Located on the banks of the River Loire and River Cher, Tours is one of the most picturesque cities in France. It is an unmissable stop on the Châteaux de La Loire route. This city in Touraine is a top attraction with its rich historical heritage.
A former Gallo-Roman city, Tours is beautiful and vibrant. Its rich culture and history earned it the nickname “Petit Paris” (little Paris). The capital of Touraine currently has almost 160 listed monuments. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A veritable treasure trove of history, art, and architecture, Tours has endless discoveries in store. True to its image, the city opens its doors to great artists.
Tours is also famous for its pretty half-timbered houses, restaurants, and wines. Considered an international city of gastronomy, it is brimming with gourmet bistros that showcase fresh and local ingredients. No trip to this town in Touraine would be complete without tasting the famous rillettes de Tours meat spread paired with a glass of wine from the Loire Valley.
Authentic and charming, the historic center of Tours is a must-see. Vieux-Tours, as it is known, is characterized by its many half-timbered houses and lively squares such as Place Plumereau and Place du Grand Marché. Passage du Cœur Navré is another must-see in the heart of the city center.
Located beside the River Loire, the Château de Tours is a true symbol of the city. It houses the Musée d’Art Contemporain and Atelier d’Histoire de Tours, where you can discover contemporary art and the history of the city.
Tours has many religious monuments, the most majestic of which is its cathedral. Tours Cathedral is a listed historical monument with one of the most beautiful stained glass window collections in Europe. The former Palais des Archevêques to the south of the cathedral is now the home of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours fine art gallery.
The city has 15 historical gardens, the best known of which is the garden of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, with 16,000 plants laid out like a mosaic. The Jardin Botanique de Tours is a sanctuary of nature, with an arboretum, a garden of medicinal plants, and a themed garden.
No trip to Tours is complete without visiting the Châteaux du Val de Loire. It is the ideal base for discovering the Loire Valley.
What better way to visit Tours than to stay in a historical hotel? The Oceania L’Univers is one such hotel, combining tradition and modernity.
The Oceania L'Univers hotel and spa in Tours is ideally located close to the Palais des Congrès de Tours – Le Vinci in downtown Tours, 2 minutes from the train station and tram stops.