9 unexpected experiences

Go on an adventure at the château, challenge each other on a TV show, make chocolates or create a ceramic vase, visit the city with a local... find out about 9 unexpected experiences in Tours and Touraine!

1. Fly above the Loire castles in a hot air balloon
Take off above the Loire valley, its castles, vineyards and forests. You will discover the “Jardin de la France” (France’s garden) as you’ve never seen it before!
More informations
2. Admire the sunset beneath the arches of the Château de Chenonceau from a canoe
Be charmed by the magic of a sunrise or sunset beneath the arches of the “Château des dames” as you glide down the Cher river in a kayak or canoe.
Booking
3. Monument game at the Royal Fortress of Chinon
It is said that the spirits of the Templars imprisoned in 1308 still haunt the Royal Fortress of Chinon... Your mission? Free their souls by deciphering the messages they have scattered around the secret areas of the fortress.
This escape game is a fun, cooperative way to discover the castle.
Informations
- 3 to 20 players, aged 9 and over (accompanied by adults)
- 24 € / pers. and 20 € / reduced rate
- Available in French and English
- More info on forteressechinon.fr
4. An introduction to traditional clock-making
Marion, an expert clock-maker, welcomes you to her workshop at Vouvray for an extraordinary introduction to traditional clock-making know-how and repair, in a 4-hour session.
Practical info
- From 15 years old - €300 / pers.
- More informations
5. Creative workshops in the heart of town
L'Eclipse Créative is the story of four Touraine artisans with poetic and singular universes who dream of sharing their creations and know-how. In their workshop-boutique, you can try your hand at ceramics, sewing and embroidery, or make unique jewelry for a few hours, or shop for one-off pieces.
Practical infos
- From €35 / pers.
- Workshops on reservation. Program on Instagram leclipse.creative
- Store open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 7pm.
- 69 rue Néricault Destouches, Tours
6. Print your own vintage poster
Every Saturday, come and discover risography printing at Ateliers de la Morinerie in Saint-Pierre-des-Corps. This environmentally-friendly printing technique (without polluting ink cartridges) originated in Japan and works in the same way as screen printing: each pass prints one color. After several passes, you'll obtain a unique result thanks to the superposition of the different colors, and you'll leave with your printed posters !
Practical infos
- 65 € /pers. - 2h30
- Info and booking risonnable.fr
7. Cook a gastronomic menu
Meet with a chef who will explain their background and share with you their secrets, from choosing food to arranging the plate. Try your hand at gastronomic cuisine, using noble products and advanced techniques. Each workshop is led by a different chef and you may taste your dishes or take them with you to share with your loved ones!
Infos pratiques
- 75 € / person
- Booking
8. Discover Tours with a local
Arnaud, Marie, Christophe, Danielle and many others are "Greeters". These local people, who love their city, will take you on a tour of their favorite places and share their "good tips" and favorite addresses in Tours and Touraine. The approach is entirely volunteer-based, and these 2-hour walks are free of charge.
Practical infos
- Info and booking on loirevalleygreeters.com
9. By tuk-tuk
Climb aboard a tuk-tuk for an unusual 45-minute tour of Tours! Whether during the day or after dark, discover the highlights of Tours with this guided tour.
Practical infos
- Wednesday to Sunday from April to the end of October
- From €50 - 3 pers. maximum
Balade Loire Tuk tuk
Duration : 45mn - Price : from 50 €
Come aboard a tuk-tuk for an original tour of the city of Tours! For 45 minutes, Pascal will be delighted to take you to discover the city's most emblematic sites: the old town of Tours, Les Halles, the Quartier des Arts, the Basilica Saint-Martin and, of course, the riverside of the Loire.