Not Just Paris — Visiting Tours and the Loire Valley
I know many people are looking for a French experience that isn’t the same old bus tour of Paris. Sure, the Eiffel Tower, the Mona Lisa, and Notre Dame all have their charms…but surely there is more to France than what we’ve already seen on TV?
I’d like to start a short series presenting some other destinations in France, sometimes a little off the beaten path, and always worth your time. This is especially for people who have already experienced Paris and want to try something new.
The first city on my list is Tours, just a short train ride from the capital, and nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley. It’s a place that many people find to be both fun and relaxing, and which may very well be the perfect destination for a short holiday. Here are just a few of the reasons why:
Great Wine & Food Scene: Touraine is known for its excellent and affordable wines, and there’s no better place to sample them than in Tours. The city has many charming cafes with delicious local specialties.
Rich Cultural Heritage: Home to one of France’s most beautiful cathedrals — St-Gatien Cathedral — as well as other stunning religious sites such as Notre Dame de Recouvrance Church, there is plenty of culture and history to explore here. Plus, if art is more your thing then don’t forget about the Musée…
