Victoria City Tours

Victoria City Tours

Victoria paddleboarding tours

To uncover the intricacies of these expanded tours and the enriched experiences they pledge, one must explore further. As the appeal of Victoria City Tours continues to grow, it's crucial to understand the evolving demands of its visitors. Learn more about Victoria City Tours here It's not just the sights; it's the sounds and the subtle scents that make this experience memorable. The stunning architecture and lush gardens are a sight to behold, but the real magic lies in the tales of ambition, intrigue, and dreams that echo through its halls. Victoria brewery tours After exploring the enchanting Butchart Gardens, you'll find that Victoria City Tours has much more to offer with its array of must-see attractions and hidden gems.
You'll venture beyond the typical tourist spots, uncovering hidden cafes, secret gardens, and breathtaking viewpoints that only a few know about. Each artifact and portrait adds layers to the story of those who walked these halls before you. You'll learn about the architects who envisioned them and the influential figures who walked their halls.

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They're not just adding tours; they're redefining what it means to immerse yourself in the beauty of Victoria City Tours, offering exclusive access and personalized options that cater to your every whim. Lean more about Star Sightseeing - Victoria here.
As you wander through, you'll notice the gardens aren't just about plants. From the iconic British Columbia Parliament Buildings, with their majestic neo-baroque facades, to the historic Craigdarroch Castle, each site tells a unique story of Victoria City Tours's rich cultural heritage. Whether it's a behind-the-scenes look at the Royal BC Museum or a private tour of the Parliament Buildings, you'll get to see a side of Victoria City Tours reserved for a select few. Imagine standing under the vast, open sky, away from the city's glare, where the Milky Way stretches brightly above you. Victoria private tours
Star Sightseeing's knowledgeable guides will share fascinating stories behind each garden, enriching your experience.

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That's what awaits as you venture beyond the city's borders.

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You'll come away with more than just memories; you'll leave with a profound connection to this beautiful place and its people. When you embark on a journey with Star Sightseeing's expert-guided tours, you're signing up for more than just a walk through the city.

As you meander along the winding paths, each turn reveals meticulously landscaped gardens, vibrant floral displays, and serene water features that embody the essence of nature's beauty. That's exactly what awaits you. You'll start by sharing your interests with their expert team, who'll then craft a bespoke itinerary that hits all your must-sees and incorporates some delightful surprises along the way. You'll find yourself wandering through historical landmarks, marveling at nature's wonders, and immersing in the local culture like never before.

Amidst its urban landscape, Victoria City Tours boasts an array of stunning gardens, inviting you to immerse in their vibrant colors and serene beauty.

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With each tour, whether it's by foot, bike, or boat, you're uncovering a piece of Victoria City Tours's soul. You'll also enjoy gourmet refreshments, carefully selected to complement the awe-inspiring experience.

Next, you'll visit state-of-the-art observatories where powerful telescopes unlock distant galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. Or, perhaps you'd prefer a serene escape to Abkhazi Garden, a tranquil oasis that tells a story of love through its meticulously landscaped gardens and exotic plants. Here, the intricate architecture isn't just a backdrop for photos; it's a narrative of Victoria City Tours's evolution from colonial outpost to modern metropolis. Victoria eco tours

This year, Victoria City Tours Sightseeing Tours introduces an array of new tours that promise unparalleled star-gazing experiences.

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You'll leave with stories that go beyond the usual tourist attractions, making your trip truly unforgettable. You'll learn to navigate the night sky, identify stars, and understand the lore and science behind what you see.

Wildlife and Scenic Tours Victoria

Entity Name Description Source
Queen Victoria Queen Victoria was the queen of the United Kingdom from 1837 to 1901, a period known as the Victorian era, marked by significant cultural and political changes. Source
Harbour Air Seaplanes Harbour Air Seaplanes is a Canadian airline providing seaplane services, mostly in British Columbia, offering scenic flights and transportation. Source
Butchart Gardens Butchart Gardens is a group of gardens located in Brentwood Bay, near Victoria, British Columbia, famous for its natural beauty and variety of plants. Source
Downtown Victoria Downtown Victoria is the urban core of Victoria, BC, offering cultural, historical, and commercial attractions in a vibrant coastal city. Source
Gray Line Worldwide Gray Line Worldwide is a global tour operator, offering sightseeing tours in many cities across the world, including bus and walking tours. Source
Chinatown Chinatown in Victoria, BC, is one of the oldest in North America and a cultural hub with historic sites, shops, and restaurants. Source
Victoria Harbour Victoria Harbour is a natural harbour located in the city of Victoria, BC, known for its picturesque waterfront and marine activities. Source
The Empress (hotel) The Empress is a historic luxury hotel located in Victoria, BC, known for its grand architecture and as a significant part of the city’s cultural landscape. Source
Water taxi A water taxi is a small boat used for short-distance transportation on water, commonly used in cities like Victoria for harbor transport. Source
Bus A bus is a large vehicle used for transporting passengers over long distances, commonly used for public transportation in urban areas. Source
Floatplane A floatplane is an aircraft designed to take off and land on water, often used for travel in regions with numerous lakes and rivers, like Victoria, BC. Source
Royal British Columbia Museum The Royal BC Museum in Victoria is a major cultural and natural history museum in British Columbia, known for its exhibitions on BC’s history and environment. Source
Wildlife Wildlife refers to non-domesticated animals and plants, which can be observed in their natural habitat in regions like Victoria, BC. Source
Greater Victoria Greater Victoria is a metropolitan area on Vancouver Island, including several municipalities and offering a mix of urban and natural landscapes. Source
Songhees The Songhees are an Indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest Coast, with historical ties to the Victoria area. Source

Nature-Focused Scenic Tours Victoria

Named for Queen Victoria, the city is one of the oldest in the Pacific Northwest, with British settlement beginning in 1843. The city has retained a large number of its historic buildings, in particular its two most famous landmarks, the Parliament Buildings (finished in 1897 and home of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia) and the Empress Hotel (opened in 1908). The city's Chinatown is the second oldest in North America, after San Francisco. The region's Coast Salish First Nations peoples established communities in the area long before European settlement, which had large populations at the time of European exploration.

