Tours
Urban RiverfrontTours grew from a Roman settlement into a medieval powerhouse, its fortune tied to the Loire River and its position on pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. By the 15th century, it rivaled Paris as a seat of royal power under Louis XI. That golden age left its mark—the cathedral's soaring Gothic facade, the turreted mansions of the old quarter, the half-timbered facades along rue Colbert. Today the city wears its history without pretension. The university keeps it young; students fill the cafés and bookshops. The Loire Valley's châteaux lie within easy reach, but Tours itself rewards slow walking—the riverside promenades, the botanical gardens, the small museums tucked into Renaissance townhouses. It's a working city, not a museum piece, with a genuine local life that doesn't pause for tourists.
Podcasts
Episode 2: Finding the Good Life in France
SJB GlobalConnect
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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SJB GlobalSJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Visa & Residency
Obtaining a residency in France involves several steps and can vary in complexity depending on the type of visa applied for. The Talent Passport is a popular choice for highly skilled expats, which is valid for four years and renewable. It is designed for various categories of professionals including researchers, artists, and business founders. Another common option is the Long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS), which allows expats to live in France for up to a year without the need for a separate residence permit. Upon arrival in France, holders of this visa must validate it within three months. For digital nomads, the Long-stay visa for visitors is a suitable option. This visa does not permit employment in France but allows individuals to reside in the country for up to a year. Applicants must prove they have sufficient financial means, health insurance, and accommodation. The process generally starts with an application submitted to the French consulate or embassy in the applicant's home country. Required documentation typically includes a passport, application forms, photos, proof of financial means, health insurance, and a letter explaining the purpose of the stay. Some visas may require additional documents such as a job offer, proof of professional skills, or a business plan. Once the initial visa is granted and the individual arrives in France, they may need to undergo a medical examination and apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour) if planning to stay longer than the visa's validity. The difficulty of the process can vary, but France has made efforts to streamline visa applications for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. However, navigating the French bureaucracy can still be challenging, and proficiency in French is often helpful. It is advisable to start the application process well in advance of the intended move date and to consult the official French visa website or a professional for the most current information and guidance.
Cost of Living
Living in Tours costs considerably less than Paris or Lyon, though prices have crept upward in recent years as the city's appeal has grown. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center runs well below what you'd pay in major French metros. Groceries, dining out, and utilities remain reasonable. The trade-off is that salaries tend to be lower than in larger cities, so the affordability advantage matters most for remote workers or retirees.
Weather
Tours experiences a temperate oceanic climate with mild winters and warm summers; rainfall is fairly distributed throughout the year.
Healthcare in Tours
Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire (CHRU) de Tours is the main teaching hospital and handles serious cases, trauma, and specialized care for the broader region. Day-to-day healthcare is solid—GPs are accessible, pharmacies are everywhere, and routine procedures move smoothly. For anything beyond standard care, you're well-positioned, though Paris specialists remain an option for rare conditions.
Schools in Tours
Tours has international-school options in the wider metropolitan area, including schools offering international curricula and English-language support. The city is also known for higher-education and language-oriented institutions that serve expatriate families, though the selection is more limited than in Paris or Lyon.
Tours has bilingual school options, particularly at the primary and secondary levels, with French-English programs available in the area. These schools are aimed at local and expatriate families seeking stronger language immersion and international pathways.
Restaurants in Tours
