Tours, the romantic

Mar. 30 2014

by Cédric Douzant / TÊTU

Tours is not the kind of city that offers itself at first sight, it takes a little time to discover its charms. It would be a mistake to ignore it and take refuge in the nearby Loire castles. Or to let yourself be intimidated by the cold and austere avenues that open up the city center. You just have to go beyond the Place Jean-Jaurès, walk a little, just a few minutes, to reach its jewel: the preserved district of Vieux-Tours, whose medieval architecture gives off a melancholic, almost romantic charm...

Around the emblematic Place Plumereau and its 15th century half-timbered houses, a few cobbled streets are intertwined, animated by a crowd of bars and restaurants. In the evening, this heart of the city beats strongly, awakened by the numerous students who represent more than 5% of the population. After 7 pm, the Vieux-Tours becomes young... and very gay-friendly. The gay establishments are numerous and proudly display themselves. Gays and lesbians do not impose discretion, the visibility is strong and peaceful.

One street stands out as a gay Eldorado, called "the Village" by insiders: rue Colbert, the oldest street in the city. Over a hundred meters, three gay bars, a restaurant and a club follow one another. in Tours, the gay nightlife itinerary seems to be all mapped out. as the night progresses, you have to go down the rue Colbert, and let your mood guide your steps and your choices.

The next Lesbian & Gay pride of Tours will take place on May 21 © LGP Région Centre

You can eat at Pierres Fondues, go to 18 K'fé, a young and trendy bar, to Stud, a hot and virile cruising bar, then finish at GI, the only gay club in town. from 2 o'clock, all the gays who are still out meet there. Faces crossed a few hours earlier, sometimes several times in the evening, reappear. Without fuss or preconceptions, genders and generations mix and end the night together.

If some people deplore a slight loss of steam in the gay life of Tours, the majority of people think that it remains very dynamic. In addition to its establishments, the city has an LGBT center, a sports and leisure association, Tours'Angels, and an annual gay pride. Between the vitality of its environment and the richness of its heritage, Tours has the assets to impose itself as a gay spot, ideal for a weekend at one hour from Paris, and has beautiful nights ahead.

Find all the gay and gay-friendly addresses in Toursin the Tours gay guide

(Main photo © Claudine Doury / Têtu)