French Christmas breaks in Tours

If you are looking for a cheap holiday where you can stock up on food and drink ahead of Christmas then France is one of the best places to head for, especially if you plan to drive.

One region keen to attract British holidaymakers this season is Tours, in the Loire Valley, which has half price accommodation in two to four-star hotels available at weekends in the run-up to Christmas.

However, there are lots more reasons to head to the city than for a cheap weekend break.

Formerly the French capital, the foundation of Tours dates back to the 1st century AD in Gallo-Roman times, and the city boasts over a millennium of historical sights.

Some of these can still be visited, including a tower that now stands in the courtyard of the Musée des Beaux Arts.

One of the oldest structures in thecity is the Cathedral of St Gatien, rebuilt in the 12th century following a fire. As well as parts of the structure that dating to the 1100s the cathedral has an impressive and elaborately decorated Gothic frontage, added in the 14th century. Once inside look out for the fantastic craftsmanship of the 13th century stained glass and the imposing and flamboyantly decorated organ.

Those interested in art and craftwork also have plenty to see in Tours, in particular at the Musée des Beaux Arts (fine arts museum).

The museum is housed in a palace that was the former residence of an archbishop and has works by Rembrandt, Delacroix, Rubens and Degas among others.

Holidaymakers can also learn about the city's silk-making heritage with a visit to Le Manach, a factory still operating today. The city's crafts legacy can also be experienced at The Compagnonnage museum, which has everything from carpentry and stone masonry to baking and shoe-making.

If you are there from November 15th to 18th 2007, there is a treat in store for wine lovers as Tours hosts the Touraine Primeur, where the past year's crop can be tasted for the first time.

And if you are keen to travel in the region there are always the many local châteaux to visit, such as Amboise, known for its historic furniture collection, Villandry, which features an impressive garden, and the Italianate and Gothic château of Azay-le-Rideau.

For more information on visiting the city, including the half-price accommodation offer, see the Tours official tourist board website.