Car Rental Tours

Parking in Tours

• Parking Lamartine (37000) is an open-air parking lot off Rue Lamartine. From here, you can easily visit the Botanical Garden, as well as Place Plumereau in Tours' historic quarter.
• Parking St-George (37210) is located on the opposite side of the river Loire, close to Lulu Parc theme park and the Ancient Marmoutier Abbey.
• On-street parking is also available in and around Tours. Some spaces outside the historic quarter are free to use, while others have time restrictions and parking fees, so make sure you check the relevant signs.  

Key roads in Tours

• D952 starts in Angers and follows the river Loire through the valley towards Tours and Blois.
• Autoroute 10 (A10) connects Tours to Poitiers and Bordeaux in the south, and runs northeast towards Orléans and Paris.
• D37 runs north to south along the west edge of the city. It joins up with the D943 and passes some of Tours’ major attractions.

How to get from Tours to Paris

It takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes to drive the 148 miles from Tours to the French capital – Paris.

1. Leave the car rental parking lot on Rue Marcel Tribut and turn right on to Rue des Guetteries and Rue Dublineau.
2. Take another right on to Boulevard Heurteloup and use the slip road to join the A10.
3. Continue along the A10 for 136 miles, following signs to Paris/Chartres.
4. Merge on to the A6B/E50, then take the exit on to Boulevard Périphérique and continue driving towards Paris-Centre.

How to get from Tours to Angers

Tours is around an hour and 30-minute drive from Angers. Leave the parking lot and head south on the A10, then take the A85/E60 exit. Follow the A85 for 62 miles, then join the A11 and follow the motorway into the city.

Best hotels in Tours

Hotel Castel Fleuri

10 Rue Groison, 37100, Tours

Situated in between two beautiful castles in the Loire Valley, this family-run hotel is the quintessential French retreat with its blue shuttered windows, comfy guest rooms and welcoming atmosphere. Make the most of the hotel’s peaceful setting, in a more residential area of the city. And when you fancy exploring, the old town of Tours is just a short walk away.

Grand Hôtel de Tours

2 Mail de la Papoterie, 37170 Chambray-les-Tours, Tours

Built in the late 1920s, this historic hotel embodies Art Deco elegance. Choose between cozy twin rooms, plush doubles and stylish suites that offer a picturesque view of the tree-lined station square below. A delicious breakfast buffet is served every morning too, to help you start your day.

Château Belmont

57 Rue Groison, 37100, Tours

Embrace the spirit of the Loire Valley with a stay in one of its signature Châteaux. Regal yet refined, the Château Belmont offers four-star comfort with all the modern luxuries you might need – from an on-site restaurant to the heated indoor pool and wellness spa.  

Best restaurants in Tours

Sushi Time

125 Avenue de la Tranchee, 37100, Tours

If you’re in the mood for sushi, then stop by Sushi Time for some fresh sashimi and California rolls. With an impressive lunch and sharing menu, there’s something for everyone, from novices to the experienced raw fish aficionados. Choose a table inside or order your rolls to go, for a picnic by the river.

Le Blybos

53 Rue du Grand Marche, 37000, Tours

This lively Lebanese restaurant uses fresh local ingredients to create its signature recipes. Share a selection of hot and cold mezze dishes, including moussaka, falafel and stuffed flatbreads. Great for a quick lunch, Le Blybos also caters for larger parties and celebrations.

Les Canailles

123 Rue Colbert, 37000, Tours

Take a break from exploring the historic quarter to sample classic French fare at this family-friendly bistro. The main dining area is filled with all sorts of quirky posters and vintage art, creating an interesting backdrop to your meal. Try the salmon tartare and scallops in white wine sauce, followed by an assortment of artisan cheeses.

Best things to do in Tours

Place Plumereau

Place Plumereau, 37000, Tours

A town square filled with restaurants and cafes that are bustling with locals, tourists and traders well into the evening. Sit outside and soak up the atmosphere, as you dine on delicious French delicacies. You may even see a cabaret act or folk band passing through.

Gadawi Park

Avenue du lac Face/36 Avenue du lac, 37300, Tours

Thrill-seekers can stop by Gadawi Park for an exciting aerial course with 18 zip lines and high wires through the trees. There are two locations in the city to choose from – one in Park Cousinerie and one in Parc du Lac des Bretonnières. Each one has multiple games and courses, so there’s something for adults and children of all ages.

Basilica of Saint Martin

7 Rue Baleschoux, 37000, Tours

The Basilica of Saint Martin stands tall above the city of Tours, on the spot where the original medieval chapel once stood. Admire the neo-Byzantine architecture that now houses the tomb of Saint Martin, then venture inside to explore the crypts and religious artefacts hidden within.