City
Tours
Gateway to Loire Valley's magnificent châteaux
Tours sits right in the heart of the Loire Valley, making it your perfect base for château hopping. This isn't just another French city - it's where Renaissance kings built their dream homes, and you can visit three or four in a single day. The old town buzzes with university students, while Place Plumereau fills with locals sipping wine at sidewalk cafés. And here's the thing: Tours has that sweet spot combination of being big enough for great restaurants and small enough to walk everywhere that matters.
Itineraries coming soon
We're working on adding amazing itineraries for Tours. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!
Vieux Tours (Old Town) puts you right in the action. Book around Place Plumereau and you're steps from the best bars and restaurants. The half-timbered buildings look like something from a fairy tale, but expect some noise on weekend nights.
Cathedral Quarter offers more peace while keeping you central. Rue Nationale has decent mid-range hotels, and you can walk to the train station in 10 minutes. Look for places near Rue du Commerce for easy shopping access.
Across the Loire in Saint-Symphorien, you'll find cheaper options with parking. It's a 15-minute tram ride to the center, but you save €30-50 per night. Perfect if you're renting a car for château visits.
Money-Saving Tips
- 1.Buy château passes online for 10-15% discounts versus gate prices
- 2.Pack picnic lunches - château restaurants charge €18-25 for basic meals
- 3.Visit châteaux after 4pm for reduced admission at many sites
- 4.Rent bikes instead of cars if staying 3+ days - saves €40-60 daily
- 5.Eat lunch at university restaurants near campus for €3.50 meals
- 6.Shop at Monoprix for groceries instead of tourist area markets
- 7.Book accommodations in Saint-Pierre-des-Corps for cheaper rates with easy train access
Travel Tips
- •Download the Loire Valley châteaux app for self-guided audio tours
- •Bring layers - Loire Valley weather changes quickly, especially in spring
- •Reserve château tours 2-3 days ahead in summer to guarantee English guides
- •Carry cash - many small wine producers don't accept cards
- •Learn basic French greetings - locals appreciate the effort outside tourist zones
- •Book restaurant reservations by 4pm for same-day dinner, especially weekends
- •Check château opening hours - many close on Tuesdays or have seasonal schedules
Frequently Asked Questions
Realistically 2-3 châteaux per day by car, or 1-2 by bike. Chambord and Cheverny make a good pairing (30 minutes apart), while Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau work well together. Don't rush - each château deserves 2-3 hours including gardens.
Explore Tours
Ready to explore Tours?
Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.
Free on iOS. No credit card required.