Cultural & Courses
Learn French in the morning, horse ride in the afternoon
— What a great way to combine a holiday with a learning experience. The school is situated in Tours, a large town in the Loire Valley. Tours has several language schools and is most respected throughout France for its perfection of the language. These courses are an opportunity to combine learning with your favourite sport. I'm sure there's time for chateau-hopping on the weekend.
The wide open spaces of the Loire Valley favour those who love to go horse riding, and many are only minutes from the centre of Tours.
Le Printemps musical de Saint-Cosme
— Now in its 16th year, these symphonies are held over two weeks in March....the 2009 dates to be posted. Over 12 different concerts from young French musicians and international guests performing Brahms to Beehoven, Haydn and Schubert. The concerts are held in the beautiful 'demeure de Ronsard'.
www.lesmusicales.fr
t: 02 47 320 711.
Horse ride for a week in the Loire
— Each Summer from May to October, this well known stable provides specialized horse riding groups for up to 8 people. You can expect to spend at least 6-8 hours in the saddle. There's also a special 'teenagers' program. Accommodation and meals is all covered. If you would like more information feel free to contact us.
Ferme du Coteau 37270 Azay sur Cher
Tours Silk production
— Tours was once the centre of a rich silk industry introduced by Louix XI. Today one of the last surviving factories remains in production and can be visited but by appointment only.
You will see 250 year-old tools and looms still in use. One fine example of their workmanship can be viewed in the Chateau Villandry's new 'Oriential Room'; a large silk tapestry hangs, commissioned by the chateau's owners. It is quite a work of art.
If you would like a English-speaking tour, book via the Loire Valley Tourism, link below or contact us via our accommodation booking form.
www.ligeris.com
La Manach Plant, Tours
Opera de Tours
— This small but very fine Opera House has a varied programme for all ages. A season of Symphonies and Operas commence each September. There are also a number of free recitals and concerts. There is no dedicated website and tickets are purchased via their ticket office at the venue
www.tours.fr
34 rue de la Scellerie Tours t: 02 47 60 20 00
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