[1] The University of Tours was established as part of efforts to modernize and democratize higher education in France after the events of 1968.

[4][5] Several other institutions operate within the framework of the university: Research at the university is at the forefront in the social sciences and humanities in the study of the Renaissance through the Graduate Center of the Renaissance since 1956 and in knowledge of food heritage through a program ambitious research at the Institute of European history and culture of food.

The research also extends into the field of medical imaging and bio-medicine, oncology, and eminently in the study of autism at the University Hospital of Tours.

Since 1969 the CESA, Planning Department today Polytech'Tours research in the field of cities, territories and societies is deemed to France.

[11] François Rabelais University undergraduate law program is ranked 3rd in France by Eduniversal, with 3 stars (2016/17).