Where are the best campsites for visiting Tours?
5-star campsite near the châteaux of the Loire
The Parc de Fierbois ***** campsite is located around 33 km from Tours, in the heart of a vast 100-hectare natural estate combining forest and lake. It offers a wide range of accommodation as well as numerous activities, such as a water park, entertainment and sports facilities, in a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. Open from May to August, it is an ideal base for exploring the region whilst enjoying a peaceful setting surrounded by nature.
4-star campsite with water park near Tours
Camping La Mignardière **** Located in the village of Ballan-Miré, it is an ideal base for exploring the region, just 16 km from Tours. Nestled in a quiet and friendly setting, it allows you to fully enjoy the riches of the Loire Valley. Open from April to September, visitors can enjoy a heated outdoor swimming pool, a fun water play area, as well as a variety of accommodation options, including fully equipped mobile homes, for a comfortable stay suited to all types of travellers.
4-star campsite with water slides in the Loire Valley
Located in the village of Sonzay, the Paradis L’Arada Parc **** campsite is an ideal base for exploring Touraine, 30 km from the city of Tours. Open seasonally from April to September, it welcomes holidaymakers from April to September. On site, visitors can enjoy a dedicated water park with heated indoor and outdoor pools, a slide and a paddling pool, as well as a range of facilities including a wellness area, family entertainment and various accommodation options, notably mobile homes and comfortable lodgings.
4-star waterside campsite with fully equipped mobile homes
Located in the commune of Saint-Avertin, the Tours Val de Loire **** campsite is an ideal base for exploring the region, just 5 km from the city of Tours. Situated on the banks of the Cher in a green and peaceful setting, it offers easy access to the treasures of the Loire Valley. Open from March to November. On site, visitors can enjoy a water play area (splashpad) and free access in summer to the nearby municipal swimming pool, as well as practical facilities and a range of accommodation options, including chalets and fully equipped lodgings for a comfortable stay.
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What are the must-see treasures of Tours?
A family stroll through Old Tours
You simply can’t explore Tours without treating yourself to a lovely stroll through its historic heart, Old Tours, a district steeped in history dating back to medieval times, when the city developed around the basilica dedicated to Saint Martin. As you wander through its cobbled, narrow streets , you’ll be immersed in a warm and authentic atmosphere, perfect for a family outing. The route naturally leads to the famous Place Plumereau, a true picture-postcard view of the city, where children and parents alike marvel at the superb colourful half-timbered houses, some of which date back several centuries.
As you continue your stroll, take a moment to admire the majestic Saint-Gatien Cathedral in Tours, the city’s iconic landmark. Its finely carved Gothic façade immediately catches the eye, whilst inside, light streams through sumptuous stained-glass windows, bathing the nave in a peaceful and majestic atmosphere. Not far from there, the Basilica of Saint Martin in Tours serves as a reminder of the city’s historical and spiritual significance, with its elegant dome and architecture blending various styles.
The stroll continues pleasantly to Place Jean-Jaurès, a vast, lively esplanade where two remarkable buildings stand: the sumptuous Tours Town Hall, with its monumental façade and sculpted details, and the equally imposing Tours Courthouse. Shopping streets such as Rue Nationale and Rue Colbert, with their shops and historic arcades, extend this stroll and allow you to combine a leisurely wander with family shopping. With its heritage, lively spaces and discoveries around every corner, this stroll through Old Tours offers the perfect balance between culture and enjoyment, for young and old alike.
Discovering Tours’ must-see museums
To round off your visit, Tours also offers wonderful cultural experiences to share with the family through its iconic museums. Housed in the superb Hôtel Goüin, the Touraine Archaeological Museum captivates visitors with its Renaissance setting as much as its collections. This museum takes you on a journey through time, from prehistory to the Middle Ages, via everyday objects, Gallo-Roman remains and local finds. Fun and accessible, it is particularly popular with curious children, who can easily imagine the lives of people from days gone by by looking at the tools, pottery and reconstructions.
