Auberge de Jeunesse HI Tours is a Hostelling International affiliate operated by HI France, located on the Rue Bretonneau in Tours, the capital of Indre-et-Loire in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. The hostel provides accessible budget accommodation in one of the Loire Valley's most important cities, within walking distance of Tours Cathedral, the lively wine-bar district on the Place Plumereau, the Loire riverfront, and the Les Halles de Tours covered food market. Accommodation is offered in 4- to 6-bed dormitory rooms and a small number of private double rooms, making the hostel suitable for solo travellers, student groups, interrail travellers, and budget-conscious couples. A fully equipped shared kitchen allows for cost-effective self-catering. A communal lounge provides a social gathering space with comfortable seating and notice boards covering local events, cycling routes, and château visiting tips. Personal security lockers are provided in dormitory rooms. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. The hostel is a short distance from the Loire à Vélo cycling path, and staff are well-versed in advising on bicycle hire, cycling itineraries, and public transport logistics for reaching Chenonceau, Amboise, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, and Chinon on a limited budget. Tours' central tram network connects the area to the TGV station at Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, from which Paris is under an hour by high-speed train. Budget dining options are abundant in the immediate vicinity — from the city's renowned rillettes de Tours in local brasseries to student-friendly crêperies and affordable wine bars. The hostel represents one of the most cost-effective ways to use Tours as a base for exploring the châteaux and vineyards of the Touraine region of Centre-Val de Loire. The hostel attracts a diverse mix of backpackers, cyclists completing the Loire à Vélo long-distance route, and interrail travellers transiting between the Loire Valley and Atlantic destinations. Staff maintain current practical knowledge of budget transport and château access options, providing informal advice that is frequently more up to date than printed guides.
Room types
- 4–6 bed dorm
- Private double rooms
Amenities
- Shared kitchen
- Lounge
- WiFi
- Lockers
- Near Loire à Vélo path
Location
5 Rue Bretonneau, 37000 Tours, France
47.3928, 0.6869 View on map
Highlights
- HI France-affiliated hostel in central Tours with dormitory beds and private rooms from €22 per night
- Walking distance from Tours Cathedral, Place Plumereau wine bars, and Loire à Vélo cycling path
- Shared kitchen, social lounge, personal lockers, and free Wi-Fi for independent travellers
- Budget base for day trips to Loire châteaux including Chenonceau, Amboise, and Villandry
- Tram connection to Tours Saint-Pierre-des-Corps TGV station (Paris in under 1 hour)
Tips for visiting
- Book dorm beds well in advance for July and August — the hostel is popular with cyclists on the Loire à Vélo summer route.
- The shared kitchen is a significant cost-saver; the Les Halles de Tours market (open daily) is a 10-minute walk for local produce.
- A HI France membership card gives a small nightly discount and can be purchased at the hostel or online before arrival.
- Cycle hire operators near the hostel allow same-day access to the Loire à Vélo flat riverside path.
- Several affordable restaurants and wine bars are within 5 minutes' walk on the streets around Rue Bretonneau.
Accessibility
The hostel occupies a multi-storey building with limited accessibility adaptations. Most dormitory rooms are on upper floors reached by stairs and there is no lift. Guests with mobility limitations should contact the hostel before booking to assess the available room options.
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Frequently asked questions
Is HI France membership required to stay at the hostel?
Membership is not required. However, HI France card holders receive a reduced nightly rate. Membership can be purchased at the hostel reception or online in advance.
Are private rooms available?
A limited number of private double rooms are available alongside the dormitory accommodation. These should be reserved in advance, especially during the summer peak season from June through August.
How does public transport from the hostel reach the TGV station?
The hostel is approximately 30 minutes' walk from Tours Saint-Pierre-des-Corps TGV station, or accessible by tram (Line A) in about 15 minutes. Several bus routes also serve the surrounding streets.
What is the check-in time?
Check-in is generally from 3 pm and check-out by 10 am. Luggage storage may be available before or after these times; confirm current arrangements directly with the hostel.