Medieval Streets to Gourmet Eats: Audio Tour of the City of Tours

4.0 (3 reviews) 1 h 30 min – 2 hours Free cancellation Private tour

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3 reviews

4.0

Medieval Streets to Gourmet Eats: Audio Tour of the City of Tours — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Medieval Streets to Gourmet Eats: Audio Tour of the City of Tours, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Tours is a city with Roman origins that entices you to explore its rich historical heritage. During this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover the city’s remarkable evolution, from Antiquity to the Middle Ages, through the Renaissance, and up to today. You’ll also see how each era has left its mark in Balzac’s birthplace. The tour begins at Place Châteauneuf, where the imposing Charlemagne Tower stands, a remnant of the former Saint-Martin Collegiate Church. Throughout the tour, you’ll receive recommendations for local products and restaurants showcasing the Loire Valley’s gastronomic heritage. The tour ends in the heart of the city, the Place Jean Jaurès where you'll be able to admire the imposing Town Hall.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min – 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Included: App for Android and iOS
Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Not included

Not included: Smartphone and headphones
Not included: Transportation
Not included: Food and drink
Not included: Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Itinerary

Collegiale Saint Martin et Tour Charlemagne

Passing by

Begin at the imposing Charlemagne Tower, a remnant of the former Saint-Martin Collegiate Church that once dominated Tours. Explore this medieval monument that stands as a testament to the city's religious importance throughout history.
Cathedrale Saint-Gatien

Passing by

Marvel at this magnificent Gothic cathedral with its soaring spires and stunning stained glass windows spanning five centuries. Discover a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture that took nearly 400 years to complete.
Stop 3

Passing by

Stroll through this vibrant covered market where local vendors display the bounty of the Loire Valley. Enjoy discovering Touraine specialties including rillettes and the famous pastry called "le Nougat de Tours."
Place Plumereau

Passing by

Walk into one of the most beautiful squares in France, surrounded by charming half-timbered houses from the 1400s. Experience the heart of old Tours where cobbled streets and medieval architecture create the perfect setting for an aperitif.
Stop 5

Passing by

Pass along this historic street lined with Renaissance mansions featuring finely sculpted facades. Explore how Tours' wealthy merchants displayed their prosperity through stunning architectural details.
Hotel Gouin

Passing by

(Renaissance mansion on the tour route)

Admire this exceptional Renaissance mansion with its Italian-inspired façade showcasing intricate stone carvings. Discover a rare survivor of Tours' architectural heritage that escaped destruction over the centuries.
Stop 7

Passing by

Pass by this elegant opera house designed by renowned Tours architect Victor Laloux, who also created the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. Marvel at the Belle Époque grandeur that brought cultural sophistication to the Loire Valley.
Place Jean Jaures Fountain

Passing by

End your tour at the heart of the city where the imposing Town Hall dominates this grand square. Experience the administrative and social center of Tours where history meets modern civic life.
Basilique Saint Martin

Passing by

Explore this basilica built on the tomb of Saint Martin, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in medieval Europe. Discover how this sacred space has drawn pilgrims and shaped the city's identity for over 1,500 years.
Stop 10

Passing by

Stroll through this peaceful garden that offers a tranquil retreat in the historic center. Enjoy a moment of calm surrounded by greenery while reflecting on Tours' layered history.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

This tour starts at Châteauneuf Square. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

Tour ends at Place Jean Jaurès - City Hall.

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]