Rent a Car in Tours, France for the Best Loire Valley Value
Compare competitive prices and use this practical guide to choose the right pickup point—Tours Val de Loire Airport (TUF) or downtown—plus tips on insurance, fees, fuel policies, and local driving.
What do you need to rent a car in Tours?
Renting a car in Tours is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.
- Form of ID: A valid physical France national photo ID must be presented at the counter.
- Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical French driving licence with no major endorsements. Depending on car/offer, the licence must have been held for at least 1–5 years (most offers: minimum 1 year; some: 2 years; a few: 5 years).
- Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are generally required. Accepted credit cards (varies by offer) include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, and in some cases UnionPay. Many offers also accept major debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, sometimes UnionPay) for payment and/or deposit; some offers may not accept debit cards at all. Card acceptance (especially UnionPay and Diners/JCB/Discover) depends on the specific deal, so the card should have sufficient funds and be embossed where required.
- Age requirements: Standard eligible driving age ranges from 18–99 years, depending on the specific offer (some: 18–80; others: 21–99 or 26–99). Young driver surcharges may apply: typically for ages 18–24/25, with sample fees around €32.60–€42.00 per day (e.g., about €32.60 per day for 18–24 or 18–25, or €40–€42 per day for 18–24 or 21–25), sometimes including tax and sometimes excluding it. Exact minimum/maximum ages and daily surcharge amounts depend on the selected vehicle and rental supplier.
- Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence must have been held for at least 1–5 years, depending on car/offer (most offers: minimum 1 year; some: 2 years; a few: 5 years). Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
• EU/EEA driving licence or the above combination; these licences are valid across the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.Notes: Photocopies or scanned copies of the driving licence or IDP are not accepted; originals are required at the counter. An International Driving Permit is a translation only and must be presented together with the original licence.
- Form of ID: A valid passport must be presented at the counter.
- Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are generally required. Depending on the offer, accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, and sometimes UnionPay. Many offers also accept Visa or MasterCard debit cards (and in some cases UnionPay debit) for payment/deposit, but a few offers do not accept debit cards. Some deals may be limited to Visa and MasterCard only. The presented card must be valid and have sufficient available credit for the deposit.
- Age requirements: Standard eligible driving age ranges from 18–99 years, depending on the specific offer (some: 18–80; others: 21–99 or 26–99). Young driver surcharges may apply: typically for ages 18–24/25, with sample fees around €32.60–€42.00 per day (e.g., about €32.60 per day for 18–24 or 18–25, or €40–€42 per day for 18–24 or 21–25), sometimes including tax and sometimes excluding it. Exact minimum/maximum ages and daily surcharge amounts depend on the selected vehicle and rental supplier.
Drive Through France's Loire Valley from Tours
Explore France's garden region your way — from castle-hopping routes to vineyard trails and beyond.
Summer
Convertible
4
2
AutoSummer in the Loire Valley means warm sunny days averaging 77°F perfect for dropping the top and cruising between Chenonceau and Amboise. A convertible gives you unobstructed views of historic chateaux surrounded by manicured gardens and vineyard-covered hillsides. This is the ideal way to photograph the famous Renaissance castles while enjoying the fresh countryside air. Automatic transmission makes it easy for American drivers to focus on the scenic roads.
City
Small
52AutoTours' historic center features charming but narrow streets where parking is at a premium. A small car effortlessly navigates le Vieux Tours and finds spots in tight spaces near Place Plumereau. This size is perfect for quick stops at local markets, cafes, and restaurants without the stress of maneuvering larger vehicles. Better fuel economy means more kilometers for your euro when cruising through the old town.
Countryside
SUV
53AutoThe Touraine wine region has gently rolling terrain with roads ranging from main highways to unmarked country lanes between vineyards. An SUV handles these mixed conditions confidently while providing a comfortable higher seating position for spotting distant castle spires across the landscape. You will appreciate the extra cargo space for bringing home bottles from Vouvray and Touraine vineyards. The elevated driving position gives you better visibility on rural roads.
Choose Your Ride
Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.
Fast Getaway From Tours Val de Loire Airport (TUF)
Airport pickup is ideal if you’re landing with luggage or heading straight into the Loire Valley. You can usually avoid downtown traffic at the start of your trip, and the pickup process is often quicker in a smaller airport. Availability is more limited than major hubs, so reserving early helps secure automatics, SUVs, or larger family vehicles.
Rent a Car in Tours (TUF) – Best Deals & Top-Rated Vehicles
Read genuine reviews from travelers who rented cars in Tours. Discover trusted agencies and book with confidence for your France trip.
| Rental company | Rating | Avg. Daily Rate | Pickup Method/Distance | Security deposit | Accepts Debit Cards | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Best Overall | 4.0 7700+ reviews | $59 | 1.9 mi | $647 - $1,005 |
| |
 | 1.9 31 reviews | $73 | 1.9 mi | $291 |
| |
| 1.3 1200+ reviews | $58 | 4.3 mi | $581 - $1,162 |
| |
| 1.3 800+ reviews | $62 | 1.7 mi | $291 |
| |
 | 1.2 1700+ reviews | $56 | 1.9 mi | - |
|
*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.
