Make a journey through the long history of Tours, the largest city in the region of Centre-Val de Loire of France, by taking a precious glimpse into the mysterious Gallo-Roman Empire at the 3rd-century archaeological site of Gallo-Roman, visiting the 5th-century Charlemagne Tower which said to house the lost tomb of Emperor Charles the Great’s wife, learning about Joan of Arc - the legendary female national hero of France at the 11th-century Castle of Tours, marveling at the majestic Gothic gem of Saint-Gatien Cathedral, admiring Renaissance half-timbered mansions from the 15th century around the vibrant Plum Square, and beholding the imposing 19th-century Basilica of Saint-Martin.
Highlights
2 hours
Offered in English & French
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
2 hours
Offered in English & French
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Official Tour Guide
Private Guided Tour
Refreshments
Meeting Points
Departure
Chapelle Saint Libert
In front of Saint Libert Chapelle, your tour guide shall be waiting with a Signboard.
Return
Important Information
•
Wheelchair accessible
•
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
•
Public transportation options are available nearby
•
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
•
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
•
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Become our Lokal Curator
Are you ready to turn your hobbies into a business?
First, walk by Ancient Gallo-Roman, an archaeological site of the 3rd-century "Gallic Empire". The ruins of the walls surrounding the city center of Civitas Turonorum, present-day Saint-Gatien Cathedral, offer a precious glimpse into the Gallo-Roman population.
15 minutes
2
Cathédrale Saint-Gatien
Within a short walk is the emblematic Saint-Gatien Cathedral, crowning the skyline of Tours with its twin spires. Standing out as an exceptional example of High Gothic architecture, the mesmerizing façade of the 13th-century royal church exhibits all the beauty of the flamboyant style: three exquisite rose windows, fifteen delicate stained-glass windows, incredibly ornate lacework, and intricate carving details.
15 minutes
3
Château de Tours
Take some steps to the ruins of the 11th-century Castle of Tours nearby and learn about the historic return of Joan of Arc, a patron saint, epic national hero, and early feminist of France, from the history-making siege of Orléans.
15 minutes
4
Grand Théâtre - Opéra De Tours
Next, pass by the 19th-century Grand Theater of Tours and marvel at its charming façade featuring majestic sculptures, Roman columns, and old wooden doors in a vintage purple shade, adding to the timeless artistic beauty of the opera hub.
5
Tours
Continue to stroll along the most famous and oldest street in Tours, National Street. The former Royal Road once connecting Spain to Paris has transformed into the biggest shopping area dotted with an array of upscale stores and elegant boutiques, offering great opportunities for window shopping and watching meandering tourists and calming trams passing by.
15 minutes
6
Hotel Gouin
Then, walk by the romantic-looking Gouin Hotel. Home to silk merchants during the height of the industry in medieval times, the 15th-century Italian Gothic-Renaissance building characterized by exquisite carvings and an elegant white shade is the only remaining one of its kind in Tours.
7
Collégiale Saint Martin et Tour Charlemagne
Just a stone’s throw away is the stand-alone antique Charlemagne Tower, the remains of a 5th-century basilica destroyed in the French Revolution. The early church has its fame attached to mysterious myths about the tomb of Emperor Charles the Great’s wife (Charlemagne).
15 minutes
8
Basilique Saint-Martin de Tours
Opposite the ruins is the imposing 19th-century Basilica of Saint-Martin, replacing the ancient basilica devastated by extreme Protestants in the 16th century. The new church housing the relics of Saint Martin is a famous international pilgrimage spot and a moving testimony to the unshakable influence of Catholics in France.
15 minutes
9
Place Plumereau
Finally, discover the heart of the historic quarter, the atmospheric Plum Square. The square is flooded with the vintage yet dynamic vibes from 15th-century Renaissance half-timbered mansions and bustling arcade cafés and restaurants full of tourists and students from a local university nearby. Take a seat and savor the vibrant ambiance, or you can continue to explore winding cobbled alleys around the square hiding delightful surprises from medieval times on your way.
15 minutes
Tours - Old Town Private Walking Tour
Tours
Select Date & Travelers
From
$478.50
Price varies by group size
About
Make a journey through the long history of Tours, the largest city in the region of Centre-Val de Loire of France, by taking a precious glimpse into the mysterious Gallo-Roman Empire at the 3rd-century archaeological site of Gallo-Roman, visiting the 5th-century Charlemagne Tower which said to house the lost tomb of Emperor Charles the Great’s wife, learning about Joan of Arc - the legendary female national hero of France at the 11th-century Castle of Tours, marveling at the majestic Gothic gem of Saint-Gatien Cathedral, admiring Renaissance half-timbered mansions from the 15th century around the vibrant Plum Square, and beholding the imposing 19th-century Basilica of Saint-Martin.
Highlights
2 hours
Offered in English & French
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
2 hours
Offered in English & French
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Official Tour Guide
Private Guided Tour
Refreshments
Meeting Points
Departure
Chapelle Saint Libert
In front of Saint Libert Chapelle, your tour guide shall be waiting with a Signboard.