Overview of Touraine
Touraine corresponds roughly to the Indre-et-Loire département, centered on the city of Tours. This historic province stretches along the Loire River and its tributaries — the Cher, Indre, and Vienne — creating a landscape of gentle valleys, limestone cliffs, and fertile plains that have earned it the nickname "Garden of France."
With a population of about 600,000, Touraine offers a perfect balance: sophisticated enough to provide excellent restaurants and cultural venues, yet retaining the relaxed pace and authentic character of provincial France. The climate is mild and temperate, with warm summers rarely exceeding 30°C and cool winters that seldom drop below freezing.
Getting Here
Tours, the capital of Touraine, is exceptionally well-connected to Paris and other major French cities.
By Train
- From Paris: TGV from Gare Montparnasse to Tours (1 hour, €25-65)
- From Lyon: Direct TGV (3.5 hours) or via Paris
- From Bordeaux: Direct TGV (2 hours)
- Regional trains: Connect Tours to Orléans, Poitiers, Nantes
Note: The TGV station "Saint-Pierre-des-Corps" is 4km from Tours center. A free shuttle or quick TER train connects to the main Tours station.
View complete transport guide →
Best Time to Visit
Touraine enjoys a mild climate year-round, but each season offers distinct advantages:
Peak Season (June-August)
Warmest weather, longest days, all attractions open. Expect crowds at major châteaux and higher prices. Many small wine producers close in August for vacation.
Sweet Spots (May & September)
Ideal weather, fewer crowds, vibrant colors. May brings spring blooms; September offers harvest season in the vineyards. Best balance of weather and visitor numbers.
Where to Stay
In Tours
- Old Town (Vieux Tours): Medieval quarter near Place Plumereau. Charming but can be noisy on weekends
- Cathedral Quarter: Quieter, elegant area with boutique hotels
- Train Station Area: Convenient for arrivals/departures, good value hotels
Countryside Options
- Château Hotels: Stay in converted castles (€150-500/night)
- Gîtes: Self-catering cottages perfect for families (€400-1200/week)
- Chambres d'Hôtes: B&Bs offering local hospitality (€70-150/night)
- Camping: Numerous sites along the Loire (€15-40/night)
Getting Around
By Car
Renting a car provides maximum flexibility for château-hopping and wine tasting. Major rental companies at Tours station and airport. Expect to pay €30-50/day. Parking is generally easy except in Tours center.
By Train
TER regional trains connect Tours to Amboise (20 min), Chenonceau (25 min), Chinon (45 min), and Azay-le-Rideau (25 min). Bikes travel free on TER trains.
By Bike
The Loire à Vélo network offers 300+ km of signposted cycling paths. Bike rental €15-20/day, e-bikes €35-45/day. Many accommodations offer secure bike storage.
Public Transport
Fil Bleu operates buses and trams in Tours. Rémi network covers the wider region but service to rural areas is limited.
Budget Guide
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €30-60 | €70-150 | €200+ |
| Meals | €25-35/day | €40-70/day | €100+/day |
| Château Entry | €11-18 per château | ||
| Wine Tasting | Free-€10 at small estates | ||
| Daily Total | €80-120 | €150-250 | €350+ |
Language Tips
While tourism professionals often speak English, learning basic French phrases greatly enhances your experience:
- Bonjour/Bonsoir: Always greet when entering shops/restaurants
- S'il vous plaît: Please (essential for politeness)
- Merci beaucoup: Thank you very much
- L'addition: The bill (in restaurants)
- Où est...?: Where is...?
- Je voudrais: I would like
Practical Information
Safety & Health
- Touraine is very safe; normal precautions apply
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers EU citizens
- Pharmacies (marked with green cross) offer health advice
- Emergency number: 112
Connectivity
- Good mobile coverage in towns; patchy in rural valleys
- Free WiFi common in hotels, cafés, tourist offices
- EU roaming rules apply — no extra charges for EU visitors
Money
- Cards widely accepted; some small venues cash-only
- ATMs plentiful in towns
- Tipping: Round up or 5-10% for exceptional service
Shopping Hours
- Shops: 9am-7pm (closed Sunday, some close Monday)
- Lunch break: Many close 12-2pm
- Supermarkets: Open Sunday mornings
- Markets: Morning only (usually 8am-1pm)