Guided tours

Duration: 2h - Price: from 7€ From the founding of Tours in the 1st century to the flourishing of the Renaissance, discover the city through the key dates in its history under the guidance of a tour guide. The city of Tours was founded in the 1st century on the left bank of the Loire. In the Middle Ages, two distinct areas developed: one built around the Cathedral, the other around a huge collegiate church dedicated to Saint Martin, the Châteauneuf area, also known as Old Tours. Tours was the royal capital from 1440 to 1520, and at the end of the Middle Ages and beginning of the Renaissance, almost all of the city's residences were rebuilt. From this flourishing period, the town inherited a homogeneous collection of old houses and religious buildings, which you can discover on this tour. This tour has been awarded the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire label.

Duration: 1h30 - Price: from €7 Led by a guide, the Tours Val de Loire Tourist Office and the City of Tours are offering a themed tour of the Courteline district. Under the Ancien Régime, the city of Tours developed as successive city walls were built.  In the 19th century, with the annexation of Saint-Étienne-Extra, the city confirmed its southward expansion. The second half of the 19th century was marked by the proliferation of major urban development projects to meet the growing need for housing. Finally, the annexation of the communes of Saint-Symphorien and Sainte-Radegonde in 1964 extended the municipal territory northwards. Bookings must be made in advance at the Tourist Office or online. No sales on site. 

Duration: 2h - Price: from 7€ Discover Tours in a whole new light with this night-time guided tour along the ‘Parcours Lumière’. Take a new look at the city as night falls. The ‘Parcours Lumière’ highlights Tours by magnifying its monuments and natural spaces. The streets of Vieux-Tours, the timber-framed houses of Place Plumereau, the Basilique Saint-Martin, the Tour Charlemagne, the Grand Théâtre... the urban landscape reveals a different face as you take this tour. A not-to-be-missed opportunity to discover the city in a different way! This tour has been awarded the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire label.

Duration: 1h15 - Price: from €9   With its monumental staircase and Italian-style auditorium, listed as a historic monument since 2024, the Grand Théâtre - Opéra de Tours, located in the city's historic quarter, was inspired by its famous Parisian counterpart. Every year, it presents a season of opera, symphony and children's shows, as well as recitals and chamber music concerts. With its permanent choir, the Grand Théâtre has also been home to the Orchestre Symphonique Région Centre-Val de Loire/Tours since 2002.   This small-group guided tour explores the history and splendour of the venue, exploring the peristyle, the public foyer and the auditorium.