10 unexpected experiences
Take a nap with Balzac, do yoga with a panoramic view of the city of Tours, play an escape game, or enjoy a candlelight evening in a château’s gardens… Discover a selection of 10 unexpected experiences in Tours and Touraine!
![Jardins du château de Villandry, à la tombée de la nuit, éclairés par des bougies pour l'événement la Nuit des Mille Feux]()
The Nights of a Thousand Lights
1. The Night of a Thousand Lights
Imagine 2,000 candles lighting up the Renaissance gardens of the Château de Villandry after dark. This summer, that dream becomes a reality for three evenings, featuring actors wandering through the gardens and water and light shows. It’s “The Night of a Thousand Lights”!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Prices: €16 • €8 for ages 8 to 18 • free for children under 8
- Dates: July 31, August 1 and 2
- Reservations at chateauvillandry.fr
- Site certified by Tourisme & Handicap
![Céramiques sur des étagères dans le café créatif Les Semettes]()
Les Semettes creative coffee
2. Brunch with a Ceramics Workshop
Enjoy brunch… then get creative! At Les Semettes, culinary delights and creativity come together: start with a sweet-and-savory brunch, then personalize your ceramic piece however your inspiration leads you.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Wednesday through Sunday
- Starting at €41
- Reservations at lessemettes.fr
- 30 Rue Marceau, Tours
![Jardins du Manoir des Basses Rivières]()
Basses Rivières manor
3. A “night in the garden” at the Manoir des Basses Rivières
Keep your eyes peeled: this 18th-century manor welcomes you in the heart of a lush green setting designated a “Jardin Remarquable” (Remarkable Garden), complete with a wine cellar, wine press, swimming pool, and even a cave chapel… the stage is set. If you’re not staying overnight, the estate is also open for daytime visits.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Overnight stay starting at €270 • Garden tour: €6 per adult • €3 for ages 15–18 • Free for children under 15
- Reservations at tours-tourisme.fr, at the reception desk of the Tours Val de Loire Tourist Office, or by calling 02 47 70 37 37
- 24, quai de la Loire in Rochecorbon
![Diner dans le noir]()
"Dans le Noir ?" restaurant
4. Dinner… at Dans le Noir?
At the Dans le Noir? restaurant, you rediscover fine dining through taste and texture alone. The “surprise” dishes are enjoyed in total darkness, and guests are guided by blind or visually impaired servers. Give it a try!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Menu starting at €59
- Reservations at tours.danslenoir.com
- Westotel Tours – Val de Loire, 10 Rue Marie de Lorraine, La-Ville-aux-Dames
- Wheelchair accessible
![Scénoféerie de Semblançay]()
Scénoféerie of Semblançay
5. The Scénoféerie of Semblançay
Relive a historical epic spanning from the Gallo-Roman era to the French Revolution with this sound-and-light show. Featuring actors wearing over 2,000 period costumes, stunning visual effects, and equestrian performances, a journey through time is guaranteed!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- July 4–August 15
- €25 per adult and €11 per child ages 4–11
- Family package for 2 adults and 3 children under 12: €75
- Avenue de la Source in Semblançay
- Tickets available at tours-tourisme.fr, the Tours Val de Loire Tourist Office, and by calling 02 47 70 37 37
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility
![Sieste Balzacienne au Château de Saché]()
Nap with Balzac in the Saché castle
6. A Nap with Balzac
After Sunday lunch, there’s nothing quite like a literary nap at the museum! In the shade of the century-old trees at the Château de Saché, settled into a deck chair or on a blanket, let your mind wander as you listen to readings of excerpts from the works of the author from Tours.
PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS
- Sundays, July 12, 19, and 26, and August 2, 9, and 16 at 3:00 p.m.
- Reservations at musee-balzac.fr
- Balzac Museum • Rue du Château, Saché
![Intérieur de l'espace de visite chromatic de Maison Laudacius]()
Maison Laudacius
7. A Wine and Sensory Tour
Explore Chenin… with all five senses! The “Chromatic” tour of the Maison Laudacius winery invites you to rediscover this grape variety through light, color, texture, and time. A tasting is offered after the tour.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Daily, €8 per person • Free for children under 16
- Reservations at maison-laudacius.com
- 2 Rue de Saint-Aignan, Montlouis-sur-Loire
![Yoga en haut de la tour Charlemagne]()
Yoga en haut de la tour Charlemagne
8. A Heritage-Themed Yoga Class
A yoga session in a place steeped in history? It’s possible! This summer, treat yourself to a class on the rooftop terrace of the Charlemagne Tower (with a 360° view of Tours), at the Cloître de la Psalette, or in the grounds of Marmoutier Abbey.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- May through September
- Starting at €15 per person
- Reservations at marinecarree.fr
![Visite guidée nocturne du cimetière La Salle]()
Guided Night Tour of La Salle Cemetery
9. A Nighttime Tour of La Salle Cemetery
It might seem like a strange idea to visit a cemetery by moonlight… and yet La Salle Cemetery, which opened in 1858, will surprise you. Here, a clue to the deceased’s profession; there, an allegory; further on, familiar names… Charles Plumereau, Alexandre Henry Goüin, Victor Laloux—they’re all here, marking the city’s history, and soon, your night!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- May through September
- €7 per person • Free for those under 18
- Reservations at musees.tours.fr
![Forteresse de Chinon vue de l'extérieur]()
Chinon fortress
10. An escape game in a fortress
Deep within the ramparts of the Chinon Fortress, solve the mystery of the “guardians of time” with the Monument Game. This scavenger hunt gives you access to rooms usually closed to the public and lets you explore secret passages!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- €24 per person and €20 (reduced rate)
- Ages 9 and up • 3 to 7 players per team
- Reservations at forteressechinon.fr
- 4, rue du château, Chinon
