Custom Coastal Tours Victoria

Custom Coastal Tours Victoria

Victoria summer sightseeing

Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Star Sightseeing doesn't just show you the sights; it immerses you in the very essence of Custom Coastal Tours Victoria. Learn more about Custom Coastal Tours Victoria here You'll notice that surfaces you frequently touch, like door handles and seat belts, receive extra attention to ensure they meet high hygiene standards. Finally, no visit to Custom Coastal Tours Victoria would be complete without experiencing its world-class culinary scene.
Don't miss the chance to snap a picture with the iconic Totem Poles in Thunderbird Park. It's an invitation to experience the essence of Custom Coastal Tours Victoria through the eyes of those who call it home. Whether you're a history buff eager to explore the architectural marvels, a nature lover looking to immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, or someone seeking a luxurious escape, there's a package perfectly crafted for you.
From the serene waters of local lakes reflecting the sky's ever-changing colors to the lush greenery that envelops quiet, hidden valleys, each view offers a unique perspective on Custom Coastal Tours Victoria's natural beauty. Lean more about Victoria Private Sightseeing Tours here. Victoria private tours You'll want to act fast to guarantee your place on this one-of-a-kind adventure. If you're unsure about where to go next or how to get there, they're just a question away.
Plus, with smaller group sizes, you're guaranteed a more personalized and intimate experience, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Custom Coastal Tours Victoria. You can expect personalized attention from your tour guide, who acts more like a personal concierge, ready to adjust the day's plan on the fly based on your mood or interests.

Custom Coastal Tours Victoria - Victoria private tours

  • Victoria scenic drives
  • Victoria sightseeing itineraries
  • Victoria festival tours
  • Best viewpoints in Victoria
  • Victoria senior-friendly sightseeing
  • Unique Victoria tours
  • Victoria luxury tours
  • Victoria cruise tours
  • Victoria island tours
  • Victoria sightseeing with kids
  • West Victoria sightseeing tours
  • Things to do in Victoria
  • Victoria road trips
  • Victoria snorkeling tours
  • Victoria sunset tours
  • Victoria urban exploration tours
  • Victoria travel tips
  • Victoria spring sightseeing
  • Victoria art tours
Their tips often lead to the most memorable parts of your trip, making your experience truly unique.

In essence, these chauffeurs transform a simple sightseeing tour into a personalized journey, tailoring each excursion to your interests and ensuring that every moment in Custom Coastal Tours Victoria is as enriching as it's effortless. These aren't just guides; they're custodians of Custom Coastal Tours Victoria's history and folklore. Dive into your Custom Coastal Tours Victoria adventure by booking your Star Sightseeing tour today. These tours aren't just about seeing, they're about experiencing. Here, you can sample fresh, locally-sourced foods that highlight the region's culinary diversity.

With Star Sightseeing, you're not just a passenger; you're the architect of your adventure. They'll take you to spots where you can enjoy serene views without the crowd, introducing you to the local culture and history that's often overshadowed by more popular attractions. With Star Sightseeing, you're not just visiting the Dandenong Ranges; you're experiencing them. Imagine having the flexibility to explore at your own pace, with exclusive access that isn't available to the general public, and experiences crafted to suit your every whim.

Come fall, you'll be guided through a palette of reds, oranges, and yellows as you explore Custom Coastal Tours Victoria's stunning parks and woodlands. Custom Coastal Tours Victoria's cultural scene thrives in the present, with galleries, theaters, and festivals that showcase contemporary talents and global influences. You'll explore how modern artists are shaping the future of Custom Coastal Tours Victoria's art scene, making it a vibrant and ever-evolving canvas. They ensure every detail of your tour is curated to your interests, making every moment feel special.

The tours don't just show you the sights; they plunge you into the heart of each festival, connecting you with the stories and people behind these celebrated events. It's also wise to factor in travel time between locations.

