Between Tours and its rivers – short walks along the Loire

Founded in the first century AD, the city of Tours occupied a thin strip of land on the south bank of the Loire, stretching from the Saint-Gatien cathedral district in the east to the Saint-Martin basilica district in the west during the Gallo-Roman era. Over the centuries, the small city transformed into a large metropolis and was home to many famous protagonists from French history such as Martin de Tours, Joan of Arc and Honoré de Balzac.

Extending between the Loire and Cher rivers, Tours derives part of its wealth from its architecture. It boasts no fewer than 160 historic monuments and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. From Rue Colbert and the Place Plumereau to the Loire's banks and the vineyards bordering the city, there’s a lot to discover.

In this Collection, I invite you to explore Tours on four-day hikes, each under 20 kilometres (12 mi). They guide you through the city centre’s cobbled streets and along leafy riverside paths. You’ll find plenty of amenities along the way and great food. Stop at a terrace to enjoy a dish of rillons (cubes of pork belly browned and preserved in fat) accompanied by a glass of Vouvray or Montlouis wine and Saint-Maure cheese.

The routes start at Tours station, a magnificent building designed by Victor Laloux in the 19th century (who also designed the Saint-Martin Basilica and the town hall). Accommodation in the city caters to all budgets. The People Hostel on Avenue de Grammont has rooms for as little as €40 per night. You can easily get to Tours by train from Paris; the high-speed train takes one hour.

You can visit Tours at any time of year, although summer is the season for guinguettes – the festive outdoor restaurants along the Loire's banks. For photography enthusiasts, autumn offers an interesting palette of warm colours.

Enjoy your walks!


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In this Collection, I sometimes refer to notes from my journal. If you'd like to read more (in French), check out: simonwicart.com.

If you’d prefer longer walks beyond the boundaries of the city of Tours, see: komoot.com/collection/2486074.