieval square in the heart of Tours, surrounded by half-timbered houses, cafes, and restaurants.
Historical
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Rillettes de Tours
A traditional pork pâté made with shredded meat and fat, slow-cooked and served as a spread.
Appetizer
Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
Tarte Tatin
A famous upside-down apple tart with a caramelized top, originating from the Loire Valley.
Dessert
Vegetarian (if made with butter and sugar only)
Chinon Wine
A red wine from the nearby Chinon region, known for its fruity and earthy flavors.
Drink
Contains alcohol, not suitable for those avoiding alcohol
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Loire Valley
Cycling along the Loire River
Hot air balloon rides
Wine tasting
Picnicking in the gardens
Spas and wellness centers
Visiting châteaux
Exploring historic streets
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season, with warm weather and long daylight hours. This is the best time to visit for outdoor activities and exploring the châteaux.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: French
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken (Many people in the tourism industry speak English, but it's helpful to know some basic French phrases.)
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe (Tours is generally a safe city, but as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.)
Tours is a generally safe city with low crime rates. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas, so it's important to be vigilant and take basic precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.
Getting there
By air
- Tours Val de Loire Airport • 6 km from city center
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport • 250 km from Tours
By train
Tours Centre
By bus
Tours Centre Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Fil Bleu bus network covers the entire city and surrounding areas. Buses are frequent and reliable.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Heetch
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Vieux Tours (Old Town)
Les Fontaines
Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire
Day trips
Château de Chambord
40 km from Tours • Full day
One of the most famous châteaux in the Loire Valley, known for its stunning Renaissance architecture and vast forest.
Château de Chenonceau
30 km from Tours • Full day
A stunning château spanning the Cher River, known for its elegant architecture and beautiful gardens.
Amboise
25 km from Tours • Half day to full day
A charming town in the Loire Valley, known for its beautiful château, historic streets, and proximity to other attractions.
Festivals
Tours International Jazz Festival • October
Fête de la Musique • June 21
Tours en Fête • July
Pro tips
- Visit the local markets, such as the Marché des Halles de Tours, for fresh produce, cheeses, and specialty foods.
- Explore the historic streets and neighborhoods of Tours, such as Vieux Tours (Old Town) and Les Fontaines.
- Take a day trip to the nearby châteaux, such as Château de Villandry, Château de Chambord, and Château de Chenonceau.
- Sample local wines and visit the vineyards of the Loire Valley, such as those in Chinon and Vouvray.
- Attend local festivals and events, such as the Tours International Jazz Festival and the Fête de la Musique.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
