Tours: What It’s Actually Like to Live in the "Garden of France"

1. The "Parisian Effect" on Housing

Tours is currently experiencing what locals call the "Parisian effect." Because it is only 70 minutes from Paris via TGV, many professionals are trading their tiny capital apartments for sprawling limestone houses here.

The Rental Reality: With a massive student population and a wave of new remote workers, the rental market is incredibly tight. For a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, competition is fierce, and prices have risen to reflect its popularity as a primary commuter hub. If you’re looking to buy, you'll find a significant price gap between the sleek, modern developments on the outskirts and the prestigious, historic renovations in the "Quartier des Halles" or "Prébendes."2. Choosing Your Neighborhood

Tours is a city of distinct "quartiers," each with its own personality:

• Les Prébendes: This is the crown jewel of Tours. Think elegant 19th-century bourgeois houses, quiet streets, and a stunning English-style park. It is the most desirable (and expensive) area for families.

• Velpeau: Located just behind the train station, this area is the "Brooklyn of Tours." It’s younger, artsier, and perfect for commuters who need to catch that early TGV to Paris.

• Vieux Tours: If you want to live inside a history book, this is it. Timber-framed houses and cobblestones are everywhere, but be warned: the nightlife at Place Plumereau can make these streets noisy on weekends.

• Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire: Across the river to the north, this suburb offers larger homes and high-end views of the Loire valley, popular with those seeking a quieter, more residential vibe.

3. The Job Market & Connectivity

While many move here to commute, Tours is a hub in its own right. The "French Tech Loire Valley" initiative has brought a surge in IT and digital startups. Healthcare is also a massive employer, centered around the CHU de Tours. However, the secret to success here is networking—and having a solid grasp of French, especially given the city's pride in its "pure" accent!

4. Quality of Life: Beyond the Châteaux

Living in Tours means the Loire Valley is your playground. On any given weekend, you can cycle the Loire à Vélo paths, visit the Halles de Tours (the city’s incredible covered food market) for local goat cheese, or explore the contemporary art at the CCCOD.

The "Garden of France" isn't just a nickname; it’s a lifestyle choice. It’s for those who want the prestige of Paris with the breathing room of the countryside.

Thinking of scouting Tours for your 2026 move? Check out our latest video for a full walking tour of these neighborhoods and the most up-to-date cost-of-living breakdown! And sign up for newsletters HERE for your free relocation guide and scouting trip opportunities!

Tours part 1: https://youtu.be/-Kc6NGyVPlM

Tours part 2: https://youtu.be/1MWJmRqjFls

Credits:

Photo by Jordi Vich Navarro on Unsplash

Benjamin Smith, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

© GrandCelinien - (G. A.) / CC-BY-SA-3.0, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Passerelle Saint-Symphorien Les halles CCCOD