Citations and other links

Sea to Sky Wilderness Tours

Star Sightseeing achieves this through the use of eco-friendly vehicles, adherence to strict trail and site visitation guidelines, and partnerships with local conservation groups.

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You'll bask in the sun, sample local seafood, and maybe even catch a festival or two, with Star Sightseeing at the helm, guaranteeing you experience the quintessence of Victoria City Tours's summer vibes. It's not every day you get to peer into the depths of space and time, but Victoria City Tours Sightseeing Tours makes it possible. Beyond the cultural tapestry of Victoria City Tours, thrilling adventures await, ready to elevate your journey from memorable to unforgettable. You'll visit landmarks like the majestic British Columbia Parliament Buildings, where whispers of the past meet modern-day governance.

Stepping into Butchart Gardens, you're immediately enveloped by an explosion of colors and scents, promising an unforgettable journey through one of Victoria City Tours's most prized attractions. This route takes you through a canopy of towering mountain ash trees and fern-filled gullies. Victoria paddleboarding tours With Star Sightseeing, you're not just visiting; you're stepping back in time. Whether you're a history buff eager to delve into Victoria City Tours's rich past or a nature lover longing to explore the area's breathtaking landscapes, your tour can be adjusted to match your pace and focus.

Specially curated to enhance your journey, these treats are more than just snacks-they're a taste of the local cuisine, offering a sensory exploration of Victoria City Tours's rich culinary heritage. You'll stroll along paths that meander through the Japanese Garden, offering a serene backdrop with its delicate balance of water, stone, and greenery. Or perhaps an impromptu photo session at a hidden scenic spot caught your eye? You'll bypass the usual lines with priority entrance, ensuring your experience is as seamless as it's memorable.

Solo travelers aren't left out either, with options for more in-depth exploration of niche interests. The Victoria City Tours Sightseeing Tours whisk you away from the urban hustle to unveil a world where nature's artistry takes center stage. Star Sightseeing is committed to accommodating all guests to ensure an unforgettable experience. You won't have to worry about being herded through generic attractions with crowds of tourists.

Sea to Sky Wilderness Tours
Victoria City Tours Package Deals

Victoria City Tours Package Deals

Star Sightseeing's expert-guided tours don't just stop at historical landmarks and cultural hotspots; they're your gateway to the heart-pounding excitement nestled in Victoria City Tours's diverse landscapes. So, let's handle the details while you immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of Victoria City Tours. As you wander through the gardens today, you're walking through over a century of growth, change, and dedication. Capturing the essence of Butchart Gardens through your lens requires a blend of patience and creativity. Victoria sunset tours Every curve and corner of Victoria City Tours's scenic routes reveal something spectacular, and with Star Sightseeing, you're guaranteed an immersive experience.

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You'll learn about the ecological significance of these wonders and the efforts to preserve them. Our exclusive access extends beyond entry perks.

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Picture yourself hiking through ancient rainforests, where every step introduces a new shade of green, and the air carries the scent of eucalyptus. This tour isn't just about seeing; it's about experiencing the heart and soul of Butchart Gardens.

These gardens epitomize the delicate balance between human artistry and nature's raw beauty. It's an invitation to breathe deeply, slow down, and appreciate the artistry of nature. Should you have any questions or need to make changes to your booking, our responsive customer service team is just an email or phone call away. This bespoke approach ensures that your visit to Victoria City Tours isn't just a trip but a personal adventure tailored just for you.

Don't miss the opportunity to participate in a cooking class or food tour. Victoria ghost tours Imagine stepping inside the majestic Butchart Gardens before the gates open to the public or enjoying a private tea service in one of Victoria City Tours's historic mansions. Instead, you crave immersive, authentic interactions that bring you closer to the heart of Victoria City Tours. You're not just another tourist; you're the designer of your own adventure.

Victoria City Tours Sightseeing Packages

Fancy a leisurely afternoon tea after a morning of exploring? You're not just a visitor; you're a VIP, with front-of-the-line privileges that let you skip the crowds and dive straight into the beauty that awaits. Follow Star Sightseeing off the beaten path to witness fall foliage like never before, perhaps even enjoying a seasonal harvest festival.

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And, to capture these moments, a professional photographer is available upon request. Whether you're a history buff eager to explore Victoria City Toursn-era architecture or an outdoor enthusiast longing for the wild, untouched landscapes, we've got you covered.

Cultural festivals are also a highlight, offering a chance to see Victoria City Tours's diverse communities in celebration. From the mesmerizing Sunken Garden, a transformed limestone quarry, to the enchanting Rose Garden with its myriad of colors and fragrances, each turn presents a new marvel. Star Sightseeing now offers cultural immersion experiences, letting you dive deep into Victoria City Tours's unique traditions and local lifestyle. With Star Sightseeing, you'll uncover the enchanting beauty of Victoria City Tours's natural landscapes, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

It's not just a walk; it's an immersion into a world that's remained untouched for millennia. You can post pictures, update your social media, or even live-stream parts of your tour without using your data plan. You'll explore hidden coves and perhaps even spot some of Victoria City Tours's diverse wildlife, from majestic eagles soaring above to playful seals frolicking in the waters. Star Sightseeing prides itself on accommodating special requests, ensuring your tour is as unique as your interests.

