← Marathon Poitiers-Futuroscope·1 night

Tours: One Night on the Loire

A Loire city with a timber-framed old quarter around Place Plumereau, a Gothic cathedral and flat riverside walks, less than an hour north of Poitiers by train.

Duration1 night
TransitTGV, about 45 minutes from Poitiers
DepartsPoitiers

After the Marathon Poitiers-Futuroscope: Tours

The Route: Poitiers → Tours (1 night) → onward or back to Poitiers Logistics: TGVs run from Poitiers to Tours or to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, the high-speed station next to Tours, in about 45 minutes. A short connecting train links Saint-Pierre-des-Corps with Tours centre. Marathon Month: April Duration: 1 night

Poitiers ──(TGV, ≈45 min)──> Tours
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    └────────(TGV)─────────────┘

Tours is the biggest city on this stretch of the Loire and an easy first stop after the race. It is on the line to Paris, so it also works as a last night before heading home. The centre is flat, and most of what you will want to see is within a 20-minute walk of the station.

The Old Quarter

The old town west of the centre is built around Place Plumereau, a square of timber-framed houses lined with café terraces. The lanes around it are good for a slow evening walk and dinner. In April the terraces open on fine days, but bring a layer for the evening.

The Cathedral and the River

The Cathédrale Saint-Gatien, east of the centre, has a Gothic front and fine stained glass. From there it is a short walk to the Loire, where the riverside paths are level and quiet, a good way to loosen tired legs.

Where to Stay and Eat

Stay near the station or between the station and the old quarter, so the walk with a bag is short. Tours is known for its rillettes, and the Loire wines, Vouvray and Chinon among them, are on every list.

Getting Back

Trains run back to Poitiers, and on to Paris, through the day. Check whether your train leaves from Tours or Saint-Pierre-des-Corps.