La Gloriette - Tours Métropole Val de Loire

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: 1 day - Price: €28 With the Tours City Pass, enjoy the “Calder in the Heart of France” event at castles and museums throughout Touraine, while taking in the many other must-see attractions in Tours and the surrounding area. 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 stops on this 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 “stable” as well as a selection of works on paper. Azay-le-Rideau Castle: admire "Reims,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). That’s not all! The must-see highlights of a stay in Tours and Touraine are also included in. •    Tours Castle, •    Compagnonnage Museum, •    Natural History Museum, •    Hôtel Goüin, •    Psalette Cloister, •    Saint-Cosme Priory, •    Villandry Castle and Gardens, • Guided walking tour of Tours •    Guided tour on the city’s mini-train (April through October) •    Guided tour with wine tasting at the Cave de Vouvray •    Self-guided tour with wine tasting at La Maison Lacheteau at the Grandes Caves Saint-Roch (Rochecorbon)   Upon presentation of your Tours City Pass, you can also enjoy exclusive benefits from our partners: •    10% off canoe rentals in Vouvray •    10% off your drinks at Au Temps des Rois, Place Plumereau •    10% off at Les Fromages de Camille •    A complimentary bottle of Vouvray brut or demi-sec for two Tours City Pass holders who have booked a “From Vine to Glass” tour and tasting, a wine tasting introduction, or a wine course with Rendez-vous dans les Vignes •    €5 off the Escape Game poster, available at Cubrik in Tours •    A free coffee at La Fourchette Paysanne  

With the 3-Castle Pass, embark on a magical journey to the heart of “Christmas in the land of châteaux”! Seven of the Loire Valley’s most prestigious castles—Villandry, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Langeais, Chinon, and Loches—celebrate the holiday spirit with exceptional tours, spectacular decorations, and unique activities.   The 3-Castle Pass gives you access to 3 of the 7 sites of your choice at special rates for the duration of the event. Other benefits: skip-the-line access at the castles of Azay-le-Rideau and Amboise, free admission — with no extra charge and no reservation required — to the evening opening at the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau (valued at €16), as well as to all evening openings at the six other castles, the option to visit the Château de Chenonceau without reserving a specific tour time slot (subject to availability during the Christmas holidays in case of high attendance).   This Pass also gives you access to exclusive offers and benefits, including: a guided tour with a complimentary wine tasting at the Cave de Vouvray, discounts and special offers from about ten partner businesses.   On the program: each château features a unique theme and a special one-night-only opening!   •   Château of Villandry - At Christmas, nature makes its way into the château Once the doors are closed, plants and animals take over every room, creating an atmosphere that is by turns woodland-like and snow-covered, yet always warm and welcoming. Evening opening: Saturday, December 5.   •    Château of Azay-le-Rideau - The flavours of fine French patisserie Each room in the château is dedicated to a signature dish of the festive season, presented in refined, immersive and sometimes animated settings. Evening opening: Saturday, December 12.   •    Royal Château of Amboise - A Royal Christmas for the pet animals Taking advantage of the court’s temporary absence, the castle’s pets have decided to secretly organize their own Christmas celebrations in the royal residence. Evening opening: Friday, December 11.   •    Château of Chenonceau - Christmas and traditions around the world The castle pays tribute to customs from around the world, including Great Britain, Germany, the Americas, Iceland, and more… Evening opening: Wednesday, December 23.   •    Château of Langeais - An enchanting and musical Christmas Light, plants, textiles, paper and sound come together in an immersive experience with a delicate, contemporary narrative, interacting with the site’s collections, spaces and historical materials. Evening opening: Saturday, December 26.   •    Royal Fortress of Chinon - Christmas in Fairyland Designed as a self-guided walk, the tour gradually reveals these mysterious creatures, hidden within the scenery or moving through the heart of an enchanted forest. Evening tour: Saturday, December 19.   •    Royal City of Loches - Tales from the Royal City: Beauty and the Beast From the entrance to the royal residence, every space becomes a living scene from the story, transformed by snow, red roses, sets and lighting effects. Evening opening: Tuesday, December 29.