Cultural & Courses
Festival 'Rayons Frais' Arts and Danse
This annual event held in the town of Tours is a celebration of dance, cinema, music and street performances from local and international artists. The streets come alive with free performances.. Always provocative and innovative. (2008 dates were 4-7 July, similar in 2009: to be posted)
www.rayonsfrais.com
Want to see a film in English?
Studio Cinema is a modern and comfortable cinema complex close by to the Cathedral. A number of films are ‘version originale’ unless marked otherwise. You can view the programme at their website.
V.O = Version original
V.F = Version Francais
www.studiocine.com
2 rue des Ursulines 37000 Tours
A la Cour du Roy François
This is a great show, albeit a little long. The story begins with young King Charles VIII who died after on route to see a game of ‘raquette’ and then recounts the many years of Kings and Queens at the Royal Court. Have dinner nearby and then enjoy fine French performances. Show commences at 10pm in August 10.30pm June and July (there’s plenty of fireworks, waterworks and light shows to keep the kids amused if language becomes a barrier). See their website for programme details. Tickets are €17 for Grandstand and €11 picnic area. Or contact us via our accommodation booking form.
www.renaissance-amboise.com
Chateau Amboise, Amboise t: 02 47 57 14 47
Musée des Beaux Arts
This Fine Arts musueum was once home to the Archbishop. You'll find fine pieces of furniture and a small but considerable collection of French and foreign paintings from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Mantegna, Rubens, Rembrandt, Boucher, Delacroix and Degas are shown in the grand salons of this 17th Century building. Open all year round, 9-12.45 am, 2-6 pm every day except Tuesday
www.tours.fr
18 Place F. Sicard, Tours
For war enthusiasts - Tank Museum
Open most of the year from 10am till 5pm, a little later in Summer.
Why go: If you love tanks and history covering WW II and would like to get up close and personal with a Tank there are numerous displays.
Will kids like it? Well yes, there's a 'Piste du Roy', free puzzles, although usually in French. Ask at the entry. Adults 6 euros Child 7-13 3.50 euors.
www.musee-des-blindes.asso.fr
1043, route de Fontevraud, 49400 Saumur t: 02 41 83 69 95