I'd like to hop the train in Paris and go to Tours to take the Acco-Dispo tour of a few of the chateaus. I cannot find a cost for the train to Tours, although I see in RS France book that there is a TVG train and a "slow" train. I tried to figure it out from the train's website, but gave up. I just need a ballpark figure to work into my budget. Thanks!
Posted by
Tumwater, WA, United States
118 posts
My wife and I took the TGV to Tours from Paris last October and it seems like about an hour's ride and about 24 euro's each. Be sure you know which of the two train stations to get off in. They are only about four minutes by train apart but a long walk if you choose the wrong one. Have a great time.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
TGV from Gare Montparnasse to Tours in 1hr10min: Standard 2nd class fare is €43. Booking online well in advance can get you a PREM'S fare as low as €17.
Corail train from Gare d'Austerlitz to Tours in 2hr18min: Standard 2nd class fare is €29.40. The PREM'S fare can be as low as €15.
Posted by
OP
Tualatin, OR, USA
123 posts
Rick, did you do the all day tour with Acco-Dispo or just a morning or afternoon tour? I'm thinking that I agree with RS--a full day of touring chateaus may be overkill for my group. I think just a morning tour, a leisurely picnic lunch on our own and then the TGV back to Paris would be sufficient. What's your experience?
Posted by
OP
Tualatin, OR, USA
123 posts
Thanks very much to both of you! I knew the helpline would come through!
Deb
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
473 posts
We did the exact same thing several years ago and enjoyed it immensely. I would highly suggest spending the extra money for the TGV train. You'll get an extra hour of sleep. Plus, at the time, we caught the first bus of the morning, to the train station, for the TGV. If we took the local train, we would have had to catch a taxi to the train station.
FYI, as per Acco-Disp Tours:
There are two railway stations in Tours, one in the suburb called "Saint Pierre des Corps", the other in the center of the city called "Tours". The pick-up place is located near the station of Tours : Tourist Office. (not near Saint Pierre des Corps).
Posted by
Tumwater, WA, United States
118 posts
Sorry to butt in when you weren't asking me this question, but if you visit the right chateau, a half day will give you a good taste of the Chateau world and you may want to return some other time. We visited three in two days and honestly even though the third one was beautiful, we both agreed that one per day would be enough for us. We talked to some people who had been visiting two or three per day for several days and were having a blast. But if you had a choice to see Chambord or Chanenseau, each can easily take a half day when you walk the grounds and visit the chateau. It would be fun if the weather was good to take a picnic to either of these.
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
473 posts
Deborah, we did an all-day tour. It's been a few years, but I believe we saw Chambord, Chenonceau, Cheverney, and Clos Luce. My wife and I enjoyed it immensely, and would recommend the all-day tour, as long as you're out there. But everyone's tastes are different.
Regarding the picnic lunch idea. They will drop you off anywhere within reason. But once you're dropped off, they won't pick you back up. So I would imagine that you would want to be dropped off somewhere near the train station in Tours.