Must-Sees for November

Duration: 3 days - Price: €45
Three days to take your time exploring Tours and the Touraine region! The 72-hour Tours City Pass lets you explore the “Calder au cœur de la France” event, from museum to castle, while enjoying the many visits, discoveries, and experiences included in the Pass.

To mark the 50th anniversary of Alexander Calder’s passing, the Ar(t]chipel festival, in partnership with the Centre-Val de Loire Region and the Centre Pompidou, is offering an exceptional program from October 15 to November 1.

The Tours venues for the event are included in your Tours City Pass:

• Olivier Debré Center for Contemporary Art (CCC OD) in Tours: two exhibitions exploring Calder’s work and its influence on contemporary art.
• Tours Museum of Fine Arts: discover, in particular, his famous portraits and wire figures.
• Hôtel Goüin in Tours: see a monumental Calder installation as well as a selection of works on paper.
• Azay-le-Rideau Castle: admire *Reims* and *Croix du Sud*, iconic sculptures installed in the castle’s grounds.
• Rivau Castle in Léméré (50 minutes from Tours), exceptionally accessible with the Pass from October 15 to November 1, 2026: discover various facets of Calder’s work through film and sculptures.
• Calder’s Studio in Saché, where he lived and worked for over twenty years: immerse yourself in his world and his story (free admission with reservation).

Duration:  1h30 - Price: from €12
At the foot of a hillside, overlooking the Loire River, Marmoutier Abbey promises a journey back in time! It was in this peaceful setting that Saint Martin founded, in the 4th century, a modest hermitage that would go on to become one of the most prestigious abbeys in France.
Accompanied by a tour guide, discover the history of this thousand-year-old site, its monumental ruins, and the traces of its past. Combining heritage, nature, and archaeology, the tour will also tell you more about the archaeological excavations conducted each summer, which are gradually revealing the secrets of the ancient abbey.

Highlights:

• Visit an exceptional historic site that is usually closed to the public.
• Learn more about the history of one of the figures who left a lasting mark on the city of Tours: Saint Martin.
• Enjoy a stroll after the tour along the hillsides and the Loire River, not far from the vineyards of Touraine.

Duration: 2h - Price: from 7€
From a Gallo-Roman settlement to a royal capital, Tours has changed dramatically over the centuries! This guided tour takes you through the major milestones of its history, from its founding in the 1st century through the Renaissance.
In the Middle Ages, the city developed around two centers: the cathedral district and the Châteauneuf district, centered on the Saint-Martin Collegiate Church. Between 1440 and 1520, Tours became the royal capital and experienced a period of architectural renewal. As you stroll through the streets, discover historic residences—from half-timbered houses to Renaissance mansions—and religious buildings that still bear witness to these different eras.

This tour is certified by the “City of Art and History” program.

Highlights:

• Discover the history of Tours from antiquity to the Renaissance in just 2 hours with a tour guide.
• A “City of Art and History” certified tour guarantees the city’s commitment to preserving its heritage.
• Stroll through the city’s most beautiful streets, from the cobblestone alleys of Old Tours to the wide avenues leading to City Hall.

Duration: 1h30 - Price: from 7€
 A guided tour of memory and funerary art, led by a tour guide through the vast La Salle cemetery.

La Salle Cemetery: Opened in 1858 on the Saint-Symphorien hillside, La Salle Cemetery is home to a wide variety of monuments that illustrate the evolution of funerary art in contemporary times, and evokes the memory of departed Touraine personalities: Victor Laloux, Henri Varenne, Gustave Guérin, Arthur Duthoo...
This tour has been awarded the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire label.

Highlights:

• Explore a little-known historic site that has borne witness to the history of Tours since the 19th century.
• Discover a remarkable funerary heritage, featuring sculpted monuments and architectural diversity.
• Follow in the footsteps of prominent figures from Tours, such as Victor Laloux, Henri Varenne, and Arthur Duthoo.

Duration : 1h30 - Price : 7€
A must-see in Tours, this medieval neighborhood stands out for its half-timbered houses and exceptional mansions. This guided tour lets you appreciate the neighborhood’s charm and discover all its hidden secrets!
This tour has been designated a “City of Art and History.”

