Day Trips Whistler

Day Trips Whistler

Whistler holiday lights tours

After a day packed with adventure, you'll find unparalleled comfort and luxury in Whistler's accommodations, where every detail caters to your relaxation and rejuvenation. Don't miss the chance to experience Whistler's vibrant après-ski scene. From high-thread-count linens to in-room spa services, every detail is catered to your comfort. Star Sightseeing doesn't stop there. Learn more about Day Trips Whistler Here You get to preview your journey, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure that seamlessly merges the virtual with the physical, enhancing your overall experience in Whistler.
Step-on guides offer a level of personalization that's hard to find elsewhere. While exploring Whistler's landscapes offers an unparalleled visual feast, it's the expert narration provided by Star Sightseeing that truly brings the destination's history and culture to life for its visitors. Moreover, concierge services are on hand to personalize your stay, whether you're craving a quiet night in with a movie or planning an unforgettable day exploring the mountains. Through Star Sightseeing's curated tours, you're not just a spectator; you're an active participant in the rich tapestry that makes this area unique. Lean more about Star Sightseeing - Whistler here.
For those of you who crave adventure, our 'Adrenaline Seeker' package is tailor-made for you. You'll leave with more than just memories of stunning vistas; you'll gain insights into environmental conservation and the importance of preserving these natural wonders for future generations. Whistler ghost tours Star Sightseeing understands that true vacation magic lies in the balance between exhilarating experiences and moments of pure bliss. Whistler fishing tours Whistler teems with must-see attractions that promise to captivate and amaze you at every turn.
When packing, remember Whistler's mountain weather can be unpredictable.

Day Trips Whistler - Budget-friendly Whistler sightseeing

  • Whistler fall foliage tours
  • Whistler scenic drives
  • Whistler village tours
  • Whistler eco tours
  • Whistler botanical garden tours
  • Whistler multi-day tours
  • Whistler spring sightseeing
  • Whistler luxury sightseeing
  • Whistler fishing tours
  • Budget-friendly Whistler sightseeing
  • Whistler ghost tours
  • Whistler luxury tours
  • Whistler Christmas market tours
  • Whistler fall foliage tours
  • Whistler scenic drives
  • Whistler village tours
  • Whistler eco tours
  • Whistler botanical garden tours
  • Whistler multi-day tours
As winter blankets the landscape, exploring Whistler transforms into a magical journey through a snow-covered wonderland. This isn't just a trip; it's an invitation to be part of a story that continues to unfold. You'll find yourself captivated by the breathtaking vistas, where mountains and forests don a pristine white coat, offering a serene and picturesque setting that's straight out of a holiday card. Whistler Blackcomb sightseeing tours

And for those who crave a slower pace, the guided nature walks reveal the hidden gems of Whistler's flora and fauna. Star Sightseeing ensures you're not just eating; you're embarking on a culinary journey that highlights the best of what Whistler has to offer.

Day Trips Whistler - Whistler fall foliage tours

  1. Whistler fishing tours
  2. Budget-friendly Whistler sightseeing
  3. Whistler ghost tours
  4. Whistler village tours
  5. Whistler eco tours
  6. Whistler botanical garden tours
  7. Whistler multi-day tours
  8. Whistler spring sightseeing
  9. Whistler luxury sightseeing
  10. Whistler fishing tours
  11. Budget-friendly Whistler sightseeing
  12. Whistler ghost tours
  13. Whistler village tours
  14. Whistler eco tours
  15. Whistler botanical garden tours
  16. Whistler multi-day tours
  17. Whistler spring sightseeing
  18. Whistler luxury sightseeing
  19. Whistler fishing tours
  20. Budget-friendly Whistler sightseeing
So, are you ready to meet the team that will transform your Whistler trip into an unforgettable adventure?

Day Trips Whistler - Whistler scenic drives

  • Whistler ghost tours
  • Whistler spring sightseeing
  • Whistler luxury sightseeing
  • Whistler fishing tours
  • Budget-friendly Whistler sightseeing
  • Whistler ghost tours
  • Whistler spring sightseeing
  • Whistler luxury sightseeing
  • Whistler fishing tours
  • Budget-friendly Whistler sightseeing
  • Whistler ghost tours
  • Whistler spring sightseeing
  • Whistler luxury sightseeing
  • Whistler fishing tours
  • Budget-friendly Whistler sightseeing
Building on your cultural immersion, our expert guides are the key to unlocking Whistler's hidden gems and stories. With a variety of options available, you're sure to find the experience that best suits your interests and budget.

