Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails

Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails

Victoria 4x4 adventure tours

From the moment you book your tour, attentive staff are at your disposal, ready to tailor your journey to your preferences. Imagine stepping into a world where every detail is taken care of, from priority access to hidden corners of the garden not always open to the general public. Learn more about Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails here As you plan your travel season, you'll find their expertly curated itineraries offer more than just a glimpse into the heart of this stunning destination. In essence, it's this unwavering commitment to exceptional guest services that sets these guided tours apart, transforming a simple visit into a memorable journey through Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's heart.
The air is fresh, and the rejuvenated greenery invites you to immerse yourself in the rebirth of nature. You'll also want to explore the Royal BC Museum, where you can dive deep into the region's natural and human history. Lean more about Star Sightseeing - Victoria here. Imagine wandering through lush rainforests, feeling the mist of towering waterfalls on your face, and strolling along serene beaches with waves gently kissing the shore.

Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails - Victoria architecture tours

  • Off-the-beaten-path Victoria tours
  • Victoria day trips
  • Victoria scuba diving tours
  • Best viewpoints in Victoria
  • Victoria private tours
  • Victoria hot air balloon rides
  • Unique Victoria tours
  • Victoria tour packages
  • Victoria city tours
  • Victoria sunset tours
  • Victoria tourist attractions
  • Craigdarroch Castle tours
  • Victoria cruise tours
  • Budget-friendly Victoria sightseeing
  • Victoria snowboard tours
  • Victoria art tours
  • Victoria festival tours
  • Victoria guided tours
  • West Victoria sightseeing tours
  • Victoria holiday lights tours

After exploring the seasonal wonders that Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails has to offer, it's time to meet the passionate guides who bring these experiences to life. You'll head towards the renowned Butchart Gardens, where floral displays dazzle throughout the year, no matter the season. These forests aren't just a feast for the eyes; they're a sanctuary for the soul, offering tranquility you'll find nowhere else.
It's not just a walk; it's an immersion into a world that's remained untouched for millennia.

Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails - Victoria nature tours

  1. Victoria night tours
  2. Victoria harbor tours
  3. Off-the-beaten-path Victoria tours
  4. Victoria day trips
  5. Victoria scuba diving tours
  6. Best viewpoints in Victoria
  7. Victoria private tours
  8. Victoria hot air balloon rides
  9. Unique Victoria tours
  10. Victoria tour packages
  11. Victoria city tours
  12. Victoria art tours
  13. Victoria festival tours
  14. Victoria guided tours
  15. West Victoria sightseeing tours
  16. Victoria holiday lights tours
You'll explore the best local eateries, hidden gems, and culinary hotspots, each with its own story and flavors that embody the spirit of Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails. Whether you're watching the sunset paint the skies from a hidden viewpoint or tracing the path of a gently flowing river, you'll find that Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's natural beauty offers a unique kind of solace.

After submitting your form, you'll receive an email confirmation with all the details of your tour, including the time and meeting point. Moreover, your tour includes guided walks led by expert guides who aren't only passionate about the gardens but also have insider knowledge that enriches your visit.

Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails - Victoria ferry tours

  • Victoria multi-day tours
  • Victoria sightseeing itineraries
  • Victoria heritage tours
  • Old Town Victoria tours
  • Victoria fishing tours
  • Best tour operators in Victoria
  • Victoria luxury tours
  • Victoria eco tours
  • Victoria botanical garden tours
  • Inner Harbour sightseeing tours
  • Victoria boat tours
  • Victoria waterfront tours
  • Victoria urban exploration tours
  • Victoria travel tips
  • Victoria sightseeing deals
  • Best places to visit in Victoria
  • Things to do in Victoria
We accept all major credit cards, ensuring a hassle-free transaction. Keep your eyes peeled for the colorful butterflies fluttering in the rose garden or listen for the cheerful chirping of birds nestled in the Japanese Maple trees. Dive into the heart of Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's culinary identity by sampling signature dishes at renowned restaurants.

