The cosmopolitan city of Tours is the largest city residing in the Loire Valley. Located between both the Loire River and one of its many tributaries, the Cher River, Tours is the perfect base for exploring Touraine's stunning chateaux and fantastic wines. The city of Tours itself has much to offer visitors. It is home to over 140,000 people who are renowned for speaking the “purest” form of French in the whole of France. Tours also has an intensely rich history; associated with the Battle of Tours in 732 ACE and the famous evangelist of the 4 th century, Saint Martin.

The popular sun-drenched square, Place Plumereau, provides many lively restaurants and bars and is located within the 15 th century medieval town, Le Vieux Tours. Visitors can stroll through its quaint, narrow streets, and discover its old half-timbered houses and many chic boutiques and cafés.

The grand 19 th century New Basilica is where the tomb of Saint Martin now lies. The basilica was built on the grounds of the medieval Old Basilica, which was home to Saint Martin. Today, the remaining two towers – the Tour Charlemagne and the Tour de l'Horloge – located on either side of the rue des Halles, are remnants of the previous building, providing visitors with fantastic insight into the Christian heritage of this area.

Visitors can witness the spectacular Saint Gatien Cathedral, the cathedral of Tours, which was constructed from the 12th century until the mid 16 th century. This extensive building period is reflected in its magnificent facade. Whilst the Gothic-style influence of the 15 th century and its Renaissance pinnacles are most dominant, remnants of the building belong to the 12 th century.

Many museums boast the rich history of Tours and the surrounding Loire Valley. The Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Museum of Fine Art, exhibits a wonderful collection of paintings from the Middle Ages to contemporary artists, and is situated next to the Cathédrale St-Gatien. For visitors with an interest in wine making, the Musée Vins des Touraine, located in the cellars of the Eglise St-Julien, exhibits a large Renaissance winepress, wine making tools from the Middle Ages and the viticultural history of the Loire Valley.

For visitors with a keen interest in shopping, the central shopping streets of Tours, Avenue de Grammont and rue Nationale, are lined with the highest quality designer shops and is sure to please any shopper. The mid year sales prove to be the best time for shoppers, with discounts of up to 60% (Read More : Sales Shopping in Tours)

There is easy transport access to and from Tours. Ryanair, flies daily from London Stansted Airport to Tours Loire Valley Airport, and vice versa. Alternatively, Tours is a central station connecting with the TGV. From here run regular lines to Bordeaux , Avignon and Paris (Paris is just one hour by TGV train).