Hire a Car in Tours, France and Explore the Loire Valley for Less

Find competitive prices, straightforward pick-up options and a practical UK-focused guide to insurance, fuel policies and common fees—so you can drive from Tours with confidence.

Terminal Guide

Car Guide

Deals

Compare

Rental Tips

Expert Advice

Popular Routes

Routes

Travel Info

FAQ

Awards

UK Traveller Essentials

Tours Car Hire Guide: Locations, Navigation and What to Expect

Renting a car in Tours is one of the easiest ways to explore the Loire Valley’s châteaux and vineyards on your own schedule. For travellers from the United Kingdom, key differences include driving on the right, roundabout priority, French motorway tolls and how rental firms handle deposits and excess. Tours is compact and walkable, so consider whether you want to collect the car on arrival (airport) or later (city centre) to avoid paying for parking while sightseeing. In peak summer and school holidays, booking ahead usually gives the best choice of automatics, family cars and larger boots for luggage.

+ more

Tours Val de Loire Airport (TUF) Car Rental Area

Best for arriving by air and heading straight towards Amboise, Chenonceau or Blois. Expect fewer desks and shorter opening hours than major hubs, so check your arrival time and out-of-hours policies. Navigation: follow signs for ‘Location de voitures / Car rental’ within the terminal area; vehicles are typically parked close to the terminal.

Tours Railway Station (Gare de Tours) Area

Pros: convenient for UK travellers arriving via Paris by train, easy to collect after a night in town, and good for one-way plans. Cons: city traffic at rush hour, limited kerbside stopping, and parking can be tight—allow extra time for returns and photographing the vehicle condition.

Tours City Centre (Jean Jaurès / Place de la Liberté Vicinity)

Pros: ideal if you plan to sightsee first and only need a car for day trips; you can compare nearby agencies on foot. Cons: more one-way streets, paid parking zones and restrictions; collecting during busy periods can mean slower pick-up and less space for a careful walkaround inspection.

Loading map...

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport Pick-Up

Downtown Pick-Up

Collect at TUF for Fast Getaways to the Loire Valley

Airport pick-up is convenient if you land in Tours and want to drive straight to château towns and rural stays. Availability can be limited compared with larger airports, so booking early helps secure automatics and family-sized cars. Always confirm desk hours, late-arrival procedures and the fuel policy before you fly.

Nimble RunaboutSmall

Tours Car Hire: Real Reviews from Genuine Travellers

Explore car rental options in Tours with authentic reviews from verified customers. Make informed decisions based on genuine experiences from real drivers.

Rental company	Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Key Advantages
Best Overall	4.0 7900+ reviews	$51	1.9 mi from Tours Downtown	$596 - $957	●Professional and friendly staff ●Wide vehicle selection ●Quick and efficient service
	2.9 25 reviews	$66	1.7 mi from Tours Downtown	$351 - $727	●Exceptional staff efficiency and professionalism ●Seamless pickup and return process ●Emerald Club membership praised
	2.0 32 reviews	$63	1.9 mi from Tours Downtown	$706 - $783	●Professional and friendly staff ●Clean vehicles in good condition ●Flexible and accommodating service
	1.7 7430+ reviews	$69	1.9 mi from Tours Downtown	$585 - $1,069	●Wide network of locations ●Clear and transparent pricing ●Simple booking process
	1.5 500+ reviews	$46	1.9 mi from Tours Downtown	$574 - $901	●Sixt partnership ensures professional service ●Competitive prices with transparent billing ●Smooth pickup and return process
	1.5 45 reviews	$62	0.8 mi from Tours Downtown	$887	●Fast collection, no queues ●No hidden fees, fair price ●Pleasant staff, helpful service
	1.4 820+ reviews	$49	1.7 mi from Tours Downtown	$553 - $654	●Friendly and efficient staff ●Clean and recent vehicles ●Good value for money
	1.2 1700+ reviews	$78	0.8 mi from Tours Downtown	$828	●Professional and friendly staff ●Clean vehicles available ●Straightforward rental process

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental

Last updated: Jun. 15 2026

Essential Rental Hub

Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.

A Brit's Guide to Refuelling in France

This guide simplifies the process of refuelling at French petrol stations, covering fuel types, payment methods, and the best station choices for travellers.

