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.
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