With a lively town centre, river activities and some of France’s finest châteaux on the doorstep, Tours is in a class of its own, writes Karen Tait… The gateway to the Loire Valley, Tours is the ideal base for those who love châteaux Chenonceau, Amboise, Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau are just a few close by -gastronomy (respected local wines include Vouvray, Chinon and Bourgueil, while rillettes, terrines and goat’s cheese feature on menus) and French heritage and culture.