I would appreciate some explicit directions on how to find the train to Tours from CDG. I am hoping someone has done this fairly recently. We are arriving at 8 a.m. at CDG and then taking a train to Tours. In Tours we will pick up a rental car for a week in the Loire Valley. We already have our accommodations - an Air B&B flat in Amboise (with parking). Thanks for any info you can provide.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Have you already booked a specific train departure? Most train tickets are not refundable or changeable if you miss the train, especially any ticket discounted below the full fare. CDG airport is large and delays are possible on either end of your flight. The TGV train station at CDG airport is in Terminal 2 and fast trains depart from there toward the Loire Valley every two hours.
St. Pierre-des-Corps TGV station does have car rental and is served by direct departures from CDG about 10:15 and 14:00. Counting on 10:15 would leave no room for delay. In between those two, you have another departure to Tours with a connection at Le Mans (easy enough) or could go into Montparnasse station in central Paris.
How to Look Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the DB train schedule link and tips for using it (but does not sell tickets). Ticket purchase prices and sources vary depending on how soon you leave, but www.capitainetrain.com is a good place to start.