Nature outings in Touraine
How about discovering Touraine in "slow" mode? There's no shortage of things to do! Here's a selection of nature activities to get you out and about in Tours and the surrounding area this summer!
Take a traditional boat trip
![Balade en bateau traditionnel sur la Loire]()
Aboard a gabarre or a toue cabanée, traditional Loire boats, treat yourself to a moment of total disconnection in the heart of nature, just a stone's throw from the city. For a sightseeing tour, an aperitif on the river or a guided discovery of biodiversity, come aboard for an unforgettable experience!
Find out more about our river trips HERE.
Aperitif trip with Boutavant: bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance (the day before the ride by 11:00 a.m.).
Experience the Loire for a whole day
![Canoë sur la Loire au coucher du soleil]()
Cycling, canoeing and terroir, take a day for a 100% Loire experience, along the banks or on the water, through the villages and in the heart of the vineyards... Departing from Tours, take a trip on the Loire à Vélo to the troglodytic village of Montlouis-sur-Loire for a tasting of this appellation which is on the rise.
Return by canoe to the guinguette at Tours sur Loire, an ideal spot for birdwatching and enjoying the evening lights on the river.Stand-up paddle at the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
![Personnes faisant des stand-up paddle à côté du château d'Azay-le-Rideau]()
Try your hand at stand-up paddling on the Indre River around the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau! Stand-up paddles and canoes are available for hire at renowned tourist sites such as Azay-le-Rideau and Candes Saint-Martin.
A memorable experience that can be extended with a tasting of local specialities for those with a sweet tooth...Get away from it all with "Little walk in nature"
![Femmes admirant la nature en forêt]()
Take a stroll along the banks of the Loire to discover the wild flora and fauna of the famous river, through fun and educational activities designed to help you reconnect with nature. Take a trip up the river, and with it the passage of time, to understand the activities of the people who lived along the Loire. A walk to share with the whole family.
![Enfants jouant dans la nature]()
But also...
Discover the environment and have fun at Parc de la Gloriette
Located south of Tours, the Parc de la Gloriette invites you to take part in a wide range of events and activities all year round, focusing on nature, recycling and gardening, as well as a number of fun and musical festivals. Learn how to discover and use aromatic plants, take cuttings, make natural decorations and objects, and compost.
The park's 40 hectares of landscaped grounds also feature areas for walking and cycling, sensory trails, children's play areas, educational beehives and communal gardens.
Find out more about La Gloriette's full program HERE.
Hiking around Tours
A breath of nature awaits you! Guided hikes to discover the built heritage of the Petites Cités de Caractère or hikes in complete freedom, there's a wide choice of ways to get some fresh air and get away from it all, just a stone's throw from the city.
Discover our hiking trails HERE.
Pedal with your nose to the wind
From Tours, on the Loire à Vélo or in the heart of the Loire Valley, pedal freely or with a guide to discover the natural and cultural riches of the surrounding area.
See our articles Pedaling on the Loire à Vélo® and Cycling Escapades for a wealth of ideas for outings on two wheels.