You're no longer just a spectator on your journey; you're an active participant in a story that unfolds with each step. They're a sanctuary for wildlife, too. Remember, Star Sightseeing offers various tour packages that include Butchart Gardens, so consider bundling your experiences for a more comprehensive exploration of Victoria City Tours. From the Indigenous Coast Salish peoples, whose presence and practices deeply influence the region, to the British colonial past that's etched into the architecture and tea rooms, you're stepping into a living museum where every corner tells a story.

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Victoria City Tours Sightseeing Packages
Sunset Tours Around Victoria City Tours
Sunset Tours Around Victoria City Tours

Each experience is a doorway to understanding the heart and soul of Victoria City Tours, making your visit unforgettable. Imagine exploring hidden gems that aren't on the typical tourist radar. Victoria hiking tours It's more than tasting; it's understanding the story behind each dish, the local ingredients, and the chefs who bring them to life. Prefer a quiet morning stroll through the gardens before the crowds? Victoria festival experience tours

Lastly, the 'Culinary Capitals' tour is a foodie's dream, offering a taste of Victoria City Tours's vibrant food scene. Whether you're navigating the intricate coastline by kayak or exploring ancient forests on foot, adventure isn't just waiting; it's calling your name. You'll also gain insights into the culinary techniques and traditions that shape the local cuisine, making this experience as enriching as it's delicious.

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They're not only well-versed in the past but also keen observers of Victoria City Tours's evolving landscape, offering you a glimpse into both the city's heritage and its future directions. Let's uncover what makes these tours the key to unlocking the true essence of Victoria City Tours. They'll teach you how to bring a piece of Victoria City Tours's culinary magic into your own kitchen.

This part of the tour isn't just a walk; it's an immersive experience in living color. As you roam its lavish rooms, you'll feel the weight of history in the air, a reminder of the city's gilded age. It's a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.

Victoria City Tours Nature Retreat Tours

Embarking on these premium sightseeing tours, you'll be treated to an array of luxury amenities that elevate your experience from memorable to unforgettable. Witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat isn't just an adventure; it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you'll talk about for years to come. Just as a lighthouse guides ships safely to harbor, Star Sightseeing illuminates the path for travelers seeking the quintessence of Victoria City Tours, BC, with unparalleled local expertise and customized experiences. Part of your journey takes you away from the city lights, where the stars overhead shine brightly, undimmed by city light pollution. Whether it's catching a live performance at an intimate venue or joining in the celebration at one of the many festivals, you're not just watching; you're part of the experience.
They bring the city's streets, landmarks, and hidden gems to life in a way no guidebook ever could. With Star Sightseeing's expert-guided tours, you're not just seeing the sights; you're embarking on an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature's marvels.

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You're not just paying for a ticket into Butchart Gardens; you're investing in a full, rich experience that highlights the best Victoria City Tours has to offer. Next, buy your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines upon arrival.
Don't overlook the lesser-known gems like the Abkhazi Garden, where each path tells a story of love and resilience, or the Government House Gardens, where you can stroll through meticulously maintained thematic areas. That's exactly what Star Sightseeing's personalized tour options offer. Explore Victoria City Tours here Read more about Victoria City Tours here Don't shy away from overcast days either. From historic pubs to trendy cafes, you'll savor flavors that define the city's culinary culture, making each bite a discovery in itself.
Once you've picked your perfect date, you're ready to book. Victoria City Tours's historic landmarks offer a unique glimpse into the city's past, inviting you to step back in time and explore its rich heritage. Guided by local chefs, you'll learn the secrets behind Victoria City Tours's iconic recipes and the art of selecting the perfect ingredients. Prefer to avoid the crowds and discover Victoria City Tours's off-the-beaten-path wonders?

Victoria City Tours Nature Retreat Tours

 

Tours is located in Centre-Val de Loire
Tours
Tours
 
Tours
Medieval buildings on Place Plumereau
Pont Wilson over the Loire
Prébendes d'Oé garden
Flag of Tours
Coat of arms of Tours
Location of Tours
Map
Tours is located in France
Tours
Tours
 

Coordinates: 47°23′37″N 0°41′21″E / 47.393611°N 0.689167°E / 47.393611; 0.689167CountryFranceRegionCentre-Val de LoireDepartmentIndre-et-LoireArrondissementToursCantonTours-1
Tours-2
Tours-3
Tours-4
IntercommunalityTours Métropole Val de LoireGovernment

 

 • Mayor (2020–2026) Emmanuel Denis[1] (The Greens)

Area
1

34.7 km2 (13.4 sq mi) • Urban

 (2018)

684.9 km2 (264.4 sq mi) • Metro

 (2018)

3,631.6 km2 (1,402.2 sq mi)Population

 (2022)[2]

138,668 • Rank26th in France • Density4,000/km2 (10,000/sq mi) • Urban

 (2018)

359,992 • Urban density530/km2 (1,400/sq mi) • Metro

 (2018)

516,973 • Metro density140/km2 (370/sq mi)Demonym(s)Tourangeau (masculine)
Tourangelle (feminine)Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET) • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)INSEE/Postal code