Now, let's dive into Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's rich history by exploring its iconic historical sites with Star Sightseeing Tours. The colors, the scents-it was all so overwhelming in the best way possible. From the historical depths unveiled at every corner to the natural wonders and cultural experiences highlighted throughout, these tours are meticulously designed to offer an immersive journey. Indigenous cultural tours Victoria They're also on hand to answer your questions, from the most detailed inquiries about the plant species to recommendations on the best spots for a photo.

You'll be invited to join in celebrations, to dance, to sing, and to laugh. You'll also find yourself meandering through historic alleyways that tell tales of yesteryear, guided by stories that resonate with the heartbeat of the city. You'll gain unparalleled access to some of the most exclusive observatories and secluded stargazing spots, previously only known to a select few enthusiasts. Beyond exploring the cosmos, Star Sightseeing also offers immersive cultural experiences that connect you with the rich heritage of the locations you visit under the stars.

But it's not just the grand stories that'll capture your heart; it's also the personal anecdotes and legends, the whispers of ghost stories and unexplained mysteries that have been passed down through generations. After exploring the enchanting Butchart Gardens, you'll find that Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails has much more to offer with its array of must-see attractions and hidden gems. These spots are carefully selected for their dark skies and breathtaking views, offering a stargazing experience that's as educational as it's enchanting. Discovering Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's hidden gems becomes effortless with our expertly curated itineraries, tailored just for you.

Victoria Boat Tours

Known as "the Garden City", Victoria is an attractive city and a popular tourism destination and has a regional technology sector that has risen to be its largest revenue-generating private industry. In 2019, Victoria was in the top 20 world cities for quality of life, according to Numbeo.

Citations and other links

Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails Private Tour Packages

You'll savor the flavors of Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails through culinary tours that highlight the fusion of indigenous and contemporary cuisine. These guides don't just share facts; they open doors to experiences that typical tours overlook. Victoria sunset tours From using electric vehicles to limiting group sizes to reduce disruption to wildlife, every aspect of your journey is thoughtfully considered.

Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails - Victoria cruise tours

  • Victoria ferry tours
  • Victoria photography tours
  • Romantic tours in Victoria
  • Victoria wine tours
  • Family-friendly tours in Victoria
  • North Victoria sightseeing tours
  • Victoria kayaking tours
  • Victoria bike tours
  • Victoria senior-friendly sightseeing
  • Victoria wildlife tours
  • Victoria hop-on hop-off tours
  • Sightseeing Victoria
  • Victoria brewery tours
  • Victoria sightseeing tickets
  • Victoria multi-day tours
  • Victoria sightseeing itineraries
  • Victoria heritage tours
You'll find yourself whisked away to the enchanting Butchart Gardens, a highlight that promises an unforgettable blend of horticultural mastery and natural beauty.

Imagine standing under the vast, open skies, where the stars twinkle like diamonds scattered across the velvet night.

Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails - Victoria summer sightseeing

  1. Victoria architecture tours
  2. Victoria ferry tours
  3. Victoria photography tours
  4. Romantic tours in Victoria
  5. Victoria wine tours
  6. Family-friendly tours in Victoria
  7. North Victoria sightseeing tours
  8. Victoria kayaking tours
  9. Victoria bike tours
  10. Victoria senior-friendly sightseeing
  11. Victoria wildlife tours
  12. Victoria hop-on hop-off tours
  13. Sightseeing Victoria
  14. Victoria brewery tours
  15. Victoria sightseeing tickets
  16. Victoria multi-day tours
  17. Victoria sightseeing itineraries
  18. Victoria heritage tours
  19. Old Town Victoria tours
Star Sightseeing's eco-friendly tours take you on a journey through lush rainforests, along rugged coastlines, and into the heart of conservation areas, all the while ensuring your footprint is as light as a feather. Having explored Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's hidden gems, you're now ready to experience the city's breathtaking scenic routes with Star Sightseeing Tours.

Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails - Victoria cruise tours

  1. Victoria day trips
  2. Victoria scuba diving tours
  3. Best viewpoints in Victoria
  4. Victoria private tours
  5. Victoria hot air balloon rides
  6. Unique Victoria tours
  7. Victoria tour packages
  8. Victoria city tours
  9. Romantic tours in Victoria
  10. Victoria wine tours
  11. Family-friendly tours in Victoria
  12. North Victoria sightseeing tours
  13. Victoria kayaking tours
  14. Victoria bike tours
  15. Victoria senior-friendly sightseeing
  16. Victoria wildlife tours
  17. Victoria hop-on hop-off tours
  18. Sightseeing Victoria
  19. Victoria brewery tours
  20. Victoria sightseeing tickets
West Victoria sightseeing tours

Exploring Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's historic landmarks offers you a unique glimpse into the city's vibrant past. Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails isn't just about the stunning Butchart Gardens; it's a city rich with history, culture, and natural beauty. They're not just adding tours; they're redefining what it means to immerse yourself in the beauty of Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails, offering exclusive access and personalized options that cater to your every whim.

With Star Sightseeing, your journey through Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's culinary landscape is as rich and diverse as the flavors you'll encounter. With Star Sightseeing Tours, you're not just visiting historical sites; you're stepping into the pages of Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's fascinating history book. And in summer, you'll find yourself exploring coastal paths and enjoying breezy sunset cruises that capture the essence of the season.

Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails Private Tour Packages
Luxury Tours Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails

Luxury Tours Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails

Imagine yourself kayaking through serene waters at dawn, the silence broken only by the splash of your paddle, or zip-lining through lush forests, feeling the rush of the wind against your face.

Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails - Indigenous cultural tours Victoria

  1. Romantic tours in Victoria
  2. Victoria wine tours
  3. Family-friendly tours in Victoria
  4. North Victoria sightseeing tours
  5. Victoria kayaking tours
  6. Victoria bike tours
  7. Victoria senior-friendly sightseeing
  8. Victoria wildlife tours
  9. Victoria hop-on hop-off tours
  10. Sightseeing Victoria
  11. Victoria brewery tours
  12. Victoria sightseeing tickets
  13. Victoria multi-day tours
  14. Victoria sightseeing itineraries
  15. Victoria heritage tours
Victoria holiday lights tours Each experience is a doorway to understanding the heart and soul of Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails, making your visit unforgettable. You'll witness the rugged cliffs facing the pounding waves, a testament to nature's enduring strength and beauty. Delving into the heart of Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails, customized tour experiences let you uncover the city's essence through a lens that's uniquely yours. From the Indigenous Coast Salish peoples, whose presence and practices deeply influence the region, to the British colonial past that's etched into the architecture and tea rooms, you're stepping into a living museum where every corner tells a story.
Witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat isn't just an adventure; it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you'll talk about for years to come. From the whispering winds through ancient forests to the tranquil silence of mountain peaks, you're in for an adventure that will awaken your senses and renew your love for the great outdoors. Whether you're an art enthusiast eager to explore local galleries, a history buff fascinated by Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's rich past, or an adventurer looking to experience the great outdoors, they've got you covered. With these guides, you're not just taking a tour; you're stepping into a world of stories, each ready to unfold at your pace.
The one-size-fits-all approach doesn't cut it anymore. Victoria ferry tours Read more about Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails here Don't miss the opportunity to explore the mystic forests that blanket the area. You're not just sightseers; you're explorers delving into the rich tapestry of Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's history and natural beauty. You're not just a spectator; you're invited to participate.
Beyond the luxury amenities that elevate your tour experience, you'll discover the seasonal splendors that make Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's landscapes truly magical. You'll be part of a privileged group, stepping inside private observatories not open to the general public. With expert guides ready to unveil the secrets of Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's most cherished sites, you're on the brink of discovering a world where every detail is designed to enchant and inspire. What's drawing you and others to Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails isn't just its scenic views or the Royal BC Museum.

Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails - Victoria summer sightseeing

  1. Victoria architecture tours
  2. Victoria ferry tours
  3. Victoria photography tours
  4. Romantic tours in Victoria
  5. Victoria wine tours
  6. Family-friendly tours in Victoria
  7. North Victoria sightseeing tours
  8. Victoria kayaking tours
  9. Victoria bike tours
  10. Victoria senior-friendly sightseeing
  11. Victoria wildlife tours
  12. Victoria hop-on hop-off tours
  13. Sightseeing Victoria
  14. Victoria brewery tours
  15. Victoria sightseeing tickets
  16. Victoria multi-day tours
  17. Victoria sightseeing itineraries
  18. Victoria heritage tours
  19. Old Town Victoria tours

Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails Discovery Tours

You're not just a tourist when you travel with Star Sightseeing; you're a participant in a larger effort to preserve the beauty you've come to see. Victoria tourist attractions Lastly, payment is secure and straightforward. Simply fill out the online form with your details, including the number of people in your party. With Star Sightseeing's expert-guided tours, you're not just seeing the sights; you're embarking on an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature's marvels. Budget-friendly Victoria sightseeing

Autumn introduces a palette of fiery hues, perfect for those who love crisp air and pumpkin patches. Don't wait too long, though, as spots fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. The staff's friendliness adds to the experience, ready with a smile to share stories or offer directions to hidden gems within the gardens.

You'll discover alleyways illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns, each turn revealing a new secret or story. Victoria wine tours You'll find yourself wandering through historical landmarks, marveling at nature's wonders, and immersing in the local culture like never before. Prepare to be captivated by stories that await around every corner, and let's explore why Star Sightseeing is your key to discovering Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails in a way that's as unique as your interests.

You'll want to capture every moment as you wander through this floral masterpiece. They strive to accommodate all guests, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to fully participate and enjoy what Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails has to offer.

Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails Discovery Tours
Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails Travel Escapes
Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails Travel Escapes

From historic pubs to trendy cafes, you'll savor flavors that define the city's culinary culture, making each bite a discovery in itself. For a touch of nature within the city, Beacon Hill Park offers serene landscapes, walking trails, and the charming Beacon Hill Children's Farm. Victoria festival tours Don't overlook the lesser-known gems like the Abkhazi Garden, where each path tells a story of love and resilience, or the Government House Gardens, where you can stroll through meticulously maintained thematic areas. It's a chance to uncover secrets and tales that have shaped Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails, all while enveloped in the enchanting atmosphere of the night. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just love to eat, Star Sightseeing's culinary tours offer an unforgettable way to experience Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's food scene, one bite at a time.

Star Sightseeing's expert-guided tours invite you to embark on a journey that promises to unveil the layers of history, culture, and natural beauty this region boasts. Summer brings the roses to the forefront, with their heady fragrance and stunning variety stealing the show. Imagine yourself kayaking through serene waters at dawn, the peaceful silence broken only by the splash of your paddle. The Butchart Gardens are in full splendor, with roses, dahlias, and countless other flowers creating a kaleidoscope of colors.

You won't just travel in style; you'll also savor gourmet refreshments. Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's untouched landscapes offer a serene escape into nature's pristine beauty, inviting you to explore its tranquil wilderness. You're more inclined to support businesses that demonstrate a commitment to preserving the environment and contributing positively to local communities. Fancy a leisurely stroll through the city's hidden gems or an exhilarating hike up to a breathtaking viewpoint?