Another must-see, the Tours Museum of Fine Arts is housed in the former archbishops’ palace, a historic site just a stone’s throw from the cathedral. From the moment you enter, the setting impresses with its elegant architecture and large garden. Inside, visitors of all ages can explore a rich collection of paintings spanning from the Renaissance to the 19th century, featuring works by renowned artists, as well as antique furniture and sculptures. To extend the cultural experience, the Château de Tours and the Musée du Compagnonnage also offer exhibitions and workshops that will fascinate children and their parents alike. Whilst this museum is geared more towards art lovers, it remains accessible to families thanks to the diversity of the works and the peaceful atmosphere that invites visitors to explore at their own pace. Offering a blend of a journey through time and artistic immersion, these two museums provide an enriching cultural interlude in the heart of Tours.
Tours’ green spaces: a breath of fresh air in the city
In Tours, nature is everywhere, offering real pockets of fresh air where you can relax with the family or take a break between visits. Among the must-sees, the magnificent Jardin des Prébendes d’Oé immediately captivates with its romantic charm. Classified as a ‘Jardin Remarquable’ and one of the six certified gardens of Touraine, it features wide, shaded paths, vast lawns and rich, varied vegetation. In spring, its superb magnolias in bloom offer a colourful and fragrant spectacle that is particularly much loved, whilst its century-old trees and flowerbeds invite you to stroll and rest.
Another large natural space to discover, the Parc de la Gloriette offers a wilder, family-friendly atmosphere. Much loved for its wide open spaces, it is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities, with play areas, themed gardens and even spaces dedicated to exploring nature. It is a perfect spot for children, who can run, explore and observe the flora and fauna in complete freedom.
Tours has no shortage of other equally pleasant green spaces, such as the Tours Botanical Garden, perfect for an educational stroll amidst a variety of plants and animals, or the banks of the Loire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which offer superb walks or bike rides. The banks of the Loire are also perfect for a family outing by bike or boat, offering a unique view of the city and its surroundings. With its well-maintained parks, remarkable gardens and natural spaces, the city offers a peaceful setting where you can breathe deeply and make the most of your stay.
Less than 3 km from the city centre, the Prieuré Saint-Cosme is also well worth a visit. Formerly the home of the poet Pierre de Ronsard, this historic site blends heritage and nature in a peaceful setting. Visitors can explore beautiful Renaissance-inspired gardens, charming ruins and an atmosphere perfect for a stroll, ideal for extending this green retreat on the outskirts of Tours.
Local flavours and convivial festivals in Tours
A stay in Tours wouldn’t be complete without exploring its gourmet specialities and festive atmosphere. When it comes to local produce, it’s hard to resist the famous Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, a cheese from Indre-et-Loire recognisable by its elongated shape and the straw in its centre, perfect on a slice of fresh bread. Wine lovers will also appreciate the wines from neighbouring regions such as the Vins d’Anjou and the Vins de Saumur, ideal for accompanying local specialities. Among these are the delicious Rillons de Touraine, crispy and melt-in-the-mouth pieces of confit pork, or the surprising Nougat de Tours, a gourmet tart combining candied fruit, almonds and sweet goodness.
Beyond its gastronomy, Tours buzzes all year round with events suitable for the whole family. The Fêtes Musicales de Tours mainly take place in spring and summer, offering a varied programme of concerts in the city’s iconic venues. During the summer months, a host of activities also take place, with street performances, food markets and open-air events bringing the quays and squares in the city centre to life. Les Halles de Tours, with their colourful stalls and lively atmosphere, also host culinary and festive events throughout the year, whilst the Christmas market lights up the city in winter, much to the delight of families. Finally, as the festive season approaches, Tours is decked out in lights and hosts a convivial Christmas market, ideal for prolonging the magic with the family. With culinary delights and cultural events throughout the year, Tours appeals to both the palate and the heart.
Tours is a city best explored at a leisurely pace, offering a blend of heritage, nature and local flavours. From the medieval charm of Old Tours and its half-timbered houses to the cultural treasures of its museums and the Château, every street and garden tells a fascinating story. Green spaces such as the Jardin des Prébendes d’Oé, the Parc de la Gloriette and the Prieuré Saint-Cosme offer soothing breaks in nature, whilst the banks of the Loire and the shopping streets bring the city to life with elegance and a friendly atmosphere. For food lovers, local specialities such as Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, rillons and nougat can be savoured amidst the festivals and musical events that punctuate the year. Tours thus succeeds in combining history, culture, nature and gastronomy to offer families a rich, varied and unforgettable stay.
To discover all the treasures of Indre-et-Loire, click here.