Would you like to learn a new activity or are you looking for an original gift? Discover the best workshops in Tours!
« Tours has always been and always will be, with its feet in the Loire, like a pretty girl who bathes and plays with water. With this beautiful quote, Honoré de Balzac reveals his love for the city of his birth. Two centuries later, Tours has not changed, and the quays of the Loire are still the soul of the city.
With its half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, the old town of Tours is a little escape into the past. You’ll discover a lively, bustling city of local stores and artisans. Whether located in Old Tours or just outside the city, some of these artisans allow you to discover their know-how.
If you have an artistic soul and a desire to learn, Generation Voyage has selected the ten best workshops to do in Tours.
1. Leather goods
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This workshop in Tours lets you discover leatherworking with Julie, artisan saddler-maroquinier. For 4 hours, at a cost of €90 per person, Julie will show you her beautiful craft and explain all the facets of leatherwork.
After the theoretical training, it’s time for the practical! Julie will give you the choice of high-quality leather from French luxury brands. Then it’s time to cut, size and length, glue, assemble and sew – all in good fun! You’ll leave the workshop with a handcrafted luxury belt.
2. Plant
Claire’s terrarium workshop
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In this workshop in Tours, meet Claire, a plant designer, with the aim of creating a trendy decoration: the terrarium. For 2 hours and €60 per person, you’ll create a terrarium to match your personality.
After introducing you to plant design, Claire will explain in detail what a terrarium is and help you create your own mini greenhouse. You’ll start with the soil, then together you’ll choose the right plants to create the best possible composition. With a maximum of two waterings a year, your work will be self-regulating and proudly displayed in your home.
Marine’s wreath workshop
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Want to create a unique wreath? Come and visit this workshop in Tours. Marine, an artisan florist, will show you her craft in a joyful and relaxed atmosphere!
After introducing you to floral art, Marine will show you the different varieties that can make up your future wreath. For 2 hours and €60 per person, you’ll be accompanied every step of the way. The reward for your efforts? A magnificent and unique wreath of dried flowers!
3. Kitchen
Chocolate workshop with Grégoire
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This workshop in Tours is one of a kind. For 1h30 and 45 € per person, you will be welcomed by Grégoire, pastry chef and chocolatier, in a unique setting, a charming medieval house. Your objective? Create your own chocolate bar or beggars!
First, Grégoire and his colleagues will introduce you to the art of chocolate-making, including how to transform cocoa beans into chocolate. Next, you choose your Valrhona chocolate (tasting allowed!), used by top chefs, for your future creation. Finally, you get to make what you’ve been waiting for all along! Remember to enjoy it at home, not on the way home!
Brewing workshop with Jérôme
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Lovers of craft beer will love this workshop in Tours. For 4 hours and €80 per person, Jérôme, artisan brewer, welcomes you to discover the secrets of making your favorite beverage!
First of all, Jérôme will show you around his 2,000-liter tanks, then introduce you to the various stages in beer production, from crushing to bottling. It will then be your turn to carry out these steps to create a 20-liter brew. A few weeks later, while fermentation takes its course, you’ll pick up a few bottles and enjoy your creation on the sofa.
The bakery workshop with Matthieu
In this workshop in Tours, Matthieu, artisan baker, will show you the secrets of his bakery to make your own low-gluten sourdough bread. For 3h30 and €70 per person, Matthieu will show you his craft, how his bread is made, and give you some baking tips.
A specialist in sourdough bread, Matthieu will help you make your own breads: a rye pie and a small spelt loaf. And believe us, you’ll enjoy it more than ever!
4. Wood
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In this workshop in Tours, you’ll make your own wicker basket thanks to Christine, an artisan basket-maker. For 3h30 and €60 per person, you’ll learn a lot about this beautiful craft.
After discovering the tools you’ll be using, you’ll learn all the techniques involved in making your own wicker basket. If the technique requires patience and a certain dexterity, Christine will be there to guide you every step of the way.
5. Jewelry
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Thanks to Jeremiah, artisan jeweler, this workshop will enable you to create your own silver ring. During a 3-hour training session, for €150 per person, Jeremiah will introduce you to the wonderful art of jewelry-making. Then you’ll get to know silver, and Jeremiah will teach you how to handle and work it.
You’ll then create your own unique ring with Jeremiah, who will take the time to explain all the techniques involved in creating a piece of jewelry that’s just right for you. Finally, you’ll proudly display your handiwork on your finger!
6. Pottery and ceramics
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This workshop in Tours will introduce you to the potter’s wheel with ceramist Mélanie. For 2h30, at a cost of €50 per person, you’ll first learn some basic pottery theory, as well as getting to know the tools you’ll be using.
Then comes what you’ve all been waiting for: practice! After preparing the stoneware, you’ll turn the clay. Each turning step is explained by Mélanie, enabling you to make two turned pieces that you’ll proudly take home!
7. Glass
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With mosaic artists Marie-Laure and Mélaine, this workshop in Tours will enable you to create your own mosaic box. For 3 hours and €150 per person, you’ll first learn how to work with glass, then create your own unique creation.
Your aim is to decorate the lid of a wooden box. The technique is difficult, but Marie-Laure and Mélaine will be there to guide you. Cutting pâte de verre, marble or stoneware-ceramics with a hammer will hold no secrets for you! You’ll leave this workshop in Tours with your own personalized work.