Tours, France

Tours, France
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Loire_Indre_Tours2_tango7174.jpg
Author: Tango7174


Tours is a city in the wine-producing Centre region of France. With a city population of around 142,000 people and a metropolitatn population of close to 310,000, it is the biggest city in the Centre region of France. It is however not the provincial capital - that honour goes to the city of Orléans.

During the Second World War, Tours served for a brief period of four day (10-13 June, 1940) as the seat of the French government before it was moved to Bordeaux - and just as well, for the Germans began heavy bombing of the city centre on 20-22 June, causing a fire that destroyed much of the inner city. Many important structures were lost in the blaze.

The post war history of Tours is marked by its charismatic mayor Jean Royer, whose conservation policies inspired a law in France for the safeguarding of historic city centres. Visitors to Tours will still be able to explore a restored city centre with its cathedral and other historic sights.

Hôtel de Ville, Tours
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tours,_H%C3%B4tel_de_Ville.JPG
Author: Parsifall

Going to Tours

I recommend taking the TGV high-speed train from Paris. It costs €40 one way and takes about an hour to reach the city from the Paris Montparnasse railway station. If you are driving to Tours, take the A10 motorway from Paris and the A85 from Nantes.

Exploring Tours

The inner core of Tours isn't a big area, so the best way to cover it is by walking.

Places of Interest in Tours

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