Custom Coastal Tours Victoria - Victoria photography tours

  • Victoria kayaking tours
  • Victoria sightseeing bus
  • Budget-friendly Victoria sightseeing
  • Victoria snowboard tours
  • Victoria food tours
  • Victoria city tours
  • Custom sightseeing tours Victoria
  • Victoria sightseeing tickets
  • Victoria day trips
  • Victoria suburbs sightseeing
  • Victoria VIP tours
  • Victoria seaplane tours
  • Victoria sightseeing on a budget
  • Victoria ski resort tours
  • Victoria wine tours
  • Victoria sightseeing deals
  • Victoria eco tours
In spring, you're greeted with bursts of colorful blooms at the Butchart Gardens, a perfect time for leisurely walks and photography tours.

Custom Coastal Tours Victoria - Victoria architecture tours

  1. Victoria pet-friendly sightseeing
  2. Victoria waterfront tours
  3. Victoria heritage tours
  4. Victoria cherry blossom tours
  5. Indigenous cultural tours Victoria
  6. Victoria history tours
  7. Victoria whale watching
  8. Victoria rainforest tours
  9. Butchart Gardens sightseeing tours
  10. Victoria paddleboarding tours
  11. Victoria underground tours
  12. Victoria ferry tours
  13. Victoria kayaking tours
  14. Victoria sightseeing bus
  15. Budget-friendly Victoria sightseeing
  16. Victoria snowboard tours
  17. Victoria food tours
  18. Victoria city tours
  19. Custom sightseeing tours Victoria
  20. Victoria sightseeing tickets
Every tour promises a comprehensive and enchanting experience.

Sightseeing Excursions Victoria

Victoria is the southernmost major city in Western Canada and is about 100 km (62 mi) southwest from British Columbia's largest city of Vancouver on the mainland. The city is about 100 km (62 mi) from Seattle by airplane, seaplane, ferry, or the Victoria Clipper passenger-only ferry, and 40 km (25 mi) from Port Angeles, Washington, by ferry Coho across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Citations and other links

Luxury Sightseeing Tours Custom Coastal Tours Victoria

Star Sightseeing's Dandenong Ranges Escape package is your ticket to discovering the heart of this natural wonderland. Booking is simple, but spots are limited. From the bustling Inner Harbour to the serene Beacon Hill Park, you'll leave with stories and memories, not just photos. With Star Sightseeing, you're not just visiting destinations; you're immersing in an exclusive travel experience that redefines luxury. Tinted windows offer privacy and a chance to take in the views without the glare of the sun.

This means if there's a specific site you're dying to see or a local delicacy you want to try, Star Sightseeing makes it happen. Your journey continues with a helicopter ride, offering breathtaking aerial views of Custom Coastal Tours Victoria's landscape, juxtaposed with the luxury of flying privately. Moreover, Star Sightseeing doesn't just open doors to exclusive locations; they ensure your visit is as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Custom Coastal Tours Victoria - Victoria brewery tours

  • Victoria festival tours
  • Best viewpoints in Victoria
  • Victoria senior-friendly sightseeing
  • Unique Victoria tours
  • Victoria luxury tours
  • Victoria cruise tours
  • Victoria island tours
  • Victoria sightseeing with kids
  • West Victoria sightseeing tours
  • Things to do in Victoria
  • Victoria road trips
  • Victoria snorkeling tours
  • Victoria sunset tours
  • Victoria urban exploration tours
  • Victoria travel tips
  • Victoria spring sightseeing
  • Victoria art tours
  • Romantic tours in Victoria
  • Victoria pet-friendly sightseeing
  • Victoria waterfront tours
You'll learn about the history and culture that's not mentioned in your standard guidebook.

This choice will shape your schedule, balancing between must-see attractions and those off-the-beaten-path gems that make your trip uniquely yours. Next, consider the pace of your tour. The vibrant colors of wildflowers in spring and the rich hues of foliage in autumn provide a visual feast, ensuring that no two visits are ever the same. With Star Sightseeing, you're not just getting a tour; you're creating memories that your family will cherish for years to come.

