Table of Contents:
SEE TOURS.
SEE AMBOISE.
When you see Tours, you will quickly learn it is far from being a one-site destination.
Just following the Loire River gives you more towns, villages, chateaus and vineyards than you can see in a week. And the Tours section is just a third of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Loire Valley.
With a history that proceeds the Romans and cuisine beyond expectation, you should not only see Orleans but taste it.
Come, let’s see Tours.
See Tours.
Le Pont Wilson (Pont de Pierre.)
Dating from 1778, it is the oldest bridge in Tours. The bridge receives its current name in honor of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson during WWI. Tours is the location of a large US military base.
Château de Tours.
This 11th-century castle is near the river. Unlike other chateaus, it does not sit on a hill overlooking the city. Today it serves as an exhibition space, usually showing contemporary exhibitions of paintings and photographs.
Basilique Saint-Julien.
This 11th-century Romanesque church replaces several churches on this spot just off Place Porte. It is the largest Romanesque church in the area and has a cobbled floor and the remains of frescos. The modern stained-glass really makes it interesting.
Cathedrale Metropolitaine de Saint-Gatien.
The flamboyant Gothic cathedral dates from 1170 A.D., replacing an earlier church. The church has impressive stained-glass and a 16th-century organ. The marble tomb holds the children of Bourbon King Charles VIII, who died in infancy.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours.
The museum is next to the cathedral as it occupies the former bishop’s palace. In addition to the collection, including local artists, the gardens are also worth a look.
Hotel Gouin.
The structure began as a 15th-century mansion for silk tycoons. The Gouin family buys the property in 1738 and begins enlarging and improving. They will keep it for almost 200 years. Unfortunately, all but the south facade disappears in a 1940 fire. Today, it serves as an exhibit space for numerous programs.
Hôtel de Ville de Tours.
The City Hall building, dating from 1904, is of a scale larger than life. This shows the strength of the city. It sits on the edge of the old city adjacent to the Palais of Justice.
Vieux (Old) Tours.
There is no specific “line” where the old town begins. However, the streets change from paved to cobblestone.
Basilique Saint-Martin de Tours.
This makes a great starting point. On the Rue des Halles, they began construction of this basilica circa 1860. Its round dome is easy to spot from blocks away.
Across the street is Charlemagne Tower, part of the original basilica of Saint Martin. One block west is another tower from the original basilica. Once the Treasury Tower, today they call it the Clock Tower (Tour de l’Horloge.)
Place Plumereau.
If you do not feel you are standing in the middle of “Beauty and the Beast,” something’s wrong.
East, Vouvray.
Across the river and east of Tours is the village of Vouvray and its many award-winning wines. Many wine estates have short visiting hours and are closed at lunch. Many require reservations. I suggest calling ahead regardless, as schedules can sometimes only be a suggestion.
Tastings are not free and reflect the quality of the wine. French is the main language with some staff speaking various levels of English.
Cave des Producteurs de Vouvray.
Three minutes north of Caveau du Chateau Moncontour is this wine estate’s cellar and tasting room. They produce white, rose, sparkling, and red wines ranging from sweet to dry.
South
Château de Villandry.
On the south side of the river, 20 minutes west is this striking chateau. It is also one of the youngest, dating from only 1532. At this time fortresses are becoming chateaus and walls are giving way to extensive gardens. Villandry kicks every other chateau’s gardens to the curb. The chateau is lovely, but you come for the endless gardens. The gardens are open all year, while the chateau is only open for tours in the warmer months.
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau.
Less than 20 minutes drive beyond Villandry is this excellent example of early French Renaissance architecture. Dating from 1527 it is unusual for its “L” shape. This is because they did not finish the original design. Make the climb to the attic if you enjoy seeing building techniques from a different age.
Chateau de L’Islette.
This castle dating from 1530, is less than two miles west of Château d’Azay-le-Rideau. Many of the public rooms of this private house are open to the public. In the summer, they offer evening tours on select nights. The chateau is the location of an affair between the sculptors Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin in the late 1890s.
Château d’Ussé.
