Concert halls Touraine

The address of the cinephiles and for good reason: here is the biggest art house cinema in Europe with 7 comfortable rooms. On the screen, a quality program, documentaries, and films for the general public, in subtitled V.O. For film lovers: previews and meetings with directors, a free access library and festivals (Désirs Désir, Viva il Cinema...). A must: the Studio Night in June to watch great classics on the "black screen of our sleepless night". The cafeteria will treat you to home-made and cheap products.

Created in 1997 by theatrical improvisation pros, this company offers weekly workshops and improvisation courses for all ages and levels, from children to adults, and even activities in companies. It is known by the public for its Catch impros in Chambray. On the program: a ring, a real-fake security service, a referee, themes submitted by the public, and comedians who invent hilarious stories. With the show "Impro marmot" for children, and the shows of amateur comedians, there is plenty to do!

This contemporary music venue (SMAC) is dedicated to jazz, since 1983 ! It is an institution of jazz in the Centre region, but not only! In addition to welcoming big names of jazz or emerging talents, the concert hall takes part in the festivals Ecoute-Voir, Super Flux, Emergences, Chinon en Jazz... With the Choeur du Petit Faucheux and its teenage singers, and its socio-educational activities, the venue is open to all. And with the new programmer Antoine de La Roncière arriving in 2021, we can't wait to discover new projects.

Ideally located a stone's throw from the train station, this multiplex is also halfway between its big brother, the Deux-Lions, and the Studio art house cinema. The general public and the more confidential, V.O. and V.F. films are mixed together every week. There are regular special cycles (Disney classics, Harry Potter saga, Horror night...). As for comfort, everything is there: air conditioning, Dolby digital sound, digital image, PMR access, 3D, and a large choice of sweets for the greedy! For those who have foresight: you can reserve your seat online. Smart tip: ask at the reception desk for free parking in the Vinci parking lot.

Since its creation in 1794, the Opéra de Tours has established itself as a national opera house. In its splendid Italian-style auditorium, director Laurent Campellone and Patricia Petibon, godmother of the 2023-2024 season, present women fighting against their destiny and diktats. Other news: a partnership with Milan's prestigious Teatro alla Scala; and the creation of an "Orchestre Populaire de l'Opéra de Tours". What's more, the Opéra has been declared a historic monument - all the more reason to go and see it!

Located as its name suggests in the Deux Lions district, this multiplex is the family and general public cinema of the CGR franchise in Tours. Large parking lot, hall with video games and candy counter: access is easy and you can wait for a while. The twelve theatres are accessible to the handicapped and comfortable (armchairs spaced more than one metre apart). The programming plays the card of big productions, which can often be enjoyed in 3D. We love the ICE-Immersive Cinema Experience, with its reclining club chairs, 4K resolution image and Dolby Atmos sound. Previews are frequent, and when you leave the theatre you can enjoy the surrounding restaurants.

Nello is an emblematic figure of the Touraine scene thanks to his cabaret created in 1994. 2022 rhymes with new premises, Velpeau district. A bigger place, and a show always surprising thanks to the numerous artists who participate. Humor, transformism, dance in the purest tradition of the music-hall cabaret parade on stage, where Nello often plays the presenters or the transformists. All this is done with a meal, for a nice evening far from the routine. And you can even book the place for a private party. It's really "La Belle Vie"!

Le Temps Machine is a contemporary music venue. When you step through its doors, you'll discover emerging groups and established stars of rock, rap, electro and pop... And don't forget to give a helping hand to local artists with special evenings dedicated to them. Established in 2011, the venue has made a name for itself and a regular following, attracted by its varied prices (including for small budgets) and eclectic programming. With a 600-seat venue, a "Club" space for more intimate concerts, rehearsal studios, and a library-resource center, Le Temps Machine is a must for music lovers.

Do not say "Vinci" but Palais des Congrès, since the place has changed its name in 2018. But this building designed by the architect Jean Nouvel has not changed, since the "liner" (as nicknamed by the Tourangeaux not very seduced by the building) still has 22 rooms and 4,500 m² of exhibition space to accommodate 190 events per year. Concerts of national and international stars, fairs, congresses... And even large exhibitions, the novelty 2022. With its thousands of visitors each year, it is a serious rival for its regional and national competitors.

In 2022, the Plessis opens its horizons even more by wanting to develop as a "third place". Would Louis XI have imagined such a life for his castle? The historic building has been home to the Cano Lopez company for more than 20 years, which has turned it into a Spanish hostel for all kinds of artists. In addition to the company's creations, the place hosts artists' residencies, concerts, plays and exhibitions in the 72-seat room or in the bar area, which is always convivial. And with the "tiers-lieu", live the perpetual movement!