Star Sightseeing achieves this through the use of eco-friendly vehicles, adherence to strict trail and site visitation guidelines, and partnerships with local conservation groups. Whether you're a history buff eager to explore Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trailsn-era architecture or an outdoor enthusiast longing for the wild, untouched landscapes, we've got you covered. Winter tours aren't left behind, with cozy, illuminated evenings that highlight Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's festive spirit. To make the most of your visit to Butchart Gardens, it's essential to plan ahead.



Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails - Victoria architecture tours

  • Victoria 4x4 adventure tours
  • Victoria nature tours
  • Indigenous cultural tours Victoria
  • Victoria summer sightseeing
  • Victoria sunset tours
  • Victoria tourist attractions
  • Craigdarroch Castle tours
  • Victoria cruise tours
  • Budget-friendly Victoria sightseeing
  • Victoria snowboard tours
  • Victoria art tours
  • Victoria festival tours
  • Victoria guided tours
  • West Victoria sightseeing tours
  • Victoria holiday lights tours
Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails Butchart Gardens Packages

The guided tours are designed to respect the delicate balance of Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's ecosystems, ensuring that you witness these wonders in the most sustainable and responsible way possible. Don't miss the Italian Garden, housed in what was once a tennis court, showcasing formal beds, elegant statues, and a picturesque fountain. You can pay online using a credit card, and rest assured, their system is encrypted and safe. With Star Sightseeing, you're not just booking a tour; you're indulging in a premium experience that's as extraordinary as the sights you're set to see. Every step with Star Sightseeing Tours is a step closer to the heart of Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails, leaving you with a profound appreciation and a deeper connection to this culturally rich land.
Cultural festivals are also a highlight, offering a chance to see Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's diverse communities in celebration. Craigdarroch Castle tours These are spots where locals go to find peace, and they're yours to discover. You'll taste seasonal delicacies on food tours, hear stories that resonate with the season's spirit, and see Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails from perspectives that change as the earth orbits the sun. You're not just paying for a ticket into Butchart Gardens; you're investing in a full, rich experience that highlights the best Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails has to offer.
By the 1920s, Butchart Gardens had become a renowned tourist attraction, inviting guests from all over the world to marvel at its beauty and the variety of its plants. It's an immersive experience where history isn't just told; it's shared, making you a part of Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's continuing story. By responding to your demands, they're ensuring your visit to Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails isn't just memorable but meaningful. Star Sightseeing doesn't just show you these places; they immerse you in Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's dynamic art scene, making every tour a unique exploration of creativity. Victoria guided tours
Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails's blend of historic charm, cultural richness, and natural beauty makes it an unforgettable destination. Imagine diving into the heart of Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails without the worry of missing out or the hassle of planning. You can post pictures, update your social media, or even live-stream parts of your tour without using your data plan. You're not just a tourist; you're a participant in a larger effort to preserve the beauty and integrity of the place.

Explore Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails here
Bike Through Scenic Victoria Trails Butchart Gardens Packages

 

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.

 

 

Methods of travel in Hong Kong, the most visited city according to Euromonitor. Top to bottom: the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and the MTR.
Train travel – Passengers on a train on a bridge of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, between Mettupalayam and Ootacamund, in Tamil Nadu, India

Travel is the movement of people between distant geographical locations. Travel can be done by foot, bicycle, automobile, train, boat, bus, airplane, ship or other means, with or without luggage, and can be one way or round trip.[1] Travel can also include relatively short stays between successive movements, as in the case of tourism.

Etymology

[edit]

The origin of the word "travel" is most likely lost to history. The term "travel" may originate from the Old French word travail, which means 'work'.[2] According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the first known use of the word travel was in the 14th century. It also states that the word comes from Middle English travailen, travelen (which means to torment, labor, strive, journey) and earlier from Old French travailler (which means to work strenuously, toil).

