Car hire in Tours puts you in the perfect position to explore the magnificent Loire Valley. Known as the Garden of France, this region is dotted with Renaissance châteaux, vineyards, and charming villages that are best reached by car. Tours sits at the heart of the valley, making it an ideal base for road trips through this UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
Getting Around Tours by Car
Tours city centre is compact and walkable, with the historic Vieux Tours area best explored on foot. Save your rental car for venturing into the countryside. Parking in the centre costs around €1.50 per hour at metered spaces, with several underground car parks available for longer stays.
The city connects to the A10 motorway, which runs south to Bordeaux and north to Paris. Driving times are straightforward — expect about 2 hours to Paris on the autoroute, or 3 hours if you take the scenic routes through the countryside. The A85 links Tours to Nantes and the Atlantic coast.
French driving etiquette requires confident use of roundabouts. Enter when there’s a gap, signal your exit, and remember that traffic already on the roundabout has priority. In rural areas, watch for slow-moving farm vehicles on otherwise empty roads.
Day Trips from Tours
The Loire Valley’s famous châteaux are all within easy driving distance. Chenonceau, spanning the River Cher, is just 35 minutes east. Arrive early to beat the tour buses — the light on the water in morning is spectacular. Amboise, with its royal château and Clos Lucé where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years, sits 25 minutes east.
Chambord, the largest and most recognisable Loire château, takes 45 minutes to reach via D925. Its double-helix staircase, allegedly designed by da Vinci, is worth the drive. Stop in the village of Blois on your way back — its royal château and old town make a perfect half-day excursion.
Wine lovers should head to Vouvray, 15 minutes northeast, for sparkling and still Chenin Blanc. The caves along the river offer tastings in atmospheric troglodyte cellars. Villandry, 20 minutes west, features the most spectacular Renaissance gardens in France.
Driving Tips for France
Always carry your driving licence, passport, and rental agreement. French police can request these documents at any time. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5g/L — roughly two small glasses of wine for an average adult. Given the region’s excellent wines, it’s wiser to have a designated driver or stick to tastings with spit buckets.
Speed limits are strictly enforced. Autoroutes permit 130km/h in dry conditions, 110km/h in rain. Departmental roads vary between 80km/h and 90km/h — watch for signs as limits change frequently. Radar traps are common, especially on routes popular with tourists.
Priorité à droite remains the rule in villages unless indicated otherwise by signage. When you see a yellow diamond with a black cross through it, priority returns to the main road. The reverse sign indicates you must give way to traffic from the right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive from Tours to Paris in one day?
Absolutely — it’s about 2 hours on the A10 autoroute. Factor in €25-30 in tolls each way. Many visitors do day trips, though staying overnight lets you explore more of the Loire Valley without rushing.
Do I need a car in Tours?
For exploring the city itself, no — it’s walkable and has good public transport. But for visiting châteaux and vineyards, a car is essential. Many smaller sites have limited or no public transport connections.
What’s the best time to drive in the Loire Valley?
Early morning gives you empty roads and the best light for photography. Late spring and early autumn offer perfect driving weather — summer can get congested near major attractions. Avoid French bank holiday weekends when traffic peaks.