When most people start planning a Loire Valley trip, they naturally gravitate towards Amboise.
It makes sense.
The town is beautiful, home to a royal château, linked to Leonardo da Vinci, and sits right on the Loire River. If you’ve seen photos of the Loire Valley, chances are you’ve already seen Amboise.
But after spending time exploring the region, I think many travellers overlook a much smarter base: Tours.
For budget travellers especially, Tours offers better value accommodation, easier transport connections, more restaurants, more things to do in the evenings and excellent access to many of the Loire Valley’s most famous castles.
If you’re planning a Loire Valley getaway and wondering where to stay, here’s why I think Tours deserves serious consideration…
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Why Tours Makes a Better Base than Amboise
Amboise undoubtedly wins when it comes to postcard charm.
The problem is that everybody knows it.
As a result, accommodation can be surprisingly expensive, particularly between May and September.
Hotels fill up quickly, apartment choices are limited and dining options can feel geared towards visitors.
Tours, meanwhile, is a thriving city of around 140,000 residents that still retains plenty of historic character.
Because there is much more accommodation available, competition keeps prices lower and you can often find significantly better value stays.
The city also feels more authentically French.
Instead of wandering through a town that largely revolves around tourism, in Tours you’ll find bustling markets, students, local cafés, neighbourhood bakeries and lively squares packed with residents enjoying an evening drink.
For me, that’s a huge part of the appeal.
The Loire Valley isn’t just about castles. It’s also about experiencing everyday French life.
Where to Stay in Tours
One of the biggest advantages Tours has over Amboise is the sheer number of accommodation options available.
Whether you’re arriving by train from Paris, travelling without a car or simply trying to keep costs under control while visiting the Loire Valley’s famous castles, Tours offers far more choice than most of the smaller towns in the region.
As a result, prices are often noticeably lower too.
Best Area to Stay in Tours
For most visitors, the sweet spot lies between Tours railway station and Place Plumereau.
Staying in this area means you’ll be within walking distance of…
- TGV trains to Paris
- TER services to Amboise and Chenonceau
- The historic old town
- Restaurants and wine bars
- Tours Cathedral
- The Loire riverside
You’ll be able to explore the city on foot while making easy day trips throughout the Loire Valley.
Recommended Tours Accomodation
For visitors arriving by train, Hôtel Du Manoir is one of the best-value options in the city.
Located just a few minutes’ walk from Tours station, this attractive hotel occupies a 19th century townhouse and consistently receives excellent reviews for its location, cleanliness and friendly service.
Room rates typically start from around 80€ to 120€ per night.
It’s a particularly good choice if you’re planning day trips to Amboise, Chenonceau and Blois using public transport.
If you want to stay right in the heart of the historic centre, Hotel Du Cygne is hard to beat.
Set near Tours Cathedral and within walking distance of Place Plumereau, it combines traditional character with reasonable prices.
Expect rates from around 90€ to 130€ per night.
The location makes it ideal for travellers who want to enjoy the city’s restaurants, cafés and evening atmosphere after a day spent exploring castles.
Hampton by Hilton Tours Centre
Travellers looking for modern facilities and reliable standards should consider Hampton by Hilton Tours Centre.
The property is centrally located and often offers surprisingly competitive rates compared with equivalent hotels in smaller Loire Valley towns.
Rooms generally cost between 90€ and 140€ per night.
The included breakfast can also help keep overall travel costs down.
For budget-conscious visitors, Kyriad Hotel Tours Centre remains one of the city’s best-value options.
Rooms are simple but comfortable and prices frequently start from around 70€ to 110€ per night.
It’s a particularly good option for longer stays when accommodation costs can quickly add up.
Solo travellers and backpackers should take a look at The People Tours.
Part hostel, part boutique hotel, it offers both dormitory beds and private rooms within walking distance of Tours station.
Dorm beds often start from around 25€ to 40€, while private rooms can be found from around 70€ to 100€.
It’s one of the cheapest ways to base yourself in the Loire Valley without sacrificing location.
Typical Accommodation Costs
As a general guide, budget travellers in Tours can expect to pay…
| Accommodation | Cost |
| Hostel Dorm | 25-40€ |
| Budget Hotel | 70-100€ |
| Mid-Range Hotel | 90-140€ |
| Apartment Rental | 80-150€ |
Compared with Amboise, particularly during summer weekends and school holidays, the savings can be substantial.
It’s not uncommon for the difference in accommodation costs over a 3 night stay to cover several château entrance tickets, train fares or even a wine tasting.
Getting to Tours from Paris
One of Tours’ biggest advantages is how easy it is to reach from the capital.
Direct TGV trains connect Paris Montparnasse station with Tours in as little as 1 hour 10 minutes.
Several departures run daily, making it straightforward whether you’re arriving from London via Eurostar or continuing a wider France itinerary.
Booking in advance can result in surprisingly affordable fares, especially outside school holidays.
The easiest place to check schedules and purchase tickets is the official SNCF Connect website or Trainline.
If you are travelling from the UK, a typical journey looks like this:
- Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord
- Metro transfer to Paris Montparnasse
- Direct TGV to Tours
You can comfortably make the journey in a single day.
Why Tours Works so Well for Castle-Hopping
One of the biggest misconceptions about the Loire Valley is that you need a car.
While driving certainly helps, many of the region’s highlights are perfectly accessible using public transport.
Tours sits at the centre of an excellent rail network.