You'll enjoy small group sizes, ensuring a more intimate exploration of Custom Coastal Tours Victoria's treasures. Next, you'll glide to the Royal BC Museum, where history and nature converge. Picture leather seats that cradle you as you move from one marvel to another, panoramic windows that offer unobstructed views of the breathtaking landscape, and onboard amenities that cater to your every whim. Perched atop the Eureka Tower, the Skydeck offers you an unparalleled view of Melbourne's sprawling cityscape.

Luxury Sightseeing Tours Custom Coastal Tours Victoria
Custom Coastal Tours Victoria City Nature Sightseeing Tours

Custom Coastal Tours Victoria City Nature Sightseeing Tours

You won't just be another tourist in a crowd; you'll feel like a local explorer, uncovering secrets of Custom Coastal Tours Victoria's charming streets and stunning architecture. You could be sipping tea in a historic Custom Coastal Tours Victoria mansion, usually closed to visitors, or exploring the hidden alleys of the city with a knowledgeable guide who knows stories you won't find in any guidebook. Embarking on a sightseeing tour with Star Sightseeing in Custom Coastal Tours Victoria is like opening a meticulously curated treasure chest; each experience promises its own set of unique jewels in the form of Custom Coastal Tours Victoria's landmarks and hidden gems. As the leaves change color, the Fall Fairfield festival in autumn offers a chance to experience local arts, crafts, and culinary delights. As you meander through the cobblestone streets, you're transported back in time, surrounded by the grandeur of Custom Coastal Tours Victorian architecture.

Whether you're an art aficionado or a curious explorer, Star Sightseeing's Art and Museums Tour is crafted to enrich your appreciation of Custom Coastal Tours Victoria's unique cultural landscape.

Custom Coastal Tours Victoria - Victoria walking tours

  1. Victoria island tours
  2. Victoria sightseeing with kids
  3. West Victoria sightseeing tours
  4. Things to do in Victoria
  5. Victoria road trips
  6. Victoria snorkeling tours
  7. Victoria sunset tours
  8. Victoria urban exploration tours
  9. Victoria travel tips
  10. Victoria spring sightseeing
  11. Victoria art tours
  12. Romantic tours in Victoria
  13. Victoria pet-friendly sightseeing
  14. Victoria waterfront tours
  15. Victoria heritage tours
  16. Victoria photography tours
  17. Inner Harbour sightseeing tours
  18. Victoria boat tours
From the historic elegance of the Royal BC Museum to the modernist lines of the Vancouver Island Technology Park, there's a blend of old and new that captures the essence of this vibrant city. Whether it's a pause for ice cream or a spontaneous park visit, they're all about accommodating your family's pace. Whether you're a history buff eager to delve into Custom Coastal Tours Victoria's rich past or a nature lover looking to explore the area's stunning natural beauty, there's something just for you.

Exploring Custom Coastal Tours Victoria becomes an unforgettable adventure with Star Sightseeing, your go-to guide for personalized tours.

Custom Coastal Tours Victoria - Inner Harbour sightseeing tours

  • Victoria extreme sports tours
  • Victoria ghost tours
  • Victoria bike tours
  • Victoria cultural experience tours
  • Victoria hiking tours
  • Victoria 4x4 adventure tours
  • Off-the-beaten-path Victoria tours
  • Victoria Christmas market tours
  • Victoria fall foliage tours
  • Victoria scenic drives
  • Victoria sightseeing itineraries
  • Victoria festival tours
  • Best viewpoints in Victoria
  • Victoria senior-friendly sightseeing
  • Unique Victoria tours
  • Victoria luxury tours
  • Victoria cruise tours
Whether you're a nature lover, a gardening enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, the Royal Botanic Gardens walk promises an enchanting escape into nature's embrace.

Custom Coastal Tours Victoria - Victoria cherry blossom tours

  • Romantic tours in Victoria
  • Victoria pet-friendly sightseeing
  • Victoria waterfront tours
  • Victoria heritage tours
  • Victoria whale watching
  • Victoria rainforest tours
  • Butchart Gardens sightseeing tours
  • Victoria paddleboarding tours
  • Victoria underground tours
  • Victoria ferry tours
  • Victoria kayaking tours
  • Victoria sightseeing bus
  • Budget-friendly Victoria sightseeing
  • Victoria snowboard tours
  • Victoria food tours
Each stop offers a unique story, a different taste, and a beautiful view, ensuring your day is filled with variety and delight. From the moment you're greeted by your professional chauffeur, you'll realize this isn't your average sightseeing tour.

