Oceania L’Univers is the classic grand hotel of Tours, opened in 1846 and still the city's best-known address. It stands on Boulevard Heurteloup, across from the town hall and close to the Palais des Congrès and the train station, which makes it one of the most convenient bases in the Loire for anyone using trains to reach the châteaux. The hotel has ninety-one rooms with high ceilings, overlooking the old town, the rooftops or a green terrace, with suites that have whirlpool baths and interconnecting rooms for families of up to six. The spa has an indoor heated pool, a small jacuzzi pool and treatments, and the restaurant, La Touraine, serves traditional French and regional dishes. The old town and Place Plumereau are a short walk away.
Location and getting around
The hotel's great strength is its position. The station is only a couple of minutes away on foot, so trains to Amboise, Chenonceaux, Azay-le-Rideau and Blois are easy to catch for a day of châteaux, and the old town with Place Plumereau is a short walk. If you arrive by car, the hotel has a private car park for which a fee applies, and it is worth reserving a space in advance.
The rooms and the spa
Rooms are large by city standards, with the high ceilings of a nineteenth-century building, Nespresso machines and Rituals toiletries. Ask for a room facing the old town or the green terrace for quiet, as the boulevard can be busy by day. Suites with whirlpool baths are good for a special stay.
The spa, with its indoor heated pool, jacuzzi and massages, is a real asset in November, when a day of châteaux in the cold ends better with a swim. Breakfast is offered as a package with regional specialities, and La Touraine serves lunch and dinner.
Who it suits and what to know: it is a good choice for couples and for families who want a central, comfortable base with space, and for anyone who wants to leave the car behind. The hotel's history is part of the appeal, with portraits of famous guests in a gallery above the foyer, from Sarah Bernhardt to Edith Piaf. Rates sit in the upper-mid range and are best in low season. The one trade-off is traffic noise from the boulevard, which a courtyard or terrace room avoids.
Why stay here
- ✓Four-star grand hotel since 1846
- ✓91 rooms with high ceilings
- ✓Spa with indoor heated pool
- ✓Bistro La Touraine
- ✓Nespresso and Rituals toiletries
- ✓Family rooms sleeping up to six
- ✓Private car park (fee)
- ✓Two minutes from Tours station
Good questions
How far is the hotel from Tours station?+
It is only a couple of minutes on foot, which makes it ideal for day trips to the châteaux by train. The old town is a short walk in the other direction.
Is there a spa?+
Yes, with an indoor heated pool, a small jacuzzi pool and massages and treatments. It is especially welcome in low season.
Does the hotel have parking?+
Yes, a private car park, for which a fee applies. Reserve a space in advance if you arrive by car.