Amboise
From Tours, TER trains reach Amboise in approximately 20 minutes.
Once you arrive, the château is an easy walk through town.
Chenonceau
One of the easiest castles to visit by train.
Direct TER services reach Chenonceaux station in around 30 minutes.
From the station it’s only a short walk to Château de Chenonceau.
Blois
Blois can be reached in around 40 minutes by train.
The impressive Château Royal de Blois sits close to the station.
Chambord
Take a train from Tours to Blois and then connect to the Rémi shuttle bus serving Château de Chambord.
This is one of the simplest public transport routes to the Loire Valley’s largest castle.
Azay-le-Rideau
A beautiful Renaissance château surrounded by water and often overlooked by international visitors.
Accessible by regional train or bus from Tours.
What to Do in Tours
Many travellers treat Tours simply as a transport hub.
That’s a mistake.
The city itself is worth exploring.
Wander Place Plumereau
This is the heart of historic Tours.
Surrounded by half-timbered buildings, lively terraces and restaurants, it’s one of the most attractive squares in western France.
Spend an evening here with a glass of local wine and you’ll quickly understand why residents love the city.
Explore Vieux Tours
The old town is packed with Medieval streets, historic buildings, independent cafés and artisan shops, it’s wonderfully walkable and rewards aimless wandering.
Visit Tours Cathedral
The Cathédrale Saint-Gatien dominates the skyline.
Highlights include the stunning stained-glass windows, gothic architecture and ornate stonework.
Entry is free.
Discover the Fine Arts Museum
Located in the former Archbishop’s Palace, the museum houses an impressive collection ranging from Renaissance works to modern art.
It’s a good rainy-day option.
Walk Along the Loire
The riverfront is one of my favourite parts of the city.
You’ll find walking paths and cycling routes, along with picnic spots and gorgeous views across the Loire.
In summer, locals gather here throughout the evening, and the it reminded me a lot of nearby Orleans.
Experience Loire à Vélo
Tours sits directly on the famous Loire à Vélo cycling route.
This 900km network follows the Loire River through some of France’s most beautiful landscapes.
Even if you don’t want to undertake a multi-day cycling trip, hiring a bike for a day can be a fantastic way to explore nearby vineyards, villages and riverside scenery.
Several rental companies operate from central Tours.
Visit Les Halles Market
If you enjoy food, don’t miss Tours’ covered market, where you’ll find local cheeses, Loire wines, fresh produce, artisan breads and regional specialities
It’s a brilliant place to assemble a picnic before a day of sightseeing.
What to Eat in Tours
Tours is located in the heart of one of France’s most celebrated food regions.
Local specialities include…
Rillettes de Tours
A rich pork spread traditionally served with bread.
Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine
A famous local goat’s cheese.
Loire Wines
Look out for…
- Vouvray
- Chinon
- Bourgueil
- Montlouis-sur-Loire
Many wine bars around Place Plumereau offer affordable tasting flights.
How Much Money Can You Save by Basing Yourself in Tours?
| Item | Tours | Amboise |
| Budget hotel | 60-90€ | 90-140€ |
| Mid-range hotel | 90-140€ | 120-200€ |
| Restaurant choice | Extensive | Limited |
| Evening atmosphere | Lively | Quieter |
For a 3 or 4 night trip, staying in Tours can easily save enough money to cover several château entrance tickets.
Is Amboise Still Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
In fact, I would strongly recommend visiting Amboise… for a short time!
Half a day is plenty for exploring…
- Château Royal d’Amboise
- Clos Lucé
- The riverside
- The old town
Then hop back on the train to Tours!
You get all the benefits of visiting Amboise without paying premium accommodation prices.
Tours FAQ
Is Tours or Amboise better for visiting Loire Valley castles?
Tours is generally better for travellers using public transport because it offers more frequent train connections, more accommodation options and lower prices.
Can you visit Château de Chenonceau from Tours by train?
Yes.
Direct TER trains connect Tours and Chenonceaux station in around 30 minutes, and the château is a short walk from the station.
How long is the train from Paris to Tours?
The fastest direct TGV services take approximately 1 hour 10 minutes from Paris Montparnasse.
Is Tours worth visiting on its own?
Definitely.
The city has a beautiful old town, impressive cathedral, excellent food scene, riverside walks and lively atmosphere.
Do you need a car in the Loire Valley?
Not necessarily.
Many of the most famous castles can be reached easily using trains and regional buses from Tours.
Practical Tips for Visiting Tours
Getting There
Tours Airport offers flights from the UK. As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals.
Alternatively, LeShuttle offers Channel Tunnel connections for those travelling by car from Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes.
Ferries from the UK also sail regularly to Calais. Check out FerryHopper to compare prices and times.
From Calais, it’s a 5 hour drive to Tours.
You can also easily catch a train to Tours from other destinations within France, including Paris. Discover timetables and book tickets direct through Trainline.
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SAVE THIS ARTICLE TO PINTEREST!
While Amboise may be the Loire Valley’s most famous base, Tours is often the smarter choice for travellers looking to get the most from their budget.
You’ll find cheaper accommodation, easier transport links, more dining options and a genuinely vibrant city atmosphere.
Add in direct TGV connections from Paris and excellent access to castles like Chenonceau, Chambord and Blois, and it becomes an easy recommendation.
If you’re looking to explore the Loire Valley on a sensible budget without sacrificing convenience, culture or charm, I’d choose Tours every time.
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