Learn French in Tours

Since Roman times, it has occupied a strategic position as a crossing point on the Loire, the longest river in France with a very variable course offering protected natural landscapes. Former capital of the kings of France in the 15th and 16th centuries, it has an interesting architectural heritage: half-timbered houses, beautiful private mansions made of tuffeau – the white stone of the region – and monuments such as the Saint-Gatien cathedral. Old Tours is juxtaposed with a more modern part, rebuilt after the destruction of the Second World War and which continues to develop.

The economic activity of Tours focuses on the health, agri-food and research sectors. The inhabitants, called Tourangeaux, enjoy a very pleasant way of life which delights international students. They have the reputation of speaking the best French in France. The gastronomy of Tours is also renowned, with regional specialties such as rillettes, goat cheeses, Tours nougat and Loire wines.

Tours offers a natural starting point towards the famous castles of the Loire, both towards the west (Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Loches, Saumur for example) or towards the east: Chambord, Chenonceau, Cheverny, Amboise and many others.