In English, people still occasionally use the words travail, which means struggle. According to Simon Winchester in his book The Best Travelers' Tales (2004), the words travel and travail both share an even more ancient root: a Roman instrument of torture called the tripalium (in Latin it means "three stakes", as in to impale).[citation needed] This link may reflect the extreme difficulty of travel in ancient times. Travel in modern times may or may not be much easier, depending upon the destination. Travel to Mount Everest, the Amazon rainforest, extreme tourism, and adventure travel are more difficult forms of travel. Travel can also be more difficult depending on the method of travel, such as by bus, cruise ship, or even by bullock cart.[3]

Purpose and motivation

[edit]
Traveler's motorcycle with large rear box

Reasons for traveling include recreation,[4] holidays, rejuvenation,[5] tourism[4] or vacationing,[4] research travel,[4] the gathering of information, visiting people, volunteer travel for charity, migration to begin life somewhere else, religious pilgrimages[4] and mission trips, business travel,[4] trade,[4] commuting, obtaining health care,[4] waging or fleeing war, for the enjoyment of traveling, or other reasons. Travelers may use human-powered transport such as walking or bicycling; or vehicles, such as public transport, automobiles, trains, ferries, boats, cruise ships and airplanes.

Motives for travel include:

History

[edit]

Travel dates back to antiquity where wealthy Greeks and Romans would travel for leisure to their summer homes and villas in cities such as Pompeii and Baiae.[9] While early travel tended to be slower, more dangerous, and more dominated by trade and migration, cultural and technological advances over many years have tended to mean that travel has become easier and more accessible.[10] Humankind has come a long way in transportation since Christopher Columbus sailed to the New World from Spain in 1492, an expedition which took over 10 weeks to arrive at the final destination; to the 21st century when aircraft allows travel from Spain to the United States overnight.

Travel in the Middle Ages offered hardships and challenges, though it was important to the economy and to society. The wholesale sector depended (for example) on merchants dealing with/through caravans or sea-voyagers, end-user retailing often demanded the services of many itinerant peddlers wandering from village to hamlet, gyrovagues (wandering monks) and wandering friars brought theology and pastoral support to neglected areas, traveling minstrels toured, and armies ranged far and wide in various crusades and in sundry other wars.[9] Pilgrimages were common in both the European and Islamic world and involved streams of travelers both locally and internationally.[11]

In the late 16th century, it became fashionable for young European aristocrats and wealthy upper-class men to travel to significant European cities as part of their education in the arts and literature. This was known as the Grand Tour, and included cities such as London, Paris, Venice, Florence, and Rome. However, the French Revolution brought with it the end of the Grand Tour.[9]

Travel by water often provided more comfort and speed than land-travel, at least until the advent of a network of railways in the 19th century. Travel for the purpose of tourism is reported to have started around this time when people began to travel for fun as travel was no longer a hard and challenging task. This was capitalized on by people like Thomas Cook selling tourism packages where trains and hotels were booked together.[12] Airships and airplanes took over much of the role of long-distance surface travel in the 20th century, notably after the Second World War where there was a surplus of both aircraft and pilots.[9] Air travel has become so ubiquitous in the 21st century that one woman, Alexis Alford, visited all 196 countries before the age of 21.[13]

Geographic types

[edit]

Travel may be local, regional, national (domestic) or international. In some countries, non-local internal travel may require an internal passport, while international travel typically requires a passport and visa. Tours are a common type of travel. Examples of travel tours are expedition cruises,[14] small group tours,[15] and river cruises.[16]

Safety

[edit]
Travelers in a British Airways 747 airplane. Air travel is a common means of transport.
MS Skania ferry in the port of Szczecin

Authorities emphasize the importance of taking precautions to ensure travel safety.[17] When traveling abroad, the odds favor a safe and incident-free trip, however, travelers can be subject to difficulties, crime and violence.[18] Some safety considerations include being aware of one's surroundings,[17] avoiding being the target of a crime,[17] leaving copies of one's passport and itinerary information with trusted people,[17] obtaining medical insurance valid in the country being visited[17] and registering with one's national embassy when arriving in a foreign country.[17] Many countries do not recognize drivers' licenses from other countries; however most countries accept international driving permits.[19] Automobile insurance policies issued in one's own country are often invalid in foreign countries, and it is often a requirement to obtain temporary auto insurance valid in the country being visited.[19] It is also advisable to become oriented with the driving rules and regulations of destination countries.[19] Wearing a seat belt is highly advisable for safety reasons; many countries have penalties for violating seatbelt laws.[19]

