Tours is a city in the Loire region of France, located a couple of hours south-west of Paris. It is situated on both the River Loire and Cher River. The city features an exciting mix of France’s history and modern culture, with high-fashion shops mingled in among rustic food markets and 14th century architecture.
For expats and students relocating to Tours, there is plenty to experience while living in this city, and comfortable yet affordable accommodation is readily available. Apartments in Tours vary in style and size, some being newer developments after the destruction of the Second World War, while many other buildings still stand in their original glory. For renting apartments in Tours, you can expect a budget of approximately €650 for a good size apartment, while rooms to rent and smaller apartments can be found for much cheaper.
Student Accommodation in Tours
Apartments in Tours by District
The various districts and Quartiers of Tours reflect distinctly different styles and offer something for everyone. The centre of the city on the south bank of the River Loire has so much going on, with opportunities to shop, eat, drink, and take in the culture from a variety of museums, galleries, and notable landmarks. Apartments are affordable here, too, with average prices of €350 - €800 for apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms.
The various suburban districts further out of the centre provide a little more peace and quiet, perfect for families and anyone who enjoys the quiet life. Tours has a range of modern apartments and houses with rooms to rent, as well as more traditional styles maintained from the city’s historical roots.
More Attractive Areas for Tours Apartments
Apartments in Place Plumereau and surroundings
Place Plumereau lies at the heart of Tours and is the main spot for tourists and anyone looking for nightlife in the city. The Place displays a medieval style, with old cobbled streets and half-timbered buildings, yet it is surrounded by a vast range of modern facilities and entertainment venues. Shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs are plentiful here, making it a bustling hub at all times of the day.
As a popular place for students to spend their time, Place Plumereau is also fairly affordable, so you’ll find lots of bars and restaurants with cheap prices and discounts. Apartments in Plumereau can be found in the converted half-timbered houses, giving you a real taste of the city’s history while still living in quality, comfortable accommodation.
Apartments in Quartier Cathedrale
Quartier Cathedrale is found on the other side of the city centre, to the east of Rue Nationale. It is named for the famous cathedral that it houses, Cathédrale Saint-Gatien de Tours. This part of the city centre is slightly quieter than that surround Place Plumereau as it is not known for its nightlife, but it has plenty for tourists and residents to see and do. You can see it as the cultured centre compared to Plumereau’s party scene.
As well as the 12th century cathedral, The Cathedral Quarter is also home to other architectural wonders including smaller churches and Cloître de la Psalette. You can also find theatres and museums in this district to experience the history and culture of Tours and the Loire district. Apartments in Quartier Cathedrale are well-located, with quieter surroundings that are still right at the heart of the city.
Tours Old Town
The original Old Town of Tours, or le Vieux Tours, is the home of Place Plumereau, covering the wider area between this and Rue Nationale. It is characterised by winding, cobbled streets and Medieval architecture, including the half-timbered buildings previously mentioned. The Old Town is pedestrianised, making it easy and safe to see all the city has to offer on foot.
Many of the Old Town’s original buildings from the 12th – 15th centuries have been well-preserved and converted into shops, cafés, bars, and apartments. Plans were made in the past to modernise this area of Tours, but were shut down in favour of preserving the city’s history. Located so close to the River Loire, you’re also given some great waterfront views from Tours’ Old Town.
Student Accommodation in Tours
There are various higher education institutes found in Tours. The main one is Universite de Tours, also known as François Rabelais University. This university has seven campuses spread across the city, so your location in Tours will depend on your course. Several of these campuses are around the city’s Old Town, so this is a popular place for Student Accommodation in Tours. Some campuses are found further south, beyond the River Cher.
There is a range of accommodation available for students in Tours, from private university halls to affordable housing and apartments for rent across the city. Most students like to be close to the city centre as this is where the nightlife is, and lots of places offer student discounts on food and drink, for example.
Public Transportation in Tours
Tours is served by both a tram and a bus system, offering convenient and affordable public transport around the city. The bus services, in particular, are known for being reliable and easy to use. When using public transportation in Tours, the best thing to do is purchase a rechargeable travel ticket for €1.60. This can then be recharged on each journey for just €1.50 for a one-way journey, or you can top it up in bulk for €13 for 10 journeys. Alternatively, you can buy a monthly travel pass for around €30.