View details

Rent a Car in Tours: Complete Insurance Guide to Avoid Excess Charges

An in-depth, practical guide to car hire insurance in Tours, France. Explains CDW, TP and TPL, the hidden excess (franchise), and the credit-card hold; compares the two reliable strategies—rental-desk zero-excess cover or third‑party excess reimbursement—and provides checklists, real-life case studies and step‑by‑step claim advice to protect your holiday budget and peace of mind.

View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Airport locations account for 53% of French car rental bookings, with online channels dominating at 64% market share in 2025."

Booking Patterns

"Leisure tourism drives 58% of rentals; budget vehicles lead at 68% share, while premium rentals grow fastest at 12% CAGR."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Mordor Intelligence France Car Rental Market Report
Mordor Intelligence France Car Rental Market Report

Popular Self-Drive Routes & Easy Road Trips From Tours

Top Scenic Routes From Tours (By Car):

Châteaux of the Loire: Tours to Amboise, Chenonceau & Blois Loop

Scenic château circuit4–6 hours driving (best as a full day with visits)

A classic Loire Valley loop linking some of the region’s most iconic castles and riverside towns. Expect easy A-roads, short hops between sights, and plenty of places to stop for cafés, wine shops, and viewpoints over the Loire and Cher.

Amboise, Château de Chenonceau, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Blois, Château de Chambord

Loire River & Wine Country: Tours to Vouvray, Montlouis-sur-Loire & Candes-Saint-Martin

Riverside scenic drive and wine route3–5 hours driving (allow a day for tastings and viewpoints)

Follow the Loire east for sparkling wine villages, then head west towards one of France’s prettiest riverside settings at the confluence of the Loire and Vienne. Ideal for relaxed driving, cellar-door tastings (by appointment), and golden-hour river views.

Vouvray, Montlouis-sur-Loire, Chinon, Candes-Saint-Martin, Fontevraud-l'Abbaye

South Touraine: Tours to Loches, Montrésor & the Indre Valley

Medieval towns and countryside loop3.5–5 hours driving (full day recommended for stops)

A quieter, countryside-focused route through the Indre Valley, combining a major medieval fortress town with smaller ‘most beautiful village’ charm. Roads are generally calm and scenic, with woodland stretches and gentle rolling landscapes.

Loches, Montrésor, Château de Montpoupon, Céré-la-Ronde, Beaulieu-lès-Loches

Popular Day Trips From Tours:

Château de Chenonceau (Half-Day)

4–6 hours total (about 35–45 mins each way by car)

One of the Loire’s most celebrated châteaux, spanning the River Cher with beautiful gardens and river views. Arrive early or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds and parking queues.

Amboise & Clos Lucé (Leonardo da Vinci) (Day Trip)

6–8 hours total (about 25–35 mins each way by car)

Pair Château Royal d’Amboise with Clos Lucé, Leonardo’s final residence. A great mix of heritage, walkable old streets, and family-friendly exhibits.

Château de Chambord via Blois (Day Trip)

7–9 hours total (about 1 hr 10 mins to Blois, then 25 mins to Chambord)

A standout day combining Blois’ lively centre with the vast Renaissance masterpiece of Chambord. Expect more walking at Chambord—comfortable shoes help.

Chinon Wine Town & Fortress (Relaxed Day Trip)

6–8 hours total (about 45–60 mins each way by car)

A riverside town known for red wines and a hilltop fortress. Ideal for a slower pace: morning market strolls, a fortress visit, then a winery stop (pre-book tastings if possible).

Car Hire & Driving Tips Around Tours

Bring the right documents: Carry your driving licence, passport/ID, and the payment card used for the booking. If your licence is non-EU, check whether an International Driving Permit is recommended for France.

Plan for the security deposit: Most rentals require a sizeable card pre-authorisation. Make sure your limit is sufficient and the card is in the main driver’s name to avoid pick-up delays.

Know your fuel type before you leave the car park: Diesel and petrol nozzles differ, but mistakes still happen. Confirm the fuel type on the key tag and rental agreement, and take a photo for reference.

Use a sat-nav, but double-check historic centres: Old-town Tours and nearby villages can have one-way systems and restricted access. If your accommodation is central, confirm the easiest parking option in advance.

