Tours puts you in the magical Christmas mood each year with its twinkling lights and chalets selling gourmet delights. Wander through its squares and streets and be swept up in the festive atmosphere as the mouthwatering smells of hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts tantalise your senses! 

La Place Jean Jaurès à Tours illuminée pour Noël
Décorations de Noël place Jean Jaurès à Tours
Décorations de Noël place Jean Jaurès à Tours

Explore Tours Christmas market 

Chalets sur le marché de Noël de Tours

The Christmas market in Tours takes place in several locations around the city. As night falls, the little chalets on Place de la Résistance, Boulevard Heurteloup and Place Anatole France come to life. After you have done your shopping, warm up with a mulled wine and a freshly baked waffle. 

Our ideas for things to do during your stay in Tours 

Deux couples sur le marché de Noël de Tours

A little bit of shopping in the Christmas chalet village 

Looking for that perfect gift to put under the Christmas tree? A colourful scarf, some unusual earrings, a pretty bookmark or, for lovers of fine food, a jar of honey from a local beekeeper or a Loire fish terrine… Take your pick from the delights offered by the craftspeople and producers on site.

A ride in the Ferris wheel 

If you are not afraid of heights, climb aboard the magnificent Ferris wheel for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Loire and the city. Tours twinkles at night and the sight is enchanting! 

La grande roue de Tours illuminée et les bords de Loire

Enjoy a ride 

Manège pour Noël à Tours
Manège sur le

There are plenty of attractions to keep children’s eyes shining brightly, from the charming carousel on Boulevard Heurteloup to the famous Magical Christmas Tree ride on Place de la Résistance. 

Marché de Noël d'Amboise
Ville d'Amboise

The magic of the festive season is also taking place in Amboise, near Tours. Come and stroll around its Christmas market. This takes place in Saint-Florentin church and the Espace Henri d’Orléans. Here, you can enjoy the joyful and glittering festive atmosphere from 20 to 22 December. You will find delicious delicacies to add to your festive meals, as well as original ideas for gifts to put under the Christmas tree.

Tours throughout the year 

Tours, which is located between the banks of the rivers Loire and Cher, is a place where history, culture and fine cuisine all come together to create a unique experience. As the former capital of the Kingdom of France, the city is a fine example of the French art of living. Explore its narrow streets, take in the festive atmosphere of Place Plum’ and admire its landmarks, which are steeped in history. 

Personnes en promenade sur l'Ile Simon à Tours

Saint-Gatien Cathedral, the Fine Arts Museum and the Centre de Création Contemporaine Olivier Debré (CCC OD), not to mention its many parks and gardens, make Tours a city which seamlessly combines history and modernity. 

It is impossible not to savour some of Tours’ culinary delights! Visit Les Halles or stroll around one of the markets which enliven the city throughout the week. If the weather is fine, head to the Guinguette de Tours and enjoy a drink in a party atmosphere! 

Guinguette de Tours en soirée avec la grande roue illuminée
Une mère et sa fille lors de la Foire à l'ail et au basilic à Tours

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