The perfect, low-key way to enjoy the Loire like the French do

Dinner along the Loire in Tours spotlights the revived French guinguette culture: riverside café-bars that originally grew in the 18th century to offer affordable food, wine and music for working people. While guinguettes largely faded by the 1960s as other entertainments rose and river bathing was increasingly restricted, they have returned in recent decades. The piece describes five guinguettes in Tours’ city center, including La Plage (wellbeing-focused and music-free with yoga), Le Bar à Mômes (kids’ play), Le Foudre (rock concerts) and Chez Dupont (burgers and techno). Prices vary; La Petite Embarque’s kebab is €10. The author also notes the Loire à Vélo route, a 900-km ride that follows part of the riverbank “living cultural landscape” UNESCO World Heritage Site.