Tours in a day from Romorantin: what to see

How long is the drive to Tours?

Allow 68 min for 102 km from the cottage, on the A85 motorway along the Cher valley. Tours is within day-trip range: leave early and you arrive as the monuments open.

What can you see in Tours in a day?

Three districts, all linked on foot.

• Saint-Gatien cathedral: a Gothic façade and stained glass, in the oldest district, east of the centre.
• The old town: place Plumereau and its half-timbered houses, where you have lunch outside.
• The banks of the Loire: the quays below the Wilson bridge, where an open-air riverside café sets up in the warmer months.

Maps, guided tours and events are on the Tours Val de Loire tourist office website. For the rest of the department, see Touraine Val de Loire.

What can you combine with Tours?

• Château and gardens of Villandry (70 min from the cottage, 110 km): terraced gardens, west of Tours.
• Château d'Azay-le-Rideau (71 min, 109 km): the château built on an island in the Indre.
• Cave des Producteurs de Vouvray (69 min, 96 km): on the way back, see our guide to Vouvray and Montlouis.

Do not try Tours, Villandry and Azay on the same day: keep half a day for the town and half a day for one château.

Why come back to sleep in Romorantin?

Because the house also works for Chambord (43 min), Beauval (38 min) and the Sologne, which Tours does not. It sleeps 6, with an enclosed garden and private parking. Details are on the cottage page, prices (allow €130 a night for 4 guests, taxes and fees included) on rates and booking.