Stepping back in time, you'll immerse yourself in Ballarat's fascinating Gold Rush history, where fortunes were frequently made and lost overnight. But it's not just about the wine. Imagine cruising through the vibrant streets, soaking in the rich history and breathtaking landscapes without a worry about navigation or parking. Stick around to uncover how a customized tour can transform your view of Custom Coastal Tours Victoria, making your trip an adventure that's as unique as you are.

Custom Coastal Tours Victoria Explorer Walking Trails

First, head to their official website where you'll find a comprehensive 'Book Now' section. Imagine being greeted by a personal guide who knows your name and preferences, ready to tailor the day to your desires. Whether you're yearning for a romantic evening under the stars or an adventurous day exploring hidden gems, there's a package tailored just for you. Choosing a personalized tour lets you tailor your adventure to your unique interests and pace, ensuring you get the most out of your visit to Custom Coastal Tours Victoria. Victoria cherry blossom tours Each stop is an opportunity to dive deeper into what makes Custom Coastal Tours Victoria truly special.

You won't have to worry about getting lost or missing out on must-see destinations. But what sets Star Sightseeing apart isn't just their personalized approach; it's their commitment to creating unforgettable moments that resonate on a personal level. Victoria holiday lights tours This isn't a one-size-fits-all approach; it's tailored to your preferences, ensuring you get a deeply personal experience. These are the kinds of experiences we strive to provide, making your visit not just memorable, but truly personalized.

You're not just observing; you're becoming part of the narrative, feeling the weight of decisions made within those walls. Have you ever wondered if a sightseeing tour could truly capture the essence of luxury while also being sustainable and culturally immersive? It's your adventure, your way. Imagine having a guide who knows exactly where to take you for that perfect sunset view or which local eatery will tantalize your taste buds like never before. Victoria photography tours

Eager to explore historical landmarks without the crowds? Moreover, these guides are more than just storytellers; they become your local friends in Custom Coastal Tours Victoria. But that's not all. Here, you'll experience the best of nature, gastronomy, and relaxation.

Custom Coastal Tours Victoria Explorer Walking Trails
Pet-Friendly Walking Tours Custom Coastal Tours Victoria
Pet-Friendly Walking Tours Custom Coastal Tours Victoria

Exploring Custom Coastal Tours Victoria with Star Sightseeing, you'll find countless opportunities to capture memories that last a lifetime. From sleek sedans for intimate explorations to spacious SUVs and vans for larger parties, every vehicle ensures you travel in style. Hearing directly from those who've embarked on luxury sightseeing tours in Custom Coastal Tours Victoria reveals the true value of the experience. It's a gastronomic journey through the city's best-kept culinary secrets, from artisan bakeries to boutique wineries. So, why not let your curiosity guide you further into what promises to be an unforgettable exploration?
Next, we'll whisk you off to the Peninsula Hot Springs, where you can soak in naturally heated mineral waters, offering panoramic views that promise to soothe your soul. Through Star Sightseeing's premium tours, you're invited to turn the pages of this vibrant region, exploring its historical landmarks, majestic natural wonders, and cultural festivities like never before. They tailor their narratives to your interests, whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or an art aficionado, making every tour feel personal and exclusive. With a Star Sightseeing private tour, you're not just a tourist-you're an explorer diving deep into the heart of Custom Coastal Tours Victoria. Victoria whale watching Victoria local tour guides
Whether you're drawn to the historic charm of the Royal BC Museum, the stunning views from Beacon Hill Park, or the vibrant atmosphere of Fisherman's Wharf, there's something in Custom Coastal Tours Victoria for every taste. You'll feel like royalty as you explore historic sites and enjoy gourmet meals at exclusive restaurants. They understand that travel plans can change at the drop of a hat. Read more about Custom Coastal Tours Victoria here You'll engage in discussions, enjoy exclusive access to certain exhibits, and even meet some of the artists behind contemporary works.
Understanding the importance of your time, Star Sightseeing offers flexible scheduling options to fit your unique itinerary. It's not just a tour; it's an experience that captures the essence of Custom Coastal Tours Victoria at night, leaving you with memories that shine as brightly as the stars above. That's just the beginning. Expect top-of-the-line amenities inside each vehicle.