Prefer château car parks and arrive early: Major sites like Chenonceau and Chambord have dedicated parking, but it fills fast in summer. Early arrivals usually mean easier parking and calmer visits.

Consider excess cover for peace of mind: Loire Valley driving is straightforward, but car parks can be tight. Review excess and windscreen/tyre coverage so you understand your out-of-pocket risk.

Avoid peak-time exits from Tours: Weekday rush hours can slow bridges and ring roads. Leaving after peak periods often makes day trips noticeably smoother.

Drive Into the Heart of France: Tours Awaits

Discover the enchanting city of Tours in the Loire Valley, where historic chateaux, fine wines, and scenic drives converge to create an unforgettable French adventure

LANGUAGES

French

CURRENCY

EUR

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+33

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$57 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

7 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

30-50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

80-130 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.05% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$2.32/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.42/L - $2.32/L

TRAVELER RATING

8.5 / 10

Tours Car Hire FAQs: Loire Valley Self-Drive Guide

Practical answers for UK travellers planning a châteaux road trip from Tours, France

Can I drive in France with my UK photocard licence, or do I still need an International Driving Permit?

Yes — your UK photocard licence is valid for short visits (up to 12 months) without an IDP under the post-Brexit rules. However, rental desks at Tours Airport (TUF) and the city branches of Europcar, Hertz and Sixt often ask for a 1968-format IDP (costing £5.50 from the AA or RAC) and a printed French translation, and can refuse the keys without one. Order both online at least a fortnight before travel to avoid delays at the counter.

How do I pay autoroute tolls between Tours and Paris on the A10, and what will it cost?

The A10 from Tours to Paris is roughly 235 km and takes about 2 h 30, with a Class 1 toll of around €24-€28. Take a ticket from the entry gantry, then pay at the exit: lanes marked 't' accept carte bancaire (chip-and-PIN), 'cb' lanes are card-only, and orange 'l' lanes are cash. UK contactless cards without a PIN will not work in 't' lanes — keep €30 in coins as a back-up and never reverse under the barriers.

I'm 23 — will I face a 'young driver' surcharge when renting a car in Tours?

Most major firms (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) add €20-€35 per day for drivers aged 21-24, usually capped at about €175 per rental. Local operators ADA and Rent A Car sometimes waive it for 23-24 year-olds but levy a higher excess of €1,500-€2,000. You must have held your licence for at least one year, and the named driver on the booking must be present at collection. Pre-booking online with a 'young driver included' filter can halve the total.

Do I need a Crit'Air sticker to drive around the Loire châteaux or into Paris from Tours?

Tours itself has no Low Emission Zone, so you can drive freely between châteaux in the Loire Valley. But the ZFE-m of Grand Paris (the A86 ring and inside) bans diesel cars Euro 5 and older plus petrol Euro 2 and older, Monday-Friday 08:00-20:00. Order the green Crit'Air vignette at certificat-air.gouv.fr for €3.72 plus postage — allow 2-3 weeks, as on-the-spot fines are €68-€135.

Will I need winter tyres or snow chains if I self-drive around the Loire Valley in December or January?

Tours winters are mild (3-7 °C) and snow is rare, so the Indre-et-Loire department is outside the Loi Montagne zones — chains are not legally required. However, the A89 and A20 towards Limoges and the Massif Central are signposted with the blue snowflake and do require either 3PMSF tyres or fitted chains from November to mid-March. Most hire cars carry all-season tyres, which legally suffice; add chains (€40-€60 per set) if your itinerary includes Sancerre or Aubrac.

Where can I park cheaply near Tours old town to walk to Place Plumereau?

The medieval centre is a Zone à Trafic Limité with rising bollards and €135 fines for non-residents, so don't follow your sat-nav inside. Use the secure Indigo car parks at Gare Vinci (€15/day) or Nationale (€12/day), or the free P+R at La Riche Université served by tram A in 8 minutes. On-street blue zones cost €1.20 per hour Mon-Sat 09:00-19:00 and are free on Sundays and after 19:00 — pay at the orange horodateur and keep the ticket on the dashboard.

QEEQ Platform Awards

Recognized globally for excellence in car rental booking services and customer satisfaction.

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Business Excellence Awards 2024

The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

Recommended by our customers

Trusted by customers worldwide and we're always working to improve.