37261 /37000, 37100, 37200

Elevation44–119 m (144–390 ft)1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Tours (/tʊər/ TOOR; French: [tuʁ] ⓘ) is the largest city in the region of Centre-Val de Loire, France. It is the prefecture of the department of Indre-et-Loire. The commune of Tours had 136,463 inhabitants as of 2018 while the population of the whole metropolitan area was 516,973.[3]

Tours sits on the lower reaches of the Loire, between Orléans and the Atlantic coast. Formerly named Caesarodunum by its founder, Roman Emperor Augustus, it possesses one of the largest amphitheaters of the Roman Empire, the Tours Amphitheatre. Known for the Battle of Tours in 732 AD, it is a National Sanctuary with connections to the Merovingians and the Carolingians, with the Capetians making the kingdom's currency the Livre tournois. Saint Martin and Gregory of Tours were from Tours. Tours was once part of Touraine, a former province of France. Tours was the first city of the silk industry. It was taken by Louis XI, as the royal capital under the Valois Kings with its Loire castles and city of art with the School of Tours. The prefecture was partially destroyed during the French Wars of Religion in the late 16th century and again during the Second World War in June 1940.

The White and Blue city keeps a historical center registered in the UNESCO, and is home to the Vieux-Tours, a patrimonial site. The garden city has a green heritage and an urban landscape strongly influenced by its natural space. The historic city that is nicknamed "Le Petit Paris" and its region by its history and culture has always been a land of birth or host to many personalities, international sporting events, and is a university city with more than 30,000 students in 2019. Tours is a popular culinary city with specialties such as: rillettes, rillons, Touraine vineyards, AOC Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine cheeses and nougats. The city is also the end-point of the annual Paris–Tours cycle race.

Etymology

[edit]

A popular folk etymology of the word "Tours" is that it comes from Turonus, the nephew of Brutus. Turonus died in a war between Corineus and the king of Aquitaine, Goffarius Pictus, provoked by Corineus hunting in the king's forests without permission. It is said that Turonus was buried in Tours and the city is founded around his grave.[4]

History

[edit]

In Gallic times, Tours was an important crossing point over the Loire. It became part of the Roman Empire during the 1st century AD, and the city was named Caesarodunum ("hill of Caesar"). The name evolved in the 4th century when the original Gallic name, Turones, became Civitas Turonum and then Tours. It was at this time that the Tours Amphitheatre was built.

Tours became a metropolis in the Roman province of Lugdunum towards 380–388 AD, dominating Maine, Brittany, and the Loire Valley. One important figure in the city was Saint Martin of Tours, a bishop who shared his coat with a naked beggar in Amiens. The importance of Martin in the medieval Christian West made Tours, and its position on the route of pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, a major centre during the Middle Ages.

Middle Ages

[edit]

In the 6th century, Gregory of Tours, author of the Ten Books of History, restored a cathedral destroyed by a fire in 561. Saint Martin's monastery benefited from its inception, at the very start of the 6th century from patronage and support from the Frankish king, Clovis I, which increased considerably the influence of the saint, the abbey and the city in Gaul. In the 9th century, Tours was at the heart of the Carolingian Renaissance, in particular because of Alcuin, of York in Northumbria, a renowned book collector and an abbot of Marmoutier Abbey.

In 732, Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi and an army of Muslim horsemen from Al-Andalus advanced 500 kilometres (300 miles) deep into France, and were stopped at Moussais-la-Bataille[5] (between Châtellerault and Poitiers) by Charles Martel and his infantry. This ignited the Battle of Tours. The Muslim army was defeated, preventing an Islamic conquest of France.

In 845, Tours repelled the first attack of the Viking chief Haesten. In 850, the Vikings settled at the mouths of the Seine and the Loire. Still led by Haesten, they went up the Loire again in 852 and sacked Angers, Tours and Marmoutier Abbey.

During the Middle Ages, Tours consisted of two juxtaposed and competing centres. The "City" in the east, successor of the late Roman 'castrum', was composed of the cathedral and palace of the archbishops as well as the castle of Tours. The castle of Tours acted as a seat of the authority of the Counts of Tours (later Counts of Anjou) and the King of France. In the west, the "new city" structured around the Abbey of Saint Martin was freed from the control of the city during the 10th century (an enclosure was built towards 918) and became "Châteauneuf". This space, organized between Saint Martin and the Loire, became the economic centre of Tours. Between these two centres were Varennes, vineyards and fields, little occupied except for the Abbaye Saint-Julien established on the banks of the Loire. The two centres were linked during the 14th century.

Place Plumereau, Medieval buildings

Tours became the capital of the county of Tours or Touraine, a territory bitterly disputed between the counts of Blois and Anjou – the latter were victorious in the 11th century. It was the capital of France at the time of Louis XI, who had settled in the castle of Montils (today the castle of Plessis-les-Tours, at the junction of the Loire and the Indre rivers). Tours and Touraine remained a permanent residence of the kings and court until the 16th century. The Renaissance gave Tours and Touraine many private mansions and castles, joined to some extent under the generic name of the Châteaux of the Loire. It is also at the time of Louis XI that the silk industry was introduced – despite difficulties, the industry still survives to this day.

16th–18th centuries

[edit]

Charles IX passed through the city at the time of his royal tour of France between 1564 and 1566, accompanied by the Court and various noblemen: his brother the Duke of Anjou, Henri de Navarre, the cardinals of Bourbon and Lorraine. At this time, the Catholics returned to power in Angers: the attendant assumed the right to nominate the aldermen. The Massacre of Saint-Barthelemy was not repeated at Tours. The Protestants were imprisoned by the aldermen – a measure which prevented their extermination. The permanent return of the Court to Paris and then Versailles marked the beginning of a slow but permanent decline. Guillaume the Metayer (1763–1798), known as Rochambeau, the well-known counter-revolutionary chief of Mayenne, was shot in Tours.

