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Tours, France: A Thrilling 3-Day Adventure!

Discover the charm and culture of Tours without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Tours, located in the Loire Valley, is a charming town full of history, culture, and delicious food. Although it is known for its high-end wine and castle tours, Tours can still be enjoyed on a budget. There are plenty of free parks, markets, and visits to historical sites that can be explored without breaking the bank.

Travel plan

• Check into Hotel du Théâtre, a charming hotel within walking distance of the old town and a great value for budget travelers.
• Take a stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, admiring the half-timbered houses and the stunning gothic architecture of the cathedral.
• Stop for lunch at Le Bistrot des Belles Caves, a cozy restaurant offering delicious French cuisine, including local specialties like rillette de Tours and tarte Tatin.
• Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, home to an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Renaissance to the 20th century.
• End the day with a glass of local wine at Les Trois Petits Cochons, a wine bar serving a wide selection of natural and organic wines from the Loire Valley.

• Join a half-day tour to the Château de Chenonceau, one of the most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley, known for its stunning architecture and romantic gardens.
• Sample the wines of the region at the Maison des Vins de Loire, a wine cellar and tasting room located in a 15th-century cellar in the heart of Tours.
• Have a picnic lunch in the Parc des Hautes-Garennes, a beautiful park with panoramic views of the city and the Loire River.
• Take a bike ride along the Loire River, stopping at some of the many vineyards and wineries that line the riverbanks.
• Dine at L'Atelier des Augustins, a trendy restaurant featuring creative French cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.

• Start the day early with a visit to the bustling indoor market, Les Halles, where you can sample fresh local produce and artisanal products.
• Visit the Jardin Botanique de Tours, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, featuring over 3000 species of plants from all over the world.
• Take a boat ride on the Loire River, admiring the stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
• Visit the Musée du Compagnonnage, a unique museum dedicated to the art of the French guild system, showcasing the tools and techniques of the various trades and crafts.
• Dine at Au Relais Saint-Eloi, a cozy restaurant serving traditional French cuisine in a charming, rustic setting.
• End of itinerary.