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Key Expert Insights
Platform Analysis
"In Tours, train stations dominate with 45% market share, followed by city center at 30% and airport at 20%. Convenience drives 70% of location choices, with Loire Valley tourism boosting airport demand."
Booking Patterns
"Economy cars hold 55% market share while SUV demand grows at 10.7% CAGR. Peak season (Jun-Aug) sees 45% demand surge. Average rental duration is 3-5 days with 64% online bookings."
Customer Pain Points
"38% of Tours renters report insurance confusion (CDW vs LDW coverage), while 28% encounter hidden fees including cleaning charges of EUR 50-150 and airport surcharges of EUR 20-50."
Data Sources
- QEEQ internal booking databse
- Mordor Intelligence - France Car Rental Market Report
- SNCF Gares & Connexions - Station Traffic Statistics
- Atout France - French Tourism Authority
- Mordor Intelligence - France Car Rental Market Report
- Grand View Research - Car Rental Market Analysis
- Europcar Annual Operational Report
- UFC-Que Choisir - Car Rental Consumer Complaint Report
- European Consumer Centre France
- Statista - Car Rental Customer Satisfaction France
Popular Driving Routes & Trips From Tours, France
Scenic Self-Drive Routes:
Châteaux of the Loire Loop (Classic Highlights)
A greatest-hits loop through the Loire Valley’s most famous châteaux. Expect easy country roads, riverside scenery, and plenty of parking near major sites (arrive early in peak season).
Loire River Wine Road: Vouvray to Chinon
Drive across two iconic Loire wine areas: Vouvray’s sparkling and Chenin Blanc near Tours, then west toward Chinon’s Cabernet Franc and medieval streets. Designate a driver and book tastings ahead on weekends.
Loire to the Atlantic: Tours to La Rochelle via Saumur
A longer getaway that starts with Loire Valley culture and ends on the Atlantic coast. Break up the drive with Saumur’s château and riverside views, then continue to La Rochelle’s harbor and nearby islands.
Popular Day Trips By Car:
Chenonceau & Amboise in One Day
Pair two marquee stops: the elegant Château de Chenonceau over the Cher River and historic Amboise for château views and a lively old town.
Villandry Gardens + Azay-le-Rideau
An easy, low-stress day close to Tours focused on formal gardens at Villandry and the romantic setting of Azay-le-Rideau.
Chambord & Blois
See the Loire’s most over-the-top Renaissance château at Chambord, then continue to Blois for its historic center and panoramic viewpoints.
Chinon + Fontevraud Abbey
Combine Chinon’s medieval charm and wine culture with the remarkable Fontevraud Abbey, one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe.
Car Rental Planning Tips for Tours & the Loire Valley
Bring the right documents: Carry your driver’s license, passport/ID, and the credit card used for the booking. Some agencies may request an International Driving Permit depending on license format and country of issue.
Choose a smaller car for château roads: Many Loire Valley roads and village centers are narrow. A compact car is easier for parking lots, tight turns, and older streets.
Plan fuel stops outside village centers: Fuel stations can be sparse in smaller villages or close early. Top up near Tours, larger towns (Amboise, Saumur, Blois), or along major routes.
Avoid peak arrival times at major châteaux: Parking fills up quickly at Chenonceau and Chambord in summer. Arrive near opening time or later afternoon to reduce queues and parking stress.
Watch for tolls and speed cameras: Autoroutes may have tolls, and speed enforcement is common. Use offline/online navigation that shows toll routes and speed limits.
Understand insurance and deposits before pickup: Check the deductible, what’s covered (glass/tires/undercarriage), and the security deposit hold. Consider a package that matches your risk comfort, especially for rural driving and parking.
Learn local parking rules: In many towns, street parking may be time-limited or paid during business hours. Use marked lots near attractions to simplify enforcement and avoid fines.
Rent a Car in Tours, France - Explore the Loire Valley
Plan your perfect French road trip from Tours and discover the beauty of the Loire Valley with reliable car rental options and essential driving information
LANGUAGES
French
CURRENCY
EUR
DRIVE ON
Right-hand side
COUNTRY CODE
+33
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE
$65 per day
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH
3 days
SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN
50 km/h
SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN
130 km/h (110 km/h in rain)
ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC
0.05% (Strictly Enforced)
AVERAGE GAS PRICE
$2.26/L
LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE
$1.44/L - $2.46/L
TRAVELER RATING
8.3 / 10
Driving in Tours, France: FAQ
Essential car rental and driving tips for American travelers exploring the Loire Valley
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