Highlights:

• An immersion in the medieval charm of Old Tours, centered around the famous Place Plumereau.
• A journey through remarkable heritage, from half-timbered houses to stately mansions.
• Benefit from the expertise of a tour guide to uncover the neighborhood’s history and secrets.

Azay-le-Rideau - Villandry
Validity: 1 year - Price: €28

With the Pass Châteaux “Renaissance”, follow in the footsteps of two symbols of the Loire Valley: the château d’Azay-le-Rideau and the château & gardens de Villandry.

Built during the reign of Francis I, the château d’Azay-le-Rideau appears to float on the water thanks to its famous “water mirror,” which reflects its Renaissance façade onto the Indre River. It’s impossible not to be moved by its architecture, which blends Gothic traditions with Italian influences! It’s also a sight to behold from the gardens along the water’s edge.
The must-see exhibition: “Karen Knorr Lives in the Castle”, running from June 13 to November 1, a retrospective of more than forty years of work by the American photographer.

At the château de Villandry, the famous Renaissance gardens take center stage. Designated a “Remarkable Garden”, they captivate visitors with their geometric flowerbeds, decorative ponds, and ornamental vegetable garden, which change with the seasons. The tour continues inside the château, built in the 18th century, where elegant furnishings, floral arrangements in every room, and a collection of antique Spanish paintings attest to the refinement of this historic residence. (Please note: The castle will be closed from November 12 through November 27. The gardens will remain open.)

The Pass “Renaissance”, valid for one year from the date of purchase, provides you with easy and convenient access to both sites on a single pass.

Highlights

• Castles and outdoor settings that invite you to take in the scenery
• A single pass for access to two must-see sites
• A digital pass, convenient and easy to use

Chambord - Chenonceau
Validity: 1 year - Price: from €38

With the Pass Châteaux “The Icons”, treat yourself to an immersive experience at the heart of the Loire Valley’s two most emblematic monuments: Chambord and Chenonceau.

The château de Chambord impresses with its monumental architecture and its famous double-helix staircase. A symbol of royal power and the French art of living, it embodies all the grandeur of the Loire Valley castles.

Nicknamed the “Ladies’ Castle,” Chenonceau charms visitors with its unique elegance, its architecture spanning the Cher River, and its history shaped by exceptional women. A true Renaissance gem, it is one of the most visited and beloved sites in the Loire Valley.

The Pass “The Icons”, valid for one year from the date of purchase, provides you with simple and convenient access to both of these sites on a single digital pass.

Highlights

• Your key to visiting the two most famous sites in the Loire Valley
• A single pass for access to two must-see sites
• A digital pass, convenient and easy to use

Chinon - Azay-le-Rideau - Villandry - Langeais
Validity: 1 year - Price: €48

With the Pass Château “The Authentics”, explore four must-see destinations: the Royal Fortress de Chinon the château d’Azay-le-Rideau, the château and gardens de Villandry, and the château de Langeais.

On the banks of the Vienne River, discover the Royal Fortress de Chinon and its thousand years of history. Henry II Plantagenet, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Joan of Arc all left their mark here. Today, this medieval castle comes to life through reenactments, interactive tours, and family-friendly activities within its ramparts.
The must-see exhibition: “Royal Treasures”, May 24 through November 2, featuring 60 works bequeathed by the kings, queens, and princes of French history.

Built during the reign of Francis I, the château d’Azay-le-Rideau appears to float on water thanks to its famous “water mirror,” which reflects its Renaissance façade onto the Indre River. It’s impossible not to be moved by its architecture, which blends Gothic traditions with Italian influences! It’s also a sight to behold from the gardens along the water’s edge.
The must-see exhibition: “Karen Knorr Lives in the Castle”, from June 13 to November 1, a retrospective of more than forty years of work by the American photographer.