Imagine gliding through serene trails on a dog sled, the soft whisper of snow underfoot, and the crisp, fresh air filling your lungs. Whether you're looking for a day filled with adrenaline-pumping activities or a serene exploration of natural wonders, Star Sightseeing has got you covered. They're equipped to bring the history, culture, and natural beauty of the area to life in a way that's engaging and informative. We're also big on local engagement.

It's a perspective that few get to experience, but one that you won't soon forget. Whether you're seeking a revitalizing facial to restore your skin's glow or a deep tissue massage to address those deep-seated knots, their expert therapists are at your service. After selecting your package, you'll be prompted to enter your details and any special requests you might have. It's not just a ride; it's an adventure that elevates your visit from memorable to unforgettable.

They're an invitation to dive deeper into the essence of Whistler, guided by your own passions and curiosities. Dive into the heart of Whistler's breathtaking landscapes with exclusive tour highlights designed to unveil the hidden gems of this mountain paradise. Once you've selected your desired adventure, booking is just a few clicks away. In case of an emergency, rest assured that every coach has multiple exit points, all clearly marked and easily accessible.

Whistler village tours

Private Tours Whistler

Over two million people visit Whistler annually, primarily for alpine skiing and snowboarding and, in the summer, mountain biking at Whistler Blackcomb. Its pedestrian village has won numerous design awards, and Whistler has been voted among the top destinations in North America by major ski magazines since the mid-1990s. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler hosted most of the alpine, Nordic, luge, skeleton, and bobsled events.

Citations and other links

Tours Whistler Ski

Expect to savor dishes that are as visually appealing as they're delicious. Payment is secure and can be completed online for your convenience. Just as Magellan set sail to explore uncharted territories, Star Sightseeing is marking its 45th year by charting new paths with its enhanced Whistler tour packages. Whistler eco tours Explore the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, where you'll be greeted with traditional songs, guided through captivating exhibits, and given the chance to craft your own piece of indigenous art. Their expertise isn't just in the landmarks and landscapes; they're also savvy about where to find the best local eats and hidden gems that are off the beaten path.

These tours aren't just for solo travelers or couples; they're perfect for families, groups of friends, or corporate teams looking for a shared experience that strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories. Imagine strapping into a state-of-the-art virtual reality headset as you're whisked away on a bobsled ride down the Olympic track, feeling every twist and turn with wind and temperature changes to match. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or adventure seeker, they adapt, making your Whistler sightseeing tour uniquely memorable. Once you've picked your preferred tour, check the availability for your desired dates. Whistler luxury sightseeing

This exclusive access isn't just about going places others don't; it's about experiencing Whistler in a way that elevates your trip from ordinary to extraordinary. From hot stone massages that melt away tension to detoxifying body wraps that cleanse and refresh, every service is a step towards total relaxation. In a move to enhance this experience, Star Sightseeing has introduced a new fleet of coaches tailored for Whistler sightseeing adventures. You'll also have the chance to paraglide over the majestic Cheakamus Glacier, with interactive controls that let you steer through the air currents, feeling the rush as the ground speeds by below.

Can't wait to hit the slopes? These collector items are meticulously selected to ensure they're not just keepsakes but treasures that evoke a sense of place and timelessness. Building on the personalized nature of the STAR Experience, the bespoke tour options allow you to tailor your adventure in Whistler even further, ensuring that every detail aligns with your unique preferences. Star Sightseeing's system is designed for ease, guiding you through each step.

Whistler snowboard tours
Tours Whistler Ski
Vacation Packages Whistler

Vacation Packages Whistler

You'll find a clear, user-friendly interface waiting to guide you through the booking process. With an eye for detail and a passion for exploration, we've curated experiences that'll immerse you in the beauty and thrill of Whistler like never before. From accommodations that practice energy efficiency to restaurants that source ingredients locally, your journey supports a community dedicated to sustainability.

Day Trips Whistler - Whistler paddleboarding tours

  • Whistler spring sightseeing
  • Whistler luxury sightseeing
  • Whistler fishing tours
  • Budget-friendly Whistler sightseeing
  • Whistler ghost tours
  • Whistler Christmas market tours
  • Whistler fall foliage tours
  • Whistler scenic drives
  • Whistler village tours
  • Whistler eco tours
  • Whistler botanical garden tours
  • Whistler multi-day tours
  • Whistler spring sightseeing
  • Whistler luxury sightseeing
  • Whistler fishing tours
  • Budget-friendly Whistler sightseeing
  • Whistler ghost tours
  • Whistler Christmas market tours
  • Whistler fall foliage tours
  • Whistler scenic drives
Choosing Star Sightseeing means you're opting for a service that's tirelessly dedicated to providing not just tours, but comprehensive experiences. They've even tailored adventure itineraries with a personal touch that suggests they might know you better than your own social media profiles do.