19th to 20th centuries

[edit]

The arrival of the railway in the 19th century saved the city by making it an important nodal point. The main railway station is known as Tours-Saint-Pierre-des-Corps. At that time, Tours was expanding towards the south into a district known as the Prébendes. The importance of the city as a centre of communications contributed to its revival and, as the 20th century progressed, Tours became a dynamic conurbation, economically oriented towards the service sector.

First World War

[edit]
Tours Cathedral: 15th-century Flamboyant Gothic west front with Renaissance pinnacles, completed 1547.

The city was greatly affected by the First World War. A force of 25,000 American soldiers arrived in 1917, setting up textile factories for the manufacture of uniforms, repair shops for military equipment, munitions dumps, an army post office and an American military hospital at Augustins. Because of this, Tours became a garrison town with a resident general staff. The American presence is remembered today by the Woodrow Wilson Bridge over the Loire, which was officially opened in July 1918 and bears the name of the President of the United States from 1913 to 1921. Three American air force squadrons, including the 492nd, were based at the Parçay-Meslay airfield, their personnel playing an active part in the life of the city. Americans paraded at funerals and award ceremonies for the Croix de Guerre. They also took part in festivals and their YMCA organised shows for the troops. Some men married women from Tours.

Inter-war years

[edit]

In 1920, the city hosted the Congress of Tours, which saw the creation of the French Communist Party. One future consequence of that congress was the presence of Ho Chi Minh, the Vietnamese nationalist, who became one of the first members of the party.

Second World War

[edit]

Tours was also marked by the Second World War, as the city suffered massive destruction in 1940. For four years it was a city of military camps and fortifications. From 10 to 13 June 1940, Tours was the temporary seat of the French government before its move to Bordeaux.

German incendiary bombs caused a huge fire, which blazed out of control from 20 to 22 June and destroyed part of the city centre. Some architectural masterpieces of the 16th and 17th centuries were lost, as was the monumental entry to the city. The Wilson Bridge, which carried a water main that supplied the city, was dynamited to slow the progress of the German advance. With the water main severed, nobody could extinguish the inferno. That made inhabitants have no option but to flee to safety. More heavy air raids by Allied forces devastated the area around the railway station in 1944, causing several hundred deaths.

Post-war developments

[edit]

A plan for the rebuilding of the central area drawn up by the local architect Camille Lefèvre had been adopted even before the end of the war. The plan was for 20 small quadrangular blocks of housing to be arranged around the main road (la rue Nationale), which was widened. This regular layout attempted to echo but simplify the 18th-century architecture. Pierre Patout succeeded Lefèvre as the architect in charge of rebuilding in 1945. At one time, there was talk of demolishing the southern side of the rue Nationale to make it in keeping with the new development.

The recent history of Tours is marked by the personality of Jean Royer, who was mayor for 36 years and helped save the old town from demolition by establishing one of the first Conservation Areas. This example of conservation policy would later inspire the Malraux Law for the safeguarding of historic city centres. In the 1970s, Jean Royer also extended the city to the south by diverting the course of the Cher River to create the districts of Rives du Cher and des Fontaines. At the time, it was one of the largest urban developments in Europe. In 1970, the François Rabelais University was founded and centred on the bank of the Loire in the downtown area, not, as was the current practice, in a campus in the suburbs. The latter solution was also chosen by the twin university of Orleans. Royer's long term as mayor was, however, not without controversy, as is exemplified by the construction of the practical but aesthetically unattractive motorway, which runs along the bed of a former canal just 1,500 metres (4,900 feet) from the cathedral. Another bone of contention was the original Vinci Congress Centre by Jean Nouvel. The project incurred debts although it at least made Tours one of France's principal conference centres.

Jean Germain, a member of the Socialist Party, became mayor in 1995 and made debt reduction his priority. Ten years later, his economic management was regarded as much wiser than that of his predecessor because of the financial stability of the city returning. However, his achievements were criticised by the municipal opposition for a lack of ambition. There were no large building projects instituted under his two terms. That position is disputed by those in power, who affirm their policy of concentrating on the quality of life, as evidenced by urban restoration, the development of public transport and cultural activities.

Climate

[edit]

Tours has an oceanic climate that is very mild for such a northern latitude. Summers are influenced by its inland position, resulting in frequent days of 25 °C (77 °F) or warmer, whereas winters are kept mild by Atlantic air masses. The entire valley between Orlans and Angers is famous for the luminosity of its air and for its fabulous châteaux, most of them Renaissance (over 600 between Orlans and Angers).