The Lord of Usse has had a fortification on this hillside since the eleventh century. In the 1400s it changes hands several times, ending up in the hands of Jacques d’Espinay by 1455. His son will add the Flamboyant Gothic style and mix in new Renaissance motifs, creating the structure you see today.
The author Charles Perrault is a guest here on numerous occasions. He will author numerous stories using the castle as a setting. These include Cinderella and The Sleeping Beauty.
Circa 1813, the Duc de Duras purchases the property. Today the château belongs to his descendant, the 7th Duke of Blacas.
The chateau is one of many that Walt Disney would use as inspiration in his castles. A 15-minute drive west of Chateau de L’Islette, it would be a shame to miss.
See West of Tours.
Château de Luynes.
Dating from the twelfth century, the chateau sits on a rocky promontory overlooking Luynes. It plays host to Philip IV, Charles VII, Louis XI, Catherine de Medici, Charles IX, and Louis XIII. Today, it is a private residence, home to the third family to own it. They have been in residence since 1619.
Just to tour chateaus would take a day or two. Add all the other sites in Tours and you are going to need several days to see Tours.
See Amboise.
Thirty minutes east of Tours is the town of Amboise. Beginning as the Gallic city of Ambacia, the Romans change that.
The Franks leave their touch on the chateau on the hill overlooking the Loire. Per the requirements of Loire towns, there are a Romanesque cathedral and other 12th century treasures. And, of course, the splash of Italian from the French Renaissance. The town Leonardo da Vinci will not leave.
Château Royal d’Amboise.
The fortress turn chateau begins as home to the Anjou’s Counts. Circa 1460 the French king takes it for himself. Charles VIII and his wife, Anne of Brittany, are responsible for the largest renovation, growing it to 220 rooms. The Crown moves its primary residence during the 1600s, but the Bourbon kings return in the 1700s.
Chapel of Saint-Hubert.
On the grounds of the Chateau is this small chapel and final resting place for Leonardo DaVinci.
Château du Clos Lucé.
Less than 10 minutes walk from the Chateau Royal is the summer home of the royals. This is where Leonardo DaVinci lives during his last days.
Numerous rooms pay tribute to DaVinci, but don’t miss the oratory of Anne of Brittany and other royal rooms.
Château Gaillard Amboise.
Young King Charles VIII returns to Amboise from Italy circa 1500 with 22 artisans from Naples. The team includes Pacello de Mercoliano, perhaps the best Renaissance garden designer of the time. Here at this small chateau, Charles has them create the first French Renaissance garden in this area.
You can tour the chateau, but the gardens and park are the main draws.
Église Saint-Denis.
This Romanesque Collegiate church sits on a hill west of the chateau. Dating from the beginning of the 12th century, it sits on a 4th-century church and Roman ruins. The decorations inside are excellent and appear to be originals, avoiding damage in the revolution or war.
Église Saint-Florentin.
Dating from 1484, King Louis XI builds the church for the village people, so they do not bring illness to the castle. Although near the river and castle, it survives the revolution. The windows are post-WWII.
See South of Amboise.
Château de Chenonceau.
On the River Cher is one of the superstar chateaus. You may not know it by name, but you will probably identify it by sight. The current château, dating from circa 1520, is the square section. Circa 1547, Henry II gives it to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers.
When Henry dies, his wife, Catherine de’ Medici, makes it her chateau.
Henri Menier, of chocolate fame, buys the chateau in 1913. After floods in 1940 and Allied bombing in 1944, the Menier family restores it to what you see today.
The Chanteloup Pagoda.
This 1775 folly is for the Duke of Choiseul, who has little to do after his exile from court. The structure is seven stories high, reaching 144 feet. The Pagoda (wedding cake) design gets smaller with each level. From the top, he could watch nearby hunting parties. The folly and the reflecting pool next to it are all that remains of the estate.
See Tours Summary.
As you can see, Tours by itself can easily fill a day or two. And that’s before you add Amboise.
Set aside some time for this area. Map out the must sees and give yourself time to really experience them.
Come, see Tours and discover for yourself.