They'll prioritize the best runs. You'll find yourself whisked away from the bustling slopes to the tranquil shores of some of Whistler's most secluded lakes. Hear firsthand from adventurers who've explored Whistler with Star Sightseeing's tour packages. You could be zipping through the treetops, dining under the stars, or soaking in the cultural richness of this iconic location, all at a fraction of the usual cost.

Prefer a slower pace? As you ponder the possibilities, consider this: what awaits is not just a journey through Whistler, but an invitation to redefine your understanding of luxury and nature. Quiet meditation rooms allow you to find your center, surrounded by the tranquility of Whistler's natural beauty. To top it off, you'll benefit from the insider knowledge of experienced local guides.

Coupled with exclusive guest perks and luxury accommodations, you're on the brink of discovering why this celebration is more than just an anniversary. You're not just visiting; you're immersing yourself in a world where nature's artistry is on full display. With premier spa and wellness facilities to unwind in after your private guided tours, and a commitment to sustainable travel practices that ensure the beautiful landscapes remain unspoiled for generations to come, Star Sightseeing appears to have thought of everything. With Star Sightseeing, it's not just a trip; it's an experience, enriched with perks that cater exclusively to you.

Wine Tasting Tours Whistler

Imagine stepping into a world where your every need is anticipated, from plush robes and slippers awaiting you post-adventure, to sumptuous beds that promise a restful night's sleep.

Day Trips Whistler - Whistler paddleboarding tours

  1. Budget-friendly Whistler sightseeing
  2. Whistler ghost tours
  3. Whistler scenic drives
  4. Whistler village tours
  5. Whistler eco tours
  6. Whistler botanical garden tours
  7. Whistler multi-day tours
  8. Whistler spring sightseeing
  9. Whistler luxury sightseeing
  10. Whistler fishing tours
  11. Budget-friendly Whistler sightseeing
  12. Whistler ghost tours
  13. Whistler scenic drives
  14. Whistler village tours
  15. Whistler eco tours
  16. Whistler botanical garden tours
  17. Whistler multi-day tours
  18. Whistler spring sightseeing
  19. Whistler luxury sightseeing
Each coach is engineered to reduce emissions, making your travel not just enjoyable but also eco-friendly. As we unveil our new range of experiences, from winter wonderlands that go beyond the ordinary to summer adventures that promise adrenaline in spades, you'll find yourself wondering what took you so long to explore these options. This is your chance to witness Whistler's majestic landscapes and thrilling activities in a way that's both innovative and deeply moving.

Imagine standing atop a rugged peak, with vistas that stretch endlessly before you, or wandering through ancient forests where the whispers of the past meet the promise of adventure. That's the secret we're about to uncover. You're not just passing by scenery; you're stepping into a living narrative, where every landmark has a story and every view holds a secret.

These additions are designed to elevate your experience, offering not just a journey through breathtaking landscapes but also an educational voyage peppered with cultural insights and stories that breathe life into the surroundings. Finally, confirm your booking. Look for the 'Book Now' button-it's your gateway to adventure.

You'll find their online platform user-friendly, allowing you to select and customize your Whistler tour package with ease. The crisp, fresh air fills your lungs, energizing your soul and sharpening your senses. Next, you can proceed to booking.

Wine Tasting Tours Whistler
Guided Hikes Whistler
Guided Hikes Whistler

It's your vacation, your way.