Climate data for Tours (1991–2020 averages)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 16.9
(62.4)
22.1
(71.8)
25.3
(77.5)
29.2
(84.6)
31.8
(89.2)
39.1
(102.4)
40.8
(105.4)
39.8
(103.6)
35.5
(95.9)
31.1
(88.0)
22.3
(72.1)
18.5
(65.3)
40.8
(105.4)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 7.7
(45.9)
9.0
(48.2)
12.9
(55.2)
16.0
(60.8)
19.6
(67.3)
23.4
(74.1)
25.9
(78.6)
26.0
(78.8)
22.1
(71.8)
17.0
(62.6)
11.4
(52.5)
8.1
(46.6)
16.6
(61.9)
Daily mean °C (°F) 5.1
(41.2)
5.6
(42.1)
8.6
(47.5)
11.0
(51.8)
14.5
(58.1)
18.0
(64.4)
20.2
(68.4)
20.2
(68.4)
16.8
(62.2)
13.0
(55.4)
8.3
(46.9)
5.5
(41.9)
12.2
(54.0)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 2.5
(36.5)
2.3
(36.1)
4.3
(39.7)
6.0
(42.8)
9.4
(48.9)
12.6
(54.7)
14.4
(57.9)
14.3
(57.7)
11.4
(52.5)
9.0
(48.2)
5.3
(41.5)
2.9
(37.2)
7.9
(46.2)
Record low °C (°F) −17.4
(0.7)
−14.2
(6.4)
−10.3
(13.5)
−3.4
(25.9)
−0.6
(30.9)
2.6
(36.7)
4.3
(39.7)
4.8
(40.6)
0.9
(33.6)
−2.3
(27.9)
−7.1
(19.2)
−18.5
(−1.3)
−18.5
(−1.3)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 63.0
(2.48)
52.4
(2.06)
48.7
(1.92)
53.0
(2.09)
57.7
(2.27)
53.2
(2.09)
46.6
(1.83)
44.0
(1.73)
51.8
(2.04)
66.0
(2.60)
69.3
(2.73)
72.1
(2.84)
677.8
(26.69)
Average precipitation days 11.0 9.8 9.3 8.9 9.0 7.6 6.7 6.6 7.5 9.8 11.4 11.5 109.0
Average snowy days 2.4 2.9 1.8 0.7 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 1.7 10.6
Average relative humidity (%) 87 84 79 74 77 75 72 73 77 84 87 89 79.8
Mean monthly sunshine hours 68.4 95.2 148.8 187.3 214.2 228.5 247.1 237.7 191.3 122.9 78.9 64.6 1,884.8
Source 1: Météo France[6][7]
Source 2: Infoclimat.fr (humidity and snowy days, 1961–1990)[8]

Sights

[edit]
Hôtel de Ville, Place Jean Jaurès
St Gatien Cathedral, from Rue Lavoisier, just north of the Rue Colbert intersection.
Pont Wilson

Cathedral

[edit]

The Cathedral of Tours, dedicated to Saint Gatien, its canonized first bishop, was begun about 1170 to replace the cathedral that was burnt out in 1166 during the dispute between Louis VII of France and Henry II of England. The lowermost stages of the western towers belong to the 12th century, but the rest of the west end is in the profusely detailed 15th-century Flamboyant Gothic, which were completed just as the Renaissance was affecting the patrons who planned the châteaux of Touraine. The towers were being constructed at the same time as, for example, the Château de Chenonceau.

When the 15th-century illuminator Jean Fouquet was set the task of illuminating Josephus's Jewish Antiquities, his depiction of Solomon's Temple was modelled on the nearly complete cathedral of Tours. The atmosphere of the Gothic cathedral close permeates Honoré de Balzac's dark short novel of jealousy and provincial intrigues, Le Curé de Tours (The Curate of Tours) and his medieval story Maître Cornélius opens in the cathedral itself.

Other points of interest

[edit]

Language

[edit]

Before the French Revolution, the inhabitants of Tours (Les Tourangeaux) were known for speaking the "purest" form of French in the entire country.[9] The pronunciation of Touraine was traditionally regarded as the most standard pronunciation of the French language, until the 19th century when the standard pronunciation of French shifted to that of the Parisian bourgeoisie.[10] That is explained by the fact that the court of France lived in Touraine between 1430 and 1530. French, the language of the court, had become the official language of the entire kingdom.

A Council of Tours in 813 decided that priests should preach sermons in different languages because the common people could no longer understand classical Latin. This was the first official recognition of an early French language distinct from Latin, and can be considered as the birth of French.

The Ordinance of Montils-lès-Tours, promulgated by Charles VII in 1454, made it mandatory to write laws and oral customs in the native language of the area.

An ordinance of Charles VIII (born in Amboise, near Tours) in 1490 and one of Louis XII (born in Blois, near Tours) in 1510 broaden the scope of the ordinance of Charles VII.

Finally, the Ordinance of Villers-Cotterêts, signed into law by Francis I in 1539, called for the use of French in all legal acts, notarized contracts and official legislation to avoid any linguistic confusion.

Gregory of Tours wrote in the 6th century that some people in the area could still speak Gaulish.

City

[edit]
Pont Wilson crosses the river Loire at the old civic core

The city has a population of 140,000 and is called "Le Jardin de la France" ("The Garden of France"). There are several parks located within the city. Tours is located between two rivers, the Loire to the north and the Cher to the south. The buildings of Tours are white with blue slate (called Ardoise) roofs; this style is common in the north of France, while most buildings in the south of France have terracotta roofs.

Tours is famous for its original medieval district, called le Vieux Tours. Unique to the Old City are its preserved half-timbered buildings and la Place Plumereau, a square with busy pubs and restaurants, whose open-air tables fill the centre of the square. The Boulevard Beranger crosses the Rue Nationale at the Place Jean-Jaures and is the location of weekly markets and fairs.

Tours is famous for its many bridges crossing the river Loire. One of them, Wilson Bridge, collapsed in 1978 but was rebuilt.

In the garden of the ancient Palais des Archevêques (now Musée des Beaux-Arts) is a huge cedar tree said to have been planted by Napoleon.[11] The garden also has a stuffed elephant named Fritz. He escaped from the Barnum and Bailey circus during their stay in Tours in 1902. He went mad and had to be shot down, but the city paid to honor him, and he was taxidermied as a result.

Tours is home to University of Tours (formerly known as University François Rabelais of Tours), the site of one of the most important choral competitions, called Florilège Vocal de Tours International Choir Competition, and is a member city of the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing.

