Hotels in Tours

Tours: Gateway to the Loire Valley Châteaux

Tours sits at the confluence of the Loire and Cher rivers in central France, roughly 240 km southwest of Paris by TGV — a 55-minute ride from Gare Montparnasse. The city of 140,000 anchors the Val de Loire, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape holding more than 300 castles. Cathédrale Saint-Gatien, begun in 1170 and completed in 1547, displays the full arc of Gothic architecture within a single façade. The medieval quarter, Vieux-Tours, radiates from Place Plumereau, a square framed by 15th-century half-timbered houses and pavement cafés that stay busy from late afternoon into the night.

Where to Stay

Most hotels cluster within walking distance of Place Jean-Jaurès, the main tram corridor, or in Vieux-Tours for immediate access to the old quarter. The Prebendes d'Oé park, a 19th-century English-style garden ten minutes on foot from the cathedral, marks the quieter residential edge favored by longer-stay visitors. Day-trippers targeting Château de Chenonceau (34 km southeast) or Château de Chambord (60 km northeast) use Tours as a central base.

Practical Tips

• Getting around: Two tram lines cross the city center; tickets cover buses on the same journey.
• Château day trips: Rent a bicycle at the train station — the Loire à Vélo route passes Amboise (27 km) and Villandry (18 km).
• Wine: The appellation Vouvray, 10 km east, produces Chenin Blanc; tastings run without reservation at many domaines.
• Season: April through October offers the longest château opening hours and dry cycling conditions.