Day Trips Whistler - Whistler luxury tours

  • Whistler village tours
  • Whistler eco tours
  • Whistler botanical garden tours
  • Whistler multi-day tours
  • Whistler spring sightseeing
  • Whistler luxury sightseeing
  • Whistler fishing tours
  • Budget-friendly Whistler sightseeing
  • Whistler ghost tours
  • Whistler fall foliage tours
  • Whistler scenic drives
  • Whistler village tours
  • Whistler eco tours
  • Whistler botanical garden tours
  • Whistler multi-day tours
  • Whistler spring sightseeing
  • Whistler luxury sightseeing
  • Whistler fishing tours
Diving into our Seasonal Package Highlights, you'll discover an array of unique experiences tailored to the time of year, ensuring your visit to Whistler is unforgettable no matter when you choose to explore. You'll get it for less, making it easier to experience everything Whistler has to offer. Let's turn your dream vacation into reality, with memories that linger long after the snow melts.
From easy bathroom access to snack breaks at kid-friendly spots, everything's been thought of. We also prioritize the use of sustainable transportation options, incorporating electric vehicles and encouraging our guests to do the same. Moreover, Star Sightseeing's local guides are passionate storytellers, weaving tales that bring the breathtaking landscapes to life.
Whether you're looking for adrenaline-pumping activities or serene moments in nature, there's a package that's just right for you. You'll learn about the geological forces that shaped the mountains and valleys, and discover the cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples who've lived in harmony with this land for thousands of years. Read more about Day Trips Whistler Here Diving into the STAR Experience, you'll discover it's not just a tour but an immersive journey into the heart of Whistler's breathtaking beauty.
These tours aren't just about seeing Whistler's beautiful landscapes; they're about becoming part of them. Then there's Jamie, who's an uncanny ability to spot wildlife you'd likely miss on your own. Whistler spring sightseeing Following a day filled with outdoor adventures, you'll likely have worked up an appetite, setting the stage perfectly for Whistler's gourmet dining experience.

Day Trips Whistler - Whistler botanical garden tours

  1. Whistler ghost tours
  2. Whistler ghost tours
  3. Whistler ghost tours
  4. Whistler ghost tours
  5. Whistler ghost tours
  6. Whistler ghost tours
  7. Whistler ghost tours
  8. Whistler ghost tours
  9. Whistler ghost tours
  10. Whistler ghost tours
  11. Whistler ghost tours
  12. Whistler ghost tours
  13. Whistler ghost tours
  14. Whistler ghost tours
  15. Whistler ghost tours
  16. Whistler ghost tours
  17. Whistler ghost tours
  18. Whistler ghost tours

Whistler Cultural Experiences

Or maybe you'll find your thrill in ziplining through towering trees, feeling the wind as you soar with a bird's eye view of the landscape below. Understanding that everyone's travel desires are unique, Star Sightseeing offers customizable itineraries to tailor your Whistler adventure exactly to your preferences. So, get ready to explore Whistler like never before, wrapped in the comfort and sophistication of our latest offering. Whistler holiday lights tours With years of exploring every nook and cranny of Whistler, they're brimming with stories, tips, and secrets that you won't find in any guidebook.
Elevating your Whistler adventure, Star Sightseeing offers unparalleled gourmet dining experiences that'll tantalize your taste buds. For those longer journeys, we've got you covered with onboard restrooms that are kept clean and hygienic throughout your trip. It's not just a walk; it's a journey through time.
But, one might wonder, what exactly makes the 4D experience stand out in a world already saturated with high-tech entertainment options? Safety hasn't been overlooked, either. You might hear about the child's gleeful laughter as they spotted a bear in the distance, or learned to identify bird calls under the careful tutelage of their guide.
Your participation in our tours directly supports conservation efforts in the area. Whistler botanical garden tours It's not just a tour; it's an adventure that pumps your heart full of excitement.

Day Trips Whistler - Whistler fishing tours

  • Whistler sightseeing tickets
  • Whistler luxury tours
  • Whistler 4x4 adventure tours
  • Whistler photo tours
  • Whistler guided tours
  • Whistler spring sightseeing
  • Unique Whistler tours
  • Whistler walking tours
  • Whistler night tours
  • Whistler hiking tours
  • Whistler coastline tours
  • Whistler bike tours
  • Whistler VIP tours
  • Whistler scuba diving tours
  • Whistler mountain tours
  • Whistler eco tours
So pack your sense of adventure and let Star Sightseeing guide you through a summer in Whistler you won't soon forget.

Explore Day Trips Whistler Here
Whistler Cultural 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

Yes, your special dietary requests or allergies can usually be accommodated during the dining experiences. It's important to communicate your needs in advance to ensure they're met throughout your tour. Enjoy your meal worry-free!

Yes, there are age and health restrictions for the 4D experiences. You'll need to check specific requirements, as they're designed to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment. Always best to confirm before booking your tour.

You'll find that Star Sightseeing offers options for cancellations or rescheduling, especially for unforeseen circumstances or bad weather. It's best to review their policies directly to understand your options and any potential fees involved.