3 years of student life in Tours, France by Pauline

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What is it like to live in Tours? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Tours is a great student city. I spent 3 years of my life studying there and it was really dynamic, safe, and fun. I recommend finding a flat in the city centre, since it's nicer to live there than in south or the north of Tours, where you may not find everything you need. The best option, in my opinion, is to live downtown and to use the buses and tramways to go to the faculty. For girls, Tours is a very safe city, I'm absolutely not afraid to go out on the evening on my own and most of the people are friendly.

What is the student lifestyle like in Tours?

In Tours, the student lifestyle is quite different according to the faculty where you are. There is not one campus but 4 with a different lifestyle in each one. My faculty is the Tanneurs faculty, I think it's the most friendly and peaceful, and it's the same for the sciences pole in Grandmont. But, in my opinion, the faculties of Law (district of the Deux Lions") of Medicine (district of Ouest of Tours) are less friendly. Anyway, student are very scattered in Tours, so it makes Tours be very dynamic. It's, most of all, an urban lifestyle.

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How much does it cost to live in Tours?

In order to live in Tours, you need approximately 350 euros/a month for a flat, 30 euros/ a month for transports (bus, tram), and 40 euros/week for food. As a result, you need around 420 euros/a month to live. Besides, if you have a flat, you can ask the government for help to pay your accomodation (APL).

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Tours? Is there any advice you can give?

It's quite difficult to find an accommodation that is well located in Tours. If you want a flat in the city centre for a good price, start searching for a flat one month before your arrival in Tours. At the latest moment, you'll find something, although it won't be the perfect location for the perfect price.

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What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is good, I like to go to Italian restaurant or Crêperies, but, for little budgets, the best option is to go to the Traditional Bakery and buy a sandwich made in a good bread and with fresh products inside.

What places would you recommend visiting in Tours?

I recommend to go to the Colbert Street and to all the Cathedral district, it's very peaceful, nice and it's characterised by its medieval architecture. I also recommend to runners to go to the Botanic Garden in front of the Medicine Faculty, and to the Prébendes Garden, close to the Grammont Avenue. All of these visits are free and are very nice to do to discover Tours. Another nice place is the Simon Isle on the Loire, just behind the Letter and Art Faculty.

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Is it good to eat out in Tours? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

My favourite spot is the Boccaccio Pizzeria, close to the National street. In the same register, you can go to the Comptoir Italien to eat great pastas and pizzas too. Count around 20 euros for a main course and a dessert.

For smaller budget, the Scala or the Cabane de Romulus are very good pizzerias.

I also recommend for a coffee or a snack the Fabrique à Jus, close to the north of the National road. They make fabulous fruit juices and milkshakes.

Is the nightlife good in Tours? Where is good to go?

The best option is to go to Place Plumereau, where you can find all the bars and nightclubs you need. However, I recommend not buying your drink right on that Place. Instead, go to the streets around since they are cheaper. For a beer or a coffee, I like to go to La Cabane, as it has a nice atmosphere and good prices.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Tours?

Do not hesitate to explore that city and the area of the Loire Valley and all of its castles. When you've done, take the train to Paris, as it's very close.

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