There are some people in the world who love nothing more than switching on the television, booze in hand, and spending an evening in front of as many soap operas and reality television shows as their brain can physically take. There are others, however, who would consider this a night of hell and much prefer to spend the evening dining at an excellent restaurant, paying a little extra for a quality bottle of wine and enjoying a bit of intelligent conversation before heading off to watch an art-house movie. For those who tend towards the later, Tours might just be the place for you.

Tours is said to have the cosmopolitan air of a miniature Paris, something that is unsurprising when you consider it is only an hour train-ride from the nation's capital and a popular commuter city for Parisian workers. It is credited as the home of the original French language and, as you would expect from such an historic French city, it is particularly famous for its exceptional cuisine, fine wines, culture and art. Nicknamed 'the garden of France', Tours and the surrounding area of Touraine was a favourite spot of French royalty at the end of the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance. As such the area surrounding the city is filled with fabulous, excellently preserved royal chateaux that served as homes for frolicking kings and the high society that socialised in such circles. At one point in the 16th century King Louis XI made the city the capital of the kingdom. It is possible to visit many of these spectacular palaces on any number of excursions available from Tours. 

The city and many of its historic buildings were seriously damaged in the air raids of the Second World War but, thanks to an intelligent restoration programme, it has become, arguably, the most appealing of the major Loire cities. It is a model of peaceful prosperity livened up by a sizeable student population intent on bringing a friendly buzz to the evening atmosphere. The university's art faculty stands nearby to the pedestrianised Place Plumereau which sits in the medieval heart of the city and as a result is undoubtedly Tour's most atmospheric quarter. The area is packed full with busy cafés, boutiques and galleries, and in streets such as Rue Brionnet you will stumble across fantastic half-timbered facades, hidden courtyards and crooked towers.

A quick exploration of the surrounding streets reveals further wonders, including a Romanesque church converted into a café and a square complete with sunken Gallo-Roman ruins. The beautiful architecture and real French feel continues all around the city and the history of the area is celebrated in a number of classy and unusual museums. There is an archeological museum set in what was a silk-maker's house and is now one of the finest examples of Renaissance building in France. The Musee de Beaux Arts exhibits a number of famous paintings and is set in the former episcopal palace overlooking stunning classical gardens.

These fine examples of French architecture translate to an exciting and varied property market. When looking for a home in Tours there is a high chance of finding something with real character and individuality. However, according to Sam Carter from estate agents Properties in France, this all comes at a price. "Properties in the centre of the city are expensive and are therefore less attractive to British investors", says Carter. At over 500,000 euros for a four-bedroom town-house it is easy to see what she means. But, Carter says, "As you move to the suburbs, property gets significantly cheaper and you can get a restoration for about 50,000 euros, a restored two-bedroom cottage for 130,000 euros or a huge chateau with house in grounds for 1.4 million euros". Carter also points out that "The majority of Brits are looking for a tuffeau stone house in the countryside and at the moment we are inundated with people who want to restore, but buying in the city could be a good investment opportunity due to the huge student population and the decent rental opportunities they bring with them". 

So, with cheap flights available for less than £20 return from Stansted, Tours is a genuine option for Brits to consider for a property investment. It might cost you more, but sometimes the finer things in life really are worth paying that little bit extra for.

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Article published in August 2007