PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES

By Train
The train station is off Blvd Heurteloup at Place du Maréchal Leclerc. Some trains, including most TGVs, stop at St-Pierre-des-Corps, an industrial estate just outside the city. Frequent shuttles link the two stations. Tours is an hour's journey from Paris on the TGV line.

By Car
Driving is convenient. It is the best mode to visit the dozens of beautiful historic chateaus that are located away from the city. Maps are available in stores or at the tourist offices. Highways and streets are well marked and parking is not a major problem.

By Bus
Tours has an efficient bus network serving the city and its suburbs known as Fil Bleu. There are also bus services to other cities in France. You can travel in air-conditioned luxury on one of the many mini busses which leave Tours everyday.

Air
The Val De Loire International Airport, is located about 3 miles north of Tours city center and is accessible via road, bus and taxi.

GETTING THERE

From Paris, the quickest way to get to Tours is to take a TGV (fast train). Directly from Charles de Gaulle airport if you fly. From Montparnasse railway station if you come from elsewhere.
If you come from London by Eurostar, change at Lille and not Paris. The TGV is direct from Lille Europe to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps.

From Brussels, the TGV is direct or with a change at Lille Europe to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps. Since Tours railway station is in a cul-de-sac some TGV don't stop in Tours but at Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (a suburb). From there take a free shuttle train to Tours. The shuttle train will be on the same platform as the TGV. It will take you five minutes to get to Tours.

A TGV ticket always includes the reservation which is compulsory. If possible, in order to be sure of a seat, buy your ticket before leaving your country. The ticket will indicate the number of your coach (voiture) and seat (siège).

To validate your ticket, don't forget to punch it in one of the orange machines located at the entrance to the platforms.

FROM CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT (TGV STATION) TO TOURS

The TGV station is at terminal 2 (CDG 2) after halls C or D, on the ground level. If you are at terminal 1 (CDG 1°), take a shuttle bus at gate 28 on the arrivals level, line 3 (red). If you are well ahead of time, why not wait at the Sheraton hotel bar situated above the TGV station.

If the TGV to Tours is not on the same platform, go to the above level and then down again to another platform.

TRAVELLING BY CAR

Use the Tours center motorway exit which will lead you directly to boulevard Heurteloup, you will see the office de tourisme on your right and the station on your left, then place Jean Jaurès where the city hall (hôtel de ville) is... For the rest, you will just have to follow your map.