Tours, France
Museums
If you're interested in museums, one of the top attractions to visit in Tours is the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours (Museum of Fine Arts of Tours), which features a collection of artwork from the 14th century to modern times. Another museum worth checking out is the Musée du Compagnonnage (Museum of Trade Guilds), which showcases the history and traditions of French craft guilds.
If you're looking for similar museums in the area, you might also consider visiting the Musée Balzac in Saché (a museum dedicated to the life and works of the French writer Honoré de Balzac) or the Musée Rabelais in nearby Chinon (a museum dedicated to the life and works of the French Renaissance writer François Rabelais).
Food
Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Tours include:
1. Rillettes: a spreadable pork pâté that is typically served on bread or crackers as an appetizer.
2. Tarte Tatin: an upside-down apple tart that originated in the nearby town of Lamotte-Beuvron.
3. Andouillette: a type of sausage made from pork chitterlings (intestines) and seasoned with spices like garlic and onions.
4. Coq au vin: a classic French dish made with chicken cooked in red wine, bacon, mushrooms, and herbs.
5. Sainte-Maure de Touraine: a goat cheese that is produced locally and has a distinctive cylindrical shape and ash coating.
6. Poires tapées: a traditional dessert made by slowly drying and flattening pears until they take on a chewy texture.
7. Chinon wine: a red wine produced in the nearby town of Chinon that is known for its fruity notes and smooth tannins.
These are just a few examples of the delicious dishes and drinks that you can enjoy while visiting Tours. Bon appétit!
Activities
There are quite a few activities that locals enjoy in Tours, here are a few suggestions:
1. Take a stroll through the Jardin botanique de Tours (Botanical Garden of Tours) - this beautiful garden is a great place to relax and unwind, and it's a popular spot for picnics.
2. Visit Place Plumereau - a vibrant square filled with cafes, restaurants, and bars, it's a great place to meet friends, people-watch, and enjoy some local food and drinks.
3. Explore the old town - Tours has a rich history and the old town is filled with narrow streets, timber-framed houses, and plenty of hidden gems to discover.
4. Go wine tasting in the Loire Valley - Tours is located in the heart of the Loire Valley, which is renowned for its wine. There are many vineyards in the region that offer tours and tastings.
5. Attend a concert or show at Le Vinci - this modern arts center hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, theater performances, and dance shows.
6. Rent a bike - Tours is a very bike-friendly city, and there are many bike rental shops where you can rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels.