Custom Coastal Tours Victoria City Sightseeing Experiences

The tour ensures you don't miss Beacon Hill Park, a sprawling oasis in the city that offers a serene escape with its meticulously landscaped gardens and native flora. Star Sightseeing's personalized tours ensure you don't miss the stories that have woven the fabric of this place. It's not just about seeing the sights from above; it's about feeling the rush of adventure, all while ensconced in the lap of luxury. Here, you can try your hand at panning for gold, and who knows?
You'll find seasonal deals that make your trips more affordable, allowing you to experience the best of Custom Coastal Tours Victoria without breaking the bank. As you explore its lavish rooms, you'll feel like you've stepped into a different era. As you glide through the streets of Custom Coastal Tours Victoria, your chauffeur, a connoisseur of the city, ensures you don't miss a beat of its rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Victoria boat tours
You're not just a spectator here; you're invited to immerse yourself in the everyday rhythms that define the local culture. Victoria summer sightseeing When you choose Star Sightseeing, you're not just booking a tour; you're securing a hassle-free travel experience designed to cater to your interests and comfort.

Custom Coastal Tours Victoria - Victoria summer sightseeing

  1. Victoria sightseeing tickets
  2. Victoria day trips
  3. Victoria suburbs sightseeing
  4. Victoria VIP tours
  5. Victoria seaplane tours
  6. Victoria sightseeing on a budget
  7. Victoria ski resort tours
  8. Victoria wine tours
  9. Victoria sightseeing deals
  10. Victoria eco tours
  11. Victoria extreme sports tours
  12. Victoria ghost tours
  13. Victoria bike tours
  14. Victoria cultural experience tours
  15. Victoria hiking tours
  16. Victoria 4x4 adventure tours
  17. Off-the-beaten-path Victoria tours
  18. Victoria Christmas market tours
  19. Victoria fall foliage tours
You'll have the opportunity to customize your itinerary, choosing from exclusive destinations that others mightn't even know exist.
First off, you've got the Classic City Tour, perfect for first-time visitors. To elevate your journey further, Star Sightseeing has now enhanced its personalized service offerings, ensuring every aspect of your tour is tailored to your preferences.

Custom Coastal Tours Victoria - Victoria architecture tours

  • Victoria fall foliage tours
  • Victoria scenic drives
  • Victoria sightseeing itineraries
  • Victoria festival tours
  • Best viewpoints in Victoria
  • Victoria senior-friendly sightseeing
  • Unique Victoria tours
  • Victoria luxury tours
  • Victoria cruise tours
  • Victoria island tours
  • Victoria sightseeing with kids
  • West Victoria sightseeing tours
  • Things to do in Victoria
  • Victoria road trips
  • Victoria snorkeling tours
  • Victoria sunset tours
  • Victoria urban exploration tours
You won't just be a spectator; you'll get hands-on experiences too.

Explore Custom Coastal Tours Victoria here
Custom Coastal Tours Victoria City Sightseeing Experiences

 

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.

 

 

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]

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Star Sightseeing supports local communities and sustainable tourism in Victoria by partnering with local businesses, reducing waste, and promoting eco-friendly practices to ensure you're not just visiting, but also positively contributing to the area.

Yes, Star Sightseeing's adventure sports and physically demanding tours have age restrictions. You'll need to check specific activities for their age limits to ensure you're eligible to participate in these thrilling experiences.

You can cancel or reschedule your tour due to unforeseen circumstances, but you must do so within a specific timeframe. Check the policy details to avoid any penalties or loss of your booking fee.