Mercure Tours Centre Gare et Congrès is a straightforward, well-placed hotel for visitors who want to see the Loire without a car. As the name says, it sits close to the railway station and the congress centre in the centre of Tours, which means trains to Amboise, Chenonceaux, Azay-le-Rideau, Langeais and Blois are a short walk away, and the fast trains from Paris stop a few minutes away at Saint-Pierre-des-Corps. It belongs to the Accor group's Mercure brand, a mid-range name that tends to offer consistent rooms and a dependable standard for a short stay rather than a boutique feel. The old town, with Place Plumereau and its timber-framed houses, is within easy walking distance, and so is the cathedral of Saint-Gatien, so you can enjoy the evening on foot and leave early for the station in the morning. The hotel suits couples and small families on a three-night base in Tours, business travellers attending an event at the congress centre, and anyone who values predictability and a central position more than a view. Check the room types, breakfast options and parking on the booking page before you choose, and read recent guest reviews for the room you are considering. Treat it as a practical choice for rail-based sightseeing, and book early when a congress or a major event is on in the city.
Location and getting around
The great virtue of this hotel is the position. From Tours station you can take regional trains to Amboise for the royal château and Clos Lucé, to Chenonceaux for the château on the Cher, to Azay-le-Rideau, to Langeais and to Blois, so the city is a natural hub for visitors who prefer rail to driving.
Check timetables in advance, because some services are less frequent in the evening and on Sundays, and plan the return so you are not stranded after a late dinner. The city tram and buses run from the centre, and the old town is a gentle walk away.
Rooms and practical details
As with most hotels in the Mercure range, expect a comfortable, modern room with a standard layout, and ask for a quieter room away from the street if you are a light sleeper, because a station district can be busier than the old town. Breakfast is usually available and is charged separately on many rates, so compare the price with the cafés and bakeries nearby.
Parking in the centre of Tours is limited, so if you arrive by car, ask the hotel about its parking arrangements and the daily charge before you book. Rely on the booking page for the room details and facilities.
Who it suits and what to know: choose this hotel if you want the simplest possible logistics, with the station on your doorstep and a choice of restaurants in the old town in the evening. It is less of a romantic hideaway than a château-hotel and less of a bargain than a budget chain, but it sits comfortably in the middle for value and convenience.
When the congress centre is busy, rooms fill and prices rise, so check the dates of events. In winter the central location is a real advantage, because you can return to the hotel quickly in the dark and the cold.
Why stay here
- ✓Close to Tours station
- ✓Beside the Vinci congress centre
- ✓Mercure brand (Accor group)
- ✓Easy trains to Amboise and Blois
- ✓Walk to the old town
- ✓Central city location
- ✓Suits rail-based sightseeing
- ✓Check parking when booking
Good questions
Is the hotel close to Tours station?+
Yes, it is in the centre of Tours near the station and the congress centre, which makes day trips by train to the châteaux simple.
Can I use it as a base for the châteaux without a car?+
Yes. Regional trains from Tours serve Amboise, Chenonceaux, Azay-le-Rideau, Langeais and Blois, though Villandry, Chambord and Cheverny are easier by car or tour.
Does the hotel have parking?+
Parking arrangements and charges vary, so ask the hotel when you book if you are arriving by car.
