Things to see and do · Tours
Basilique Saint-Martin
The present basilica (1886–1924), designed by the Tours-based architect Victor Laloux, stands over the tomb of Saint Martin (in the crypt), which was discovered in 1860 by Léon Papin-Dupont in the cellars of the houses built on the site of the former basilica.
Cathédrale Saint-Gatien
Saint-Gatien Cathedral (12th to 16th centuries) is built in the Gothic style. The 15 stained-glass windows in the chancel (13th century) and the three rose windows (13th, 14th and 15th centuries) are remarkable. It houses the tomb of the children of Anne of Brittany and Charles VIII.
Centre d'exposition du Château de Tours
Situated between the Loire and the cathedral, this exhibition venue presents a varied programme of art throughout the year: painting, photography, installations and sculpture. In addition, the château hosts two exhibitions each year from the Jeu de Paume museum in Paris.
Centre de Création Contemporaine Olivier Debré CCC OD
Situated in the historic heart of Tours, just a stone’s throw from the Loire, the art centre has been housed since 2017 in a new building designed by the architects Aires Mateus. The CCC OD has been designated a “Centre for Contemporary Art of National Interest” by the Ministry of Culture.
Cloître de la Psalette
The cloister of Tours Cathedral, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. Highlights: garden, three galleries, spiral staircase. Balzac set one of his characters from *La Comédie Humaine* here (‘The Priest of Tours’). The architecture is partly in the Flamboyant and Renaissance styles. Temporary exhibitions, concerts and performances.
Hôtel Goüin
Right in the heart of the city, just a stone’s throw from the CCC OD, this remarkable 15th-century townhouse is a cultural venue that hosts art exhibitions throughout the year.
Jardin Botanique
The botanical garden is one of Tours’ most iconic landmarks. Enjoyed by people of all ages, it offers a place to relax, play, go for a stroll and learn about nature.
Jardin des Prébendes d'Oé
Often described as an ‘English-style garden’, the Jardin des Prébendes, created by the Bühler brothers in 1874, is in fact in the 19th-century French landscape style.
La Gloriette - Tours Métropole Val de Loire
Spanning some 40 hectares of landscaped grounds, this ‘green lung’ provides a space for outdoor activities (kite-flying, cycling, games, etc.) and helps visitors discover and learn about nature. The experimental and educational vegetable garden tells the story of the relationship between humans and plants.
Le Logis : Préfiguration du Centre d'Interprétation de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine
The City of Tours is currently working on the creation of its Centre for the Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage (CIAP), as part of the ‘City of Art and History’ scheme. Pending its opening, the City is offering a preview space that provides an insight into the CIAP project.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours et son jardin
Le musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours, ancien palais des Archevêques présente une collection d'une grande richesse : des primitifs italiens dont deux célèbres panneaux de Mantegna, des peintures de Rembrandt, Rubens et un exceptionnel ensemble de morceaux de réception à l’Académie royale de peinture.
Musée du Compagnonnage
Chefs-d’oeuvre, outils, souvenirs et archives des Compagnons du Tour de France. Les prouesses techniques côtoient l'insolite. Présentation du Compagnonnage pour les groupes sur réservation.
Muséum d'Histoire naturelle
Une exposition temporaire, une exposition permanente (animaux naturalisés et fossiles) et un vivarium (avec serpents, insectes et poissons vivants). Sur réservation pendant les vacances scolaires.
Visite de la ville de Tours
Visites pédestres par des guides-conférenciers "ville d'art et d'histoire" (2 heures environ). Découverte du secteur sauvegardé de Tours et visites thématiques.
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Tourist office data: DATAtourisme, Licence Ouverte (French open licence), updated 28 October 2026.