France Trip: Fête de la Musique in Tours

Sunday, April 26, 2026

Fête de la Musique - Place Plumereau

Unfortunately, after two weeks, my time in Sancerre came to an end. It was time to go Westward! I took the bus to the Gare de Bourges, and then SNCF'ed my way to the town of Tours, France. Confusingly named for those of us who speak English. I only spent two nights here, as part of my France Trip rule of not transferring at train stations. Throughout this journey, this rule meant I ended up spending a couple days here or there in small towns most tourists may not visit.

Unsurprisingly, every single small town in France I visited was an absolute delight. Great food, great architecture, great promenades.

Fête de la Musique Fête de la Musique - Le'Monstre

Tours was of course, no exception to this rule. Particulaly helped along by the fact that it was Fête de la Musique on my second night here. All across France, the streets fill with live music to celebrate music. Tours was quite hopping on this day, with impromptu brass concerts on the shopping streets, music playing in front of the cathedrals...just music, everywhere! DJs, too, but, meh.

Tours - Place Plumereau Fête de la Musique - Cathédrale Saint-Gatien

The town itself was lovely to walk-through. The usual churches, town halls, basilicas, etc. But also a lovely little crowded street (Rue Colbert) lined with restaurants with cuisines from all over the world. Place Plumereau (pictured above-left) was close to my AirBnB, and surrounded by cafés and lovely historical buildings that were also sprinkled elsewhere throughout the neighborhood.

Fête de la Musique - Collégiale Saint Martin et Tour Charlemagne Tours - Hôtel de Ville

I had not realized there was a lovely bridge or two to walk over until admiring the historic postcards that decorated my appartement. That is when I learned that the word "Pont" meant "Bridge." So here's some photos from/of Pont Wilson and Pont Mirabeau, over the Loire River.

Tours - Pont Wilson Tours - from Pont Mirabeau

'Spent a nice long time eating lunch and watching the egrets go fishing next to Pont Wilson.

Tours - Pont Wilson

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