Shopping in Tours and around the Loire
All the major department stores can be found in Tours ‘centre ville’ including Galleries La Fayette, Printemps, Zara as well as various French brands and some great kids labels like Cyrillus Sergant Major and IKKS.
Remember most shops close Sundays & Mondays; in many of the smaller villages, stores and banks close from 12noon – 2pm for lunch. However department stores stay open.
So that you find something ‘special’ its the small boutiques that we’re going to feature, places where you’ll find some interesting designs; they’re usually away from the main strip so here’s a few tips: Leave rue National, the main street in Tours and head down these streets:
SHOP
Art & Antiques
— Antique store owner, Frédérique Grego is very busy lately. Her antiques are regularly exported around the globe. Situated in the pretty medieval town of Loches, it is one of those rare shops that keeps you coming back even when you don’t need anything, you just have to take a look at the new collection. If you can’t visit personally, all her special acquisitions are online and catalogued for easy reference.
Whether your looking for an 18th century armoire, a Louis XVI console, Empire furniture or some fine french porcelain you are sure to find a treasure or two here. Frédérique also specialises in estimations and decoration just in case you decide to buy a chateau in the Loire!
Don’t miss this charming store while touring the Loire, you may very well find that 'special' item to remind you of your time in France.
www.art-et-antiques.com
1 place de l'hotel de ville Loches t: 02 47 91 98 47
Rue de la Scellerie
— Rows of shops from modern to antique adorn this street. Closer to the 'Tours Opera House' you’ll stumble across a number of antique stores alongside modern brands such as ‘Kartell’ and ‘Alessi’. ‘Antoinette’ is worth a visit doubles as a ‘Salon de thé’; ‘Multitute ‘stocks interesting French reproduction pieces.
My favourite however is ‘Charme d’Antan’, reasonably priced gifts for the garden and bathroom, items which make wonderful French souvenirs or gifts.
Rue de la Scellerie also has a number of fashion boutiques and a second hand store ‘Marie Botta’Ru stocking labels such as Prada and Tara Jarmon, shoes, bags and clothes.
Five Musts in Tours
— Wonder ‘Les Halles’, the fresh food market. Every produce you could image is creatively displayed, venison, pheasant, rabbit. If you love a taste of the sea, visit the ‘Oyster Bar’ where a selection of the best oysters from Brittany can be eaten at the bar. Following the tradition of only eating oysters in a month with the letter 'r' its open from September to April.
The market is open Mon-Thurs 7.30am – 1pm
Fri-Sat 7.30am-7.30pm and Sun 7.30am – midday
France’s largest flower market is held in Tours every Wed & Sat, rue Béranger 8am-7pm. Since 1874 this wonderful market brings together florists & horticulturists, a must in all seasons.
Address: place Les Halles rue des Marché, Tours
Brocante – Tours' own Flea market is held the last Sunday of each month, lots of little treasures, antique lace, old wares, books etc.
Address: Boulevard Heurteloup, Centre Ville.
Rue Jules Favre
— Head to 'Des droles des femmes' this small boutique stock lots of great french brands and trendy labels. It has a great selection of jeans, tops, and a small selection of boots and shoes.
'Replique' – second-hand designs such as Christain Dior, Max Mara, IKKs, Prada; shoes, clothes and hats. Worth a rummage. Hours of opening are tricky Tuesday, Thursday & Sat 10.30pm – 5pm Wed & Friday 2pm – 5pm.
'Valette' – the famous Fois Gras brand from the Dordogne region – a must to take back to the chateau for supper.
Rue des Marche
— Shoes glorious shoes! Discount TODDs are often found in the store - ‘Demarque’. There’s a great selection of fashion boots at Kolector and Jonak. Casual wear for the whole family at GEOX, as well as many other other popular brands.
This is also Tours’ high end shopping street. You'll find Max Mara, Hermes; Burburry coats and clothing at ‘A Côte’; George Rech for a more formal look. Albertina stocks the latest Prada, Chloe, YSL, Miu Miu bags and shoes. French brands, such as Gerard Darel and Marithe Francois Girbaud are also in this street. You’ll find Longchamp and Lancel handbags as well as some casual boutiques, Eden Park & Espirit and reasonably priced childrens' wear at OKIDAI.
Continue along to the ‘marche covert’ (Les Halles), where locals shop for the best and most expensive produce; an Olfactory experience