In the centre of Tours, just round the corner from Institut de Touraine, there are lots of options:

• shopping in rue Nationale and the neighbouring streets (clothes, local produce, bookshops, records, department stores etc)
• having a drink with friends in the historic old quarter (Vieux Tours, place Plumereau and surrounding streets)
• discotheques in Vieux Tours – student evenings
• if you prefer nature: walks along the banks of the Loire, on the islands in Tours, in the city's public gardens
• music, drama and dance lessons (organized by an association or the Tours City Council)
• sport, in a private club or a community centre…
  

In Tours, the traditional marché aux fleurs (flower market) takes place every Wednesday and Saturday in boulevard Béranger..

One Saturday a month, enjoy the marché gourmand (fine food market), place de Résistance in Tours.

Second-hand and car boot sales are held regularly in Tours and the town of Touraine. For bargain-hunting and (maybe) unearthing just what you were looking for.

Discover another side of France in Village fetes: sharing a meal around a large table, dancing, fireworks, performers…

In Touraine, many original shows are put on in the chateaux and medieval towns, especially in summer:

• Sons et lumières at the chateaux of Amboise, Chambord, Azay le Rideau in summer
• Royal evenings of Loches (July & August)
• Discover the homes of authors: a walk around Ronsard's at La Riche, a day with Balzac at Saché…