Population

[edit]

The population data in the table and graph below refer to the commune of Tours proper, in its geography at the given years. The commune of Tours absorbed the former commune of Saint-Étienne in 1845 and Sainte-Radegonde-en-Touraine and Saint-Symphorien in 1964.[12]

Historical population
Year Pop. ±% p.a.
1793 21,000 —    
1800 20,240 −0.53%
1806 21,703 +1.17%
1821 21,928 +0.07%
1831 23,235 +0.58%
1836 26,669 +2.80%
1841 30,072 +2.43%
1846 30,766 +0.46%
1851 33,530 +1.74%
1856 38,055 +2.56%
1861 41,061 +1.53%
1866 42,450 +0.67%
1872 43,368 +0.36%
1876 48,325 +2.74%
1881 52,209 +1.56%
1886 59,585 +2.68%
1891 60,335 +0.25%
1896 63,267 +0.95%
Year Pop. ±% p.a.
1901 64,695 +0.45%
1906 67,601 +0.88%
1911 73,398 +1.66%
1921 75,096 +0.23%
1926 77,192 +0.55%
1931 78,585 +0.36%
1936 83,753 +1.28%
1946 80,044 −0.45%
1954 83,618 +0.55%
1962 92,944 +1.33%
1968 128,120 +5.50%
1975 140,686 +1.35%
1982 132,209 −0.88%
1990 129,509 −0.26%
1999 132,820 +0.28%
2007 136,578 +0.35%
2012 134,978 −0.24%
2017 135,787 +0.12%
 
Source: EHESS[12] and INSEE (1968–2017)[13]

Transportation

[edit]
Tram model, design by the French agency RCP Design Global

Today, with extensive rail (including TGV) and autoroute connections linking to the rest of the country, Tours is a jumping-off point for tourist visits to the Loire Valley and the royal châteaux.

Tours is on one of the main lines of the TGV. It is possible to travel to the west coast of Bordeaux in an hour and forty minutes. From there, the line follows the Mediterranean coast via Avignon, and then to Spain and Barcelona. There are also lines to Lyon, Strasbourg and Lille. It takes less than one hour by train to get from Tours to Paris by TGV and one and a half hours to get to Charles de Gaulle Airport. Tours has two main stations: Gare de Tours, the central station, and Gare de Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, used by trains that do not terminate in Tours.

Tours Loire Valley Airport connects the Loire Valley to European cities.

Historically, Tours was served by trams and trolleybuses, the trolleybus system lasting from 1949 to 1968. Tram service returned to the city in 2013, when a new tram system began operation. Twenty-one Alstom Citadis trams were ordered.[14]

There is also a bus service, the main central stop being Jean Jaurès, next to the Hôtel de Ville, and rue Nationale, the high street of Tours. The tram and bus networks are operated by Fil Bleu and they share a ticketing system. A second tram line is scheduled for 2025.[15]

Sport

[edit]

The city's football team, Tours FC, currently play in Championnat National 3, the fifth level of French football. They also have a second team, CCSP Tours. CCSP's home stadium is the Stade des Tourettes and they play in the Division d'Honneur Regionale de Centre, the seventh tier of the French football league system.[citation needed]

Tours has served as the finish location for Paris–Tours, a one-day road cycling classic race held almost every October since 1896.[16]

Tours also has a volleyball club named the Tours VB.

Catholics from Tours

[edit]
Venerable Leo Dupont, Holy Man of Tours

Tours is a special place for Catholics who follow the devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus and the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. In 1843, Sister Marie of St Peter of Tours reported a vision which started the devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus, in reparation for the many insults Christ suffered in His Passion. The Golden Arrow Prayer was first made public by her.

The Venerable Leo Dupont also known as The Holy Man of Tours lived in Tours at about the same time. In 1849 he started the nightly adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which spread throughout France. Upon hearing of Sister Marie of St Peter's reported visions, he started to burn a vigil lamp continuously before a picture of the Holy Face of Jesus. The devotion was eventually approved by Pope Pius XII in 1958 and he formally declared the Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus as Shrove Tuesday (the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday) for all Roman Catholics.[17] The Oratory of the Holy Face on Rue St. Etienne in Tours receives many pilgrims every year.

Tours was the site of the episcopal activity of St. Martin of Tours and has further Christian connotations in that the pivotal Battle of Tours in 732 is often considered the first decisive victory over the invading Islamic forces, turning the tide against them. The battle also helped lay the foundations of the Carolingian Empire.[18]

Notable people

[edit]
Louise de la Vallière, 17th.C
General Régis de Trobriand, 1865

Public service

[edit]

Arts

[edit]
Jean Fouquet self portrait, ca.1450
Philippe Néricault Destouches, 1741
statue of Honoré de Balzac

Science and business

[edit]
Gabriel Lamé

Sport

[edit]
Pascal Hervé, 2000

Twin towns — sister cities

[edit]

Tours is twinned with:[28]