At the château de Villandry, the famous Renaissance gardens take center stage. Designated a “Remarkable Garden”, they captivate visitors with their geometric flowerbeds, decorative ponds, and ornamental vegetable garden, which change with the seasons. The tour continues inside the château, built in the 18th century, where elegant furnishings, floral arrangements in every room, and a collection of antique Spanish paintings attest to the refinement of this historic residence. (Please note: The castle will be closed from November 12 through November 27. The gardens will remain open.)

Another must-see stop in the Loire Valley: the château de Langeais. With its drawbridge, towers, and moat right in the heart of town, a trip back in time is guaranteed! This 15th-century fortified site was notably the setting for a royal wedding: that of Anne of Brittany and Charles VIII. In the park, a lookout point and a massive treehouse built in an Atlas cedar offer breathtaking views of the castle and the Loire Valley! (Please note that Langeais Castle will be closed Monday through Friday during the month of January 2027 and will be closed every Monday during the month of February 2027.)

The Pass “The Authentics”, valid for one year from the date of purchase, gives you simple and convenient access to these four sites on a single pass.

Highlights

• An ideal way to journey through history
• A single pass for access to four must-see sites
• A digital pass, convenient and easy to use

Duration: 2 hours - Price: from €35

On Thursday, November 12, spend an evening at Villa Rabelais in Tours and join us for a themed wine tasting celebrating the Loire Valley. Discover the famous “royal river” through the region’s iconic wines and grape varieties, their history, the landscapes, and the winemakers who craft them.

Accompanied by a wine expert, you’ll taste six wines carefully selected to highlight the characteristics of the Loire’s various vineyards.

You won’t just taste and listen—you’ll observe, smell, touch, compare, and, above all, express yourself! Using the tasting sheet, you can freely share your impressions and jot down what each wine evokes for you: fruits, flowers, spices, tannins, freshness, minerality… There are no wrong answers—your own feelings will be your best guide.

Highlights

• A fun, friendly, and interactive experience to discover wine in a new way,
• A unique tasting for the discerning wine lover or the simply curious,
• A journey along the river without leaving your seat, to be enjoyed in the elegant setting of Villa Rabelais.

Duration: 1 hour - Price: €32 for 2 persons
A visit to the Cave de Vouvray is a real journey into the world of Vouvray. A journey in several stages, from vine to glass. Discover our new mediation space ‘Follow the Chenin’ where a sound and visual immersion in the world of cooperation awaits you. Follow our guide through 3 kilometres of troglodytic galleries where 6 million bottles are kept. He'll reveal the secrets of how our still and sparkling Vouvray wines are made. Your visit will end with a convivial tasting!

Duration: 3h - Price: €40
Immerse yourself for a few hours in a working family winery. It's a complete tour, from the grapes and vines to the glass of wine, that Myriam offers on this guided tour. 

Duration: 1h30 - Price: €22
Located 45 km from Tours, Château Minière, a committed Bourgueil vineyard, offers visitors the chance to discover the vineyard's finest organic and biodynamic wines, accompanied by a platter of charcuterie and cheese.
Visits are available every day, at several different times.

Duration: 1h00 - Price: €8
Visit our vineyard in Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil for an immersive tour of our winery and cellar, discovering our winemaking expertise. Throughout the tour, trace the history of the Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil appellation, following in the footsteps of our ancestor Adrien Ory, the appellation's founder. The tour concludes with a guided tasting of our wines, a reflection of our terroir and family heritage:

• Red wine from Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil
• Red wine from Bourgueil
• Dry and aromatic white wine from the IGP Val de Loire
• Dry and fruity Bourgueil rosé wine
• Crémant de Loire White and Rosé

Duration: 1h30 - Price: €16
Step into this unique place and discover wines steeped in history and terroir. The troglodyte cellar of Domaine de la Chopinière du Roy, located in Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, is home to unique vintages, carefully preserved in an authentic setting.
After the tour and tasting of an old vintage, you’ll have the chance to sample the estate’s current cuvées, offering a great opportunity to compare aged wines with more recent ones.
Discover our Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil wines, Bourgueil wines and Loire wines, typical of the region:

• Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil 100% Cabernet Franc
• Bourgueil 100% Cabernet Franc
• Dry, aromatic Chenin Blanc
• Rosé dry and fruity
• Crémant de Loire White and Rosé