Food Tours in Tours

Trying to pick a unique, authentic activity in Tours? This food tour promises a delightful journey through the city’s culinary treasures, accompanied by local guides who share stories, secrets, and tastings that bring the region’s gastronomy to life. With a 4.7-star rating based on 11 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find genuine value in this experience.

We love that this tour combines delicious bites with fascinating local history, offers carefully curated tastings from cheeses to wines, and is led by guides who are both knowledgeable and friendly. Plus, it’s a relaxed, walking adventure that helps you connect with Tours on a more personal level.

One thing to consider is the tour’s dependence on good weather—it’s a walking experience, so rain or cold might make it less comfortable. Still, if you’re into discovering local flavors with a small group, this tour hits many marks for an enjoyable, authentic outing. Perfect for foodies, wine lovers, or anyone curious about Tours’ culinary scene.

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Key Points

Authentic Local Flavors: Tastes from cheeses to wines that locals love
Passionate Guides: Knowledgeable, personable, bilingual (English and French)
Well-Curated Stops: 5 to 6 gourmet locations within the historic city center
Educational and Fun: Stories behind artisans’ crafts enhance the tasting experience
Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance
Eco-Conscious: Bring a reusable bottle as no disposable water bottles are provided

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This 2.5-hour gourmet food tour offers a hands-on look at what makes Tours’ culinary scene so special. Starting outside Café Le Vieux Murier, the tour takes you through a series of tasting stops in the historic center—places beloved by locals but often overlooked by travelers. It’s designed for those who want more than just sightseeing; it’s about tasting, learning, and connecting.

Your guide, whether Niamh or Mark, acts as a friendly host and storyteller. They share stories about each artisan and product, making the experience both educational and fun. The group size is small enough to foster interaction but still intimate enough for personalized attention, which is often highlighted as a real plus.

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Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Do

Starting Point – Café Le Vieux Murier:
The meeting point is easy to find, right in the heart of Tours’ lively streets. Expect to gather with at least four people to run the tour—so it’s best to book in advance. Once you’re ready, your guide kicks off the adventure with a warm welcome and a quick overview of what’s to come.

Les Halles de Tours:
One of the first stops is the famous market hall, where you’ll see a bustling hub of local food vendors. Here, you can expect to sample Cheese such as Sainte-Maure, known for its distinctive breadcrumbs, and Nougat de Tours, a sweet treat that’s been part of the region for generations. Reviewers mention that the cheese tasting in Les Halles is a definite highlight, with one noting that “the cheese in Les Halles is a must-try,” especially with the guidance of knowledgeable vendors.

Place Plumereau and Historic Streets:
Wander through the picturesque, medieval streets, where your guide shares tales and history. These alleys are also dotted with small shops and cafes, perfect for a quick photo or a moment to soak in the ambiance. The tour seamlessly combines history with gastronomy, giving you a broader picture of Tours’ culture.

Charlemagne Tower & Rue Colbert:
Next, the tour takes you to notable landmarks like the Charlemagne Tower, adding a dash of history to your gastronomic journey. As you walk, enjoy the stunning views and the opportunity to see where locals gather, shop, and socialize. Reviewers appreciated the mix of informative stories and delicious tastings, with one comment noting that “Mark’s explanations made the tastings all the more meaningful.”

Final Stops – Chocolates, Rillettes, and Wines:
The last stops often feature local chocolates and pork rillets, accompanied by regional wines like Vouvray or reds from the Loire Valley. The wine tasting is carefully curated, with many travelers noting the superior quality and the knowledgeable guidance on pairings. One reviewer highlighted that “the wines from Loire Valley were the best I’ve had,” and that the guide’s insights made each sip more enjoyable.

The Food and Drink

Expect a variety of iconic local products: from Nougat de Tours and Sainte-Maure cheese to rillettes and regional chocolates. The tour also includes several wine tastings, offering a taste of Vouvray sparkling and still wines, recognized as some of the region’s finest.

The quality of the food is consistent with the high reputation of local artisans. Reviewers mention that the tastings feel generous and that each stop provides a distinctive insight into the craftsmanship involved. The guide’s stories add context, making each bite a piece of Tours’ culinary history.

Group Size, Duration, and Practicalities

This tour lasts roughly 2.5 hours, making it a manageable and relaxed experience, perfect for a midday activity. The group typically comprises a small number of participants—often around 4 to 12 people—which promotes interaction and personalized attention.

Comfortable shoes are a must since you’ll be walking through historic streets. The tour is designed to be accessible and friendly for all ages, although baby strollers, bikes, and large bags are not permitted. It’s advisable to bring your own reusable water bottle as the tour has eliminated disposable bottles to be more environmentally friendly.

Pricing is reasonable considering the inclusion of all tastings and drinks—view it as good value for an authentic, curated experience that goes beyond just eating. The flexibility to reserve now and pay later adds peace of mind, especially for spontaneous travelers or those with uncertain plans.

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What Reviewers Love Most

Based on multiple reviews, several aspects shine through as top reasons for choosing this tour.
Guides like Niamh and Mark receive praise for their friendliness, enthusiasm, and knowledge. One reviewer highlighted Mark’s bilingual ability, making the experience accessible for non-French speakers.
The cheese and wine tastings are frequently singled out as highlights, with many noting the quality and authenticity of the products.
Stories behind artisans add richness to the experience—one reviewer mentioned how Mark’s explanations made each tasting more meaningful.
And finally, the casual, relaxed pace makes it a fun, unhurried way to discover Tours’ culinary gems.

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Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re a food enthusiast, this tour offers a genuine look at Tours’ local specialties, paired with engaging storytelling. It’s ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small groups, especially those who love tasting and learning in a relaxed atmosphere.

For those who are interested in wines, the tastings from Loire Valley regions add a layer of sophistication. Travelers who appreciate authentic craftsmanship—like cheese-making and chocolatiers—will find this experience a delightful window into regional traditions.

Keep in mind, if you prefer indoor activities or are sensitive to walking in bad weather, you might want to consider the implications of the tour being outdoors and on foot. Still, many reviewers say that the small group and friendly guides make the experience memorable regardless.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, offering a relaxed pace to enjoy multiple tastings and sights.

Where does the tour start?
It begins outside the Café Le Vieux Murier, centrally located in Tours’ historic district.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes for walking are essential. Since it’s an outdoor experience, bring an umbrella or raincoat if the weather looks uncertain.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, all food and drinks planned for the tour are included, covering cheeses, chocolates, wines, and more.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the experience is friendly, the tour no longer allows baby strollers, and some stops may not be ideal for very young children or toddlers.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserving now allows you to pay later.

Final Thoughts

This food tour in Tours offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of the region’s culinary culture, guided by passionate locals who love sharing their stories. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a leisurely, informative, and delicious stroll through the city’s historic streets. The combination of fabulous tastings, engaging guides, and charming scenery makes it a standout experience for food lovers and curious explorers alike.

If you’re after a genuine, small-group adventure that reveals the heart of Tours’ local flavors, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s about more than just eating; it’s about connecting with the people and traditions that define the Loire Valley’s culinary scene.