As a team, the "Chou-Lou Lou Lou" challenge will take you to the most important weekend. On your arrival, you will install in the rooms, take a light breakfast to attack a car rally of the Indre valley - tourist and cultural riddles, playful events. In the evening, after the games, the quiz and the meal, you will attend a show. Take advantage of the night to recharge your batteries, because the next day is an adventure and action raid that awaits you - treasure hunt, agility tests, sports courses, intellectual challenges and other surprises. The spot and the palmarès cover these two days after a cross-country picnic. Count € 150 per person.

This music-hall cabaret from Touraine has nothing to be ashamed of when compared to its Parisian counterparts! Strass and sequins, feathers and music, and above all top-quality dancers, magicians and other artists: the evening promises to be unforgettable, especially as it can be accompanied by a dinner with a choice of 4 menus (including one vegetarian or vegan), or a simple dessert. Sundays feature a show and a full brunch. With the new revue "Illusion! "imagined by Emmanuelle Thénot, you'll have a wonderful time, alone, with your partner or with friends.

Since its opening in 1989, the Espace Malraux has become a major performance venue in the city of Tours, with its auditorium and the Salle Plisson for smaller events. This success is the result of a varied and high quality program with renowned artists and emerging companies. The program includes dance, theater, music, and children's shows, with Sunday appointments this year. The hall also hosts private productions that complete the program. Comfortable seats and good visibility on the stage do not spoil the fun! A little bonus: before each show, there is a concert in the hall.

Eclectic and quality programming at this performance hall located in the heart of the city of La Riche, which does not play the star-system card. Here, dance, theatre, circus arts and music are mixed together. The new programmer Thomas Lourenço even adds humour to the mix. Collaborative projects, amateur or professional, and moments for young audiences feed a rich season open to all. A space dedicated to creation, the theatre also welcomes companies in residence, which the public meets during the free "Fenêtres sur Cour" evenings. The program often plays the card of the discovery of contemporary creation, far from the star system. And in June, the Itinéraires Bis festival closes the season with street arts and concerts.

The Orchestre Symphonique Région Centre has its home in Tours, at the Opera. But it also travels throughout the year throughout the region to broadcast classical music (or less classical). Since the arrival of Laurent Campellone at the direction of the Opera of Tours in 2020, the orchestra benefits from renowned guests at the baton. Operas, operettas, symphonies, chamber music, contemporary music, young audience... Everything is allowed! And for you too: come and meet the musicians in Tours, during the heritage days or the Tous à l'Opéra day.

The centerpiece of the Tours Exhibition Center, the Grand Hall is also an XXL-sized concert hall that regularly welcomes the greatest national and international artists. It must be said that with its 10 000^m2, the place can receive 4 000 to 12 000 spectators! Of course, with the Covid, it was not often opened these last months... We are therefore looking forward to the big concerts, but also to the fairs and exhibitions organized in the whole Parc Expo. Wedding show, car show, Ferme Expo, Japan Expo, Holiday on Ice... There's plenty to do in an agenda that's starting to fill up for 2022-2023: to make sure you don't miss anything, head to the Tours Events website.

This art and essay film offers two or three projections per day according to the availability of the volunteers that the association turns the shop (or rather the reel!), including at least one film and test per week. The only room has 230 seats and has digital equipment in 2012 (for its part, the building has been renovated in the last decade). Volunteers meet once a month to exchange agendas and discuss programming. Their choices are obvious, as they record more than 11 000 entries per year. For the story, actress Coline Serreau is the patron of the cinema. A safe value!

Opened in 2018 in Tours Nord, near the Vaucanson streetcar, CinéLoire has won over all the residents of Tours Nord and the surrounding area. Passed in 2020 under the Pathé-Gaumont umbrella, the 9-screen complex has an IMAX theater that plunges viewers right into the action. Many films are also offered in 3D, and for those in the back of the theater or in the front row, the numbered seating option is available for free. Unlimited monthly subscriptions and discount cards will satisfy moviegoers, as will previews and other events. And as an added bonus, there are restaurants nearby to enjoy before or after the movie.

CDNT, Tº, Théâtre Olympia... The National Dramatic Center of Tours has several names! But it is always at the same place, rue de Lucé, that we find each season a program where contemporary creations occupy a good place, under the direction of Jacques Vincey. About fifteen proposals are to be discovered each season, without forgetting the partnerships with other local theaters to welcome bigger productions. Since 2016, the WET festival has brought together young companies from all over France for three days, for an anthology of creations in several places in the agglomeration. And the smart idea: lunch or a snack at the Tº cafeteria.

This concert hall will have known many adventures! Cult for the "old" Tourangeaux, it has seen artists such as Mano Negra, Noir Désir or IAM. But the boat sank in 2010. Since then, a team of enthusiasts is rowing to get it back afloat. In 2020, ready to take the sea, an epidemic passed by. But here it is, in 2022, freshly renovated, the place welcomes artists again. There is the programming, but also "pirate" proposals around the bar. Concerts, exhibitions, animations, projections... A link of culture which gathers.