Getting to Touraine

By Train — The Easiest Option

From Paris (1 hour by TGV)

The TGV high-speed train is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Touraine from Paris. Trains depart from Gare Montparnasse approximately every 1–2 hours throughout the day, arriving at Gare de Tours in just 1 hour.

Booking tips:

• Book 3–4 weeks ahead for lowest fares (€25–€35)
• Non-refundable tickets (Prem's) are cheapest but inflexible
• Standard tickets (€40–€70) allow changes and refunds
• Youth/senior cards offer 25–50% discounts on standard fares

Regional Trains (TER) Within Touraine

Once in Tours, the TER regional train network connects to key destinations:

• Tours → Amboise: 20 minutes, €6.30, 8–12 trains daily
• Tours → Chenonceaux: 30 minutes, €7.10 (station is 2 km from Château de Chenonceau)
• Tours → Azay-le-Rideau: 30 minutes, €6.80
• Tours → Chinon: 50 minutes, €10.40, 4–8 trains daily

TER trains are slower and less frequent than TGV but provide car-free access to many châteaux. Check schedules at TER SNCF.

From Other French Cities

• Lyon → Tours: 3.5 hours, TGV via Paris or direct regional trains
• Bordeaux → Tours: 2 hours, direct TGV
• Nantes → Tours: 1.5 hours, TER regional train
• Lille → Tours: 3 hours, TGV via Paris

By Car — Maximum Flexibility

From Paris (2.5 hours, 240 km)

Driving from Paris to Tours takes approximately 2.5 hours via the A10 motorway ('L'Aquitaine'). The route is straightforward and well-signposted.

Driving directions:

1. From Paris, take the Périphérique (ring road) to Porte d'Orléans
2. Merge onto the A10 southbound toward Bordeaux/Orléans
3. Continue on A10 for approximately 200 km
4. Take Exit 20 (Tours-Centre) or Exit 21 (Tours-Nord) depending on your destination
5. Follow signs to your specific destination (Amboise, Chinon, Villandry, etc.)

From Other Locations

• London: 5.5–6 hours via Channel Tunnel (Eurotunnel) and A10
• Brussels: 5 hours via A10
• Lyon: 4.5 hours via A71 and A85
• Bordeaux: 3 hours via A10 north

Car Rental

If arriving by train, rent a car in Tours for maximum flexibility exploring châteaux and vineyards:

• Gare de Tours: All major agencies (Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Enterprise) have desks inside the train station
• Tours Val de Loire Airport: Car rental desks in arrivals hall
• Downtown Tours: Additional rental locations throughout the city

Rental costs: €40–€90 per day depending on vehicle size and season. Book ahead for better rates.

Driving tips:

• French motorways (autoroutes) are toll roads. Keep cash or credit card ready for toll booths.
• Speed limits: 130 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on rural roads, 50 km/h in towns
• Drive on the right side of the road
• Drunk-driving limit is 0.05% BAC (strictly enforced, especially in wine regions)
• GPS or phone navigation strongly recommended for finding rural châteaux and vineyards

By Air — Regional & International

Tours Val de Loire Airport (TUF)

Tours Val de Loire Airport is 10 km north of Tours city center. It's a small regional airport with limited but growing connections.

Getting from Tours Airport to city center:

• Airport shuttle bus (Fil Bleu Line 3): €1.50, 30 minutes to Tours train station, limited schedule coordinated with flights
• Taxi: €25–€35 to central Tours, 15 minutes
• Car rental: Desks in arrivals hall (Hertz, Europcar)

Paris Airports (CDG & Orly) — Major International Gateways

Most international visitors arrive via Paris airports and continue to Touraine by train or car.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

• CDG → Gare Montparnasse: Take RER B train to Paris, transfer to Metro Line 4 or 6 to Montparnasse. Total time: 60–90 minutes, €12–€15
• Alternative: Direct TGV trains from CDG Airport station to Tours (2–3 daily). Journey time: 2.5 hours, no need to enter Paris

Paris Orly Airport (ORY)

• Orly → Gare Montparnasse: Orlyval shuttle + Metro, or direct bus. Total time: 45–60 minutes, €10–€13
• Better option: Orly is closer to Tours; consider renting a car and driving (2 hours 30 minutes)

Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE)

An alternative for budget airlines and UK/Ireland connections:

• Location: 90 km west of Tours
• Nantes → Tours: 1.5 hours by TER train (€20–€30), or 1 hour by car
• Good for: Ryanair and easyJet flights from UK, Ireland, and Europe

By Bus — Budget Option

Flixbus and BlaBlaBus operate coach services from Paris to Tours:

• Route: Paris Bercy Seine → Tours
• Journey time: 2.5–3 hours
• Cost: €10–€25 (significantly cheaper than train)
• Frequency: 3–5 buses daily

Pros: Very cheap, luggage included, direct route

Cons: Slower than train, less comfortable, inflexible schedule

Best for: Budget travelers, advance planners

Getting Around Touraine Without a Car

While a car offers maximum flexibility, it's entirely possible to explore Touraine using public transport and bikes:

Regional Trains (TER)

Connect Tours to Amboise, Chenonceau (Chenonceaux station), Azay-le-Rideau, and Chinon. See train section above for details.

Buses

Rémi Bus (regional bus network) connects smaller towns and villages:

• Tours → Villandry (30 minutes, limited schedule)
• Tours → Loches (1 hour)
• Check routes at Rémi Centre-Val de Loire

Cycling (Loire à Vélo)

The Loire à Vélo cycling network makes car-free travel highly viable:

• 300+ km of dedicated cycling paths through Touraine
• Connect Tours to Amboise (40 km), Villandry (15 km), and beyond
• Bike rentals widely available in Tours, Amboise, and along the route
• Completely flat, traffic-free paths

Organized Tours

Numerous companies offer château tours with transport from Tours:

• Half-day tours: €45–€65 (2–3 châteaux, includes transport)
• Full-day tours: €85–€120 (4–5 châteaux, includes lunch)
• Wine tours: €80–€140 (includes tastings and transport)

Ask at Tours tourist office or book online. Good for those without cars who want to visit multiple sites efficiently.

Summary: Which Option is Best?

Our recommendation:

• Weekend/short visit: TGV to Tours + bike rental or organized tours
• Week-long stay: TGV to Tours + car rental for maximum flexibility
• Wine touring: Drive or rent car in Tours (designated driver essential)
• Cycling focus: Train to Tours + Loire à Vélo bike rental
• Budget priority: Bus to Tours + cycling/regional trains