Although Orleans is the 'capital' of
Centre-Val de Loire it is Tours that is the principle city
of the Loire Valley. At a comfortable 1 hour drive or an
inexpensive bus ride
away from the house, you really should
take timeout to explore its cultural heritage, we love the
city!
Our favourite spot in Tours is Place Plumereau in the 'old
town' with is half-timbered townhouses. Packed with
café/bars and restaurants it is a great spot for eating
alfresco, having a drink or just simply people watching and
soaking up the atmosphere.
A
walk through the old quarter day or night is a fun way to
experience some of the history and ambience of the city.. Rue Colbert which lies between Place Plumereau and the
Tours cathedral is one of the most fashionable streets in the
city for its young population.
The city has much to offer culturally with its museums and
monuments. Who could fail to be impressed standing in front
oftheCathedrale St-Gatien with its
flamboyant Gothic façade or underneath the dome of the Basilique
de St-Martin.
If you are an art lover then seek out the Musee des Beaux-arts
it is a fine provincial museum in the Palais des Archeveques
which is a short walk from the cathedral.
The
city of Tours offers good opportunities for
shopping along Rue Nationale and its adjacent streets.There are also
around 30 markets held throughout the
city with everything from flowers to antiques. One of the
busiest is the Marche Gourmand
held on the first and third Fridays of the month in place de
la Resistance(4-10pm).
