Long a student town, Tours has a lively young population. Much of the evening action centers around Place Plumereau and rue Colbert. The twenty-something crowd gets early evening drinks at Le Baron, 11 rue des Ofèvres (www.facebook.com/LeBaronDeTours). You can keep the tempo of your night going with some live jazz at the friendly Strapontin Café, 23 rue de Châteauneuf (www.facebook.com/strapontin.cafe; tel. 02-47-47-02-74).
In summer, many locals camp out at La Guinguette, a vast open-air “bar” by the Pont Wilson along the Loire River, much in the spirit of Paris Plages. The daytime activities extend nightly with concerts, dancing, food, drink, and games. It’s open mid-May to mid-September and only cash is accepted.
If you have the urge for more dancing, the hottest place in town is L’Excalibur, 35 rue Briçonnet (www.facebook.com/excalibur.tours; tel. 02-47-64-76-78), with an electro beat and video system. A clientele of all ages, many from the surrounding countryside, heads to Le Pyms, 170 av. de Grammont (www.lepyms.com; tel. 02-47-66-22-22), where there are two spaces, one playing ‘80s nostalgia and the other contemporary electro.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