There are three main statistics which may be used to compare the safety of various forms of travel (based on a Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions survey in October 2000):[20]

Mode Deaths per billion
Journeys Hours Kilometers
Bus 4.3 11.1 0.4
Rail 20 30 0.6
Air 117 30.8 0.05
Ship 90 50 2.6
Van 20 60 1.2
Car 40 130 3.1
Walking 40 220 54
Bicycle 170 550 45
Motorcycle 1640 4840 109

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Travel". Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Merriam-Webster. 12 Apr 2021. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
  2. ^ Entymoligical dictionary (definition). Retrieved on 10 December 2011
  3. ^ Buzard, J. (1993). The Beaten Track. European Tourism literature, and the Ways to 'Culture' 1800 - 1918. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "The Road to Travel: Purpose of Travel." University of Florida, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. (Compilation for History 3931/REL 3938 course.) Accessed July 2011.
  5. ^ "Motivations of Travel" (PDF). U.S. Travel Association.
  6. ^ Simonson, Lawrence R.; Koth, Barbara A.; Kreag, Glenn M. (1988). "So Your Community Wants Travel/Tourism? Guidelines for Attracting and Servicing Visitors". conservancy.edu. hdl:11299/178439. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  7. ^ a b "Motivations for Travel Fact Sheet" (PDF). U.S. Travel Association. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  8. ^ "Cultural Experiences". Worldpackers.
  9. ^ a b c d "A History Of Why People Travel". Matador Network.
  10. ^ "A Brief Visual History of Travel". Accessed May 2017.
  11. ^ Peters, F. E. (1994). The Hajj: The Muslim Pilgrimage to Mecca and the Holy Places. Princeton University Press. p. 164. ISBN 9780691026190.
  12. ^ "A brief history of travel: From elite hobby to mass tourism". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  13. ^ Beni, Shauna (July 29, 2019). "This Gen Zer Just Became the Youngest Person to Travel to Every Country: Alexis Alford—or Lexie Limitless, as she's known on Instagram—has set the record at just 21 years old". Conde Nast Traveler. Retrieved March 6, 2020. ... By age 12, Alexis Alford ... Alford, now 21, has accomplished her goal...
  14. ^ "Unrivaled Expedition Cruises". National Geographic Expeditions. Retrieved 2021-04-30.
  15. ^ "Book a small group tour with National Geographic Journeys and see more of the world for less". National Geographic Expeditions. Retrieved 2021-04-30.
  16. ^ "River Cruises from National Geographic - Book one of our new authentic River Cruises across Europe or Asia". National Geographic Expeditions. Retrieved 2021-04-30.
  17. ^ a b c d e f "Tips for Traveling Abroad." Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State. Accessed July 2011.
  18. ^ "A Safe Trip Abroad." Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State. Accessed July 2011.
  19. ^ a b c d "Road Safety Overseas." Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State. Accessed July 2011.
  20. ^ The risks of travel Archived 2001-09-07 at the Wayback Machine
[edit]

 

 

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

You'll find Star Sightseeing tours in Victoria offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and personalized assistance to ensure travelers with disabilities can enjoy their journey comfortably. They're committed to making the experience accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

You can't bring pets on the tour, even in outdoor areas. It's important to plan accordingly if you're thinking of including any furry friends in your travel plans, as they won't be allowed.

You're in luck! Star Sightseeing caters to your dietary needs by offering personalized meal options. Just inform them of your restrictions or preferences in advance, and they'll ensure your culinary experience is enjoyable and worry-free.