Tours has two main train stations: Tours centre-ville, opposite the Centre International de Congrés Vinci, and Saint Pierre des Corps.
Eurostar
trains between Ebbsfleet International and Tours have average journey times of 5 hours, 20 minutes, making it one of the fastest and easiest ways for tourists to access Tours. The route passes through Lille, Paris, then change through Les Aubrais, Orleans and St Pierre des Corps. The most popular time to visit is in winter and spring as tourists can book tickets, then find it less expensive than other seasons.
Tours is the capital of the Indre-et-Loire region and is located in central France- it is judged to be the largest city in the Loire Valley with a population of 136,942 (2006.) More people have moved to this area recently as Paris is under an hour away via the TGV. It is called "Le Jardin de la France" ("The Garden of France") and is well-known for its historical values and preserved heritage and original medieval district.
Tours is most popular for the Tour de France, which is a cycling race event with participants covering a total distance of 3,600 kilometres. Tour de France comprises of 1 prologue and 20 stages and will cover from Saturday July 3rd to Sunday July 25th 2010, the 97th annual event. Tours is a lively and enjoyable place to spend an evening as the streets and bars are filled with both locals, the large student population and tourists.
Points of interest
The Cathedrale St-Gatien
A gothic style Catholic church originally dedicated to Saint Gatien and built about 1170 to replace the cathedral that was destroyed in 1166, during the dispute between Louis VII of France and Henry II of England. It contains the tombs of Anne of Brittany and Charles VIII and is decorated with stained glass of the choir and the three rosaries.
Museé des Beaux-Arts
The former Archbishop's Palace in Tours is home to its Musée des Beaux-Arts, considered one of the best provincial museums in France for its diverse and varied collections, from additions from the great houses of Touraine during the Revolution to modern and contemporary art.
Centre International de Congrés Vinci
Also simply known as the "da Vinci", it is the International Convention Centre for Tours and has three auditoriums. It is famous for its towers.
Attractions
Rue Nationale is the main street, giving a traditional look to the city.
Parc des expositions de Tours
Place Plumerau is the best area of Tours for nightlife including clubs, bars and authentic Irish pubs.
Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgaden is located close to the Austrian boarder, the resort provides 50km of downhill pistes served by 5 chair lifts and 18 drag lifts. Some runs are flood-lit and all are for intermediate skiers.... Berchtesgaden, Germany
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is Germany's number one ski resort with 118km of downhill pistes, 3 chair lifts, 26 drag lifts and 43 slopes.... Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Grosser Arber
Grosser Arber is for winter sports enthusiasts will enjoy the ski slopes in the eastern German region of Beavria. At a height of 1456m the Grosser Arber is the Mount-Blanc of the Bavarian Forest.... Grosser Arber, Germany
Lenggries
Lenggries has 90 cabins, 3 chair lifts and 14 drag lifts, with pistes as long as 6km long. Skiers can enjoy 131km of prepared ski tracks.... Lenggries, Germany
Mittenwald
Mittenwald has a 7km downhill course and a total of 22km of downhill runs, 1 chair lift and 6 drag lifts.... Mittenwald, Germany
Oberstdorf
Oberstdorf is best known for its 4 hills ski jumping, it has 48km of downhill runs, 24 lifts including chair lifts and 10 drag lifts.... Oberstdorf, Germany
Reit im Winkl
Reit im Winkl has 44km of downhill pistes, the slopes are best for beginners or intermediate skiers. Reit im Winkl offers a range of winter activities such as a 4km toboggan run, 176m cross country skiing and horse-drawn sleigh rides.... Reit im Winkl, Germany