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Répertoire national des élus: les maires" (in French). data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises. 13 September 2022.
  2. ^ "Populations de référence 2022" (in French). The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 19 December 2024.
  3. ^ "Comparateur de territoire". INSEE. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
  4. ^ Historia Brittonum 7, 10–11
  5. ^ The Andalusian History, from the Islamic conquest till the fall of Granada 92–897 A.H. (711–1492 C.E.), by Professor AbdurRahman Ali El-Hajji, a professor of the Islamic history at Baghdad University, published in Dar Al-Qalam, in Damascus, and in Beirut. "Second Edition". p. 194
  6. ^ "Données climatiques de la station de Tours" (in French). Meteo France. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
  7. ^ "TOURS (37)" (PDF). Fiche Climatologique: Statistiques 1991–2020 et records (in French). Meteo France. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  8. ^ "Normes et records 1961–1990: Tours – St Symphorien (37) – altitude 112m" (in French). Infoclimat. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
  9. ^ "Tours, France". Meet Minneapolis. 2012. Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  10. ^ de Montvalon, Jean-Baptiste. "Philippe Boula de Mareüil : « Les accents participent à la richesse de notre langue". Le Monde (in French). Paris. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  11. ^ "City summary: Tours". us.media.france.fr.
  12. ^ a b Des villages de Cassini aux communes d'aujourd'hui: Commune data sheet Tours, EHESS (in French).
  13. ^ Population en historique depuis 1968, INSEE
  14. ^ "Tours selects Citadis and APS". Railway Gazette International. London. 14 September 2010. Retrieved 15 September 2010.
  15. ^ "Tramway de Tours – Le Tram de Tours". letramdetours.net.
  16. ^ "City tourism: Tours". Paris–Tours. Amaury Sport Organisation. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  17. ^ Dorothy Scallan. "The Holy Man of Tours." (1990) ISBN 0-89555-390-2
  18. ^ Davis, Paul K. (1999) "100 Decisive Battles From Ancient Times to the Present" ISBN 0-19-514366-3
  19. ^ "Berengarius" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 3 (11th ed.). 1911. pp. 768–769.
  20. ^ "La Vallière, Louise Françoise de" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 16 (11th ed.). 1911. pp. 290–291.
  21. ^ "Viollet, Paul Marie" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 28 (11th ed.). 1911. p. 107.
  22. ^ "Foucquet, Jean" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 10 (11th ed.). 1911. p. 737.
  23. ^ Williamson, George Charles (1911). "Clouet, François" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 6 (11th ed.). pp. 559–560.
  24. ^ "Destouches, Philippe" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 8 (11th ed.). 1911. p. 104.
  25. ^ "Dutens, Louis" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 8 (11th ed.). 1911. p. 736.
  26. ^ "Bouilly, Jean Nicolas" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 4 (11th ed.). 1911. p. 318.
  27. ^ Saintsbury, George (1911). "Balzac, Honoré de" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 3 (11th ed.). pp. 298–301.
  28. ^ "Jumelages et partenariats". tours.fr (in French). Tours. Retrieved 16 November 2019.

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]

 

 

Early tour bus in Salt Lake City, 1909
A colourful tour bus at Kuranda, Queensland, Australia
Tourists taking photos from a ParisCityVision open-topped tour bus in Paris.
Salvador Bahia Bus in Santo Antonio da Barra Lighthouse, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
The Needles "Breezer", Isle of Wight, England

A tour bus service is an escorted tour (sometimes a package holiday) or bus service that takes visitors sightseeing, with routes around tourist attractions.

Information

[edit]

Double-decker buses and open top buses are commonly used, for providing a good view. Large coaches are used internationally by tour operators, intercity bus lines and charters, for short and long distance destinations. These buses are larger than regular transit buses, with 2 to 4 axles (6 to 10 wheels).

The history of tour buses in North America began in the early 20th century, when trucks were converted to provide a means for sightseeing within large American cities.[1] Gray Line, the largest sightseeing operators, began operations in 1910.[2] Sightseeing was likely a side business for many intercity bus operators because the same types of buses were used (this remains true even today). World War II saw the industry decline, but it slowly re-emerged as an alternative to driving.[1]

Many musicians, entertainers, dancing crews and bands travel in sleeper buses, commonly referred to as "tour buses". While most if not all of the buses and coaches listed above are for commercial applications, there are many coaches manufactured for personal use as motorhomes. These bus based motorhomes are considered the top end of the RV market.

Common features

[edit]
  • Padded fabric or leather front-facing seats, often reclining.
  • Foot and arm rests.
  • TV monitors connected to DVD player or VCR to provide entertainment or possibly analog TV or DTV for local news or programs (possibly in seats with viewer choosing what station).
  • Basic lavatory – riders may be discouraged from using it except in an emergency,[3][failed verification] but some newer buses feature full service lavatories[4]
  • Cool water dispenser, refrigerator, hot water urn.
  • Wheelchair lift or ramp and "kneeling suspension" for easier access (especially for the elderly and infirm).
  • Tinted windows (and/or curtains or blinds).
  • Luggage compartment (or bins) below in the underbelly of the bus, with overhead hand-luggage racks.

Tour coach manufacturers

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Driven John Mack Kept on Truckin', Helping Build Modern America". Investors.com. Archived from the original on January 11, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  2. ^ Risko, Karin (2018). A History Lover's Guide to Detroit. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4671-3567-2.
  3. ^ "Bus Toilets / Toilets of the World". toilet-guru.com. Retrieved May 22, 2011.
  4. ^ "New Prevost features to be showc". Prevost-stuff.com. December 22, 2006. Retrieved March 28, 2011.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

You'll find the tour company prioritizes environmental sustainability by following strict conservation practices, minimizing footprints in visited areas, and educating guests on the importance of preserving natural beauty for future generations to enjoy.

You'll have peace of mind knowing that they prioritize your privacy and security during exclusive excursions. They employ trained security personnel and use discrete routes to ensure a safe, private experience tailored to your needs.

Yes, there are age restrictions on the new exclusive excursions. You must be at least 12 years old to participate, and anyone under 18 needs an accompanying adult to join them on the tour.