Angers to Tours Road Trip Guide: Loire Valley Gems

The route from Angers to Tours follows the A85 highway, paralleling the Loire River for much of its 130-kilometer journey. This stretch, once a Roman road connecting the cities of Juliomagus (Angers) and Caesarodunum (Tours), now offers a smooth drive through the heart of the Loire Valley wine region. Did you know that the stretch between Saumur and Tours is almost perfectly straight for 40 kilometers, a legacy of its Roman engineering?

Driving time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes without stops, but you'll want to allocate at least half a day to explore the châteaux, vineyards, and riverbanks. For those wondering how long to drive from Angers to Tours, the answer is that it's a short, easy drive, but is it worth driving from Angers to Tours? Absolutely—the best stops between Angers and Tours include medieval towns, troglodyte caves, and world-class wine cellars.

Quick Facts

For tips on uncovering hidden gems along any route, check this guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The A85 is well-lit only near interchanges; rural sections have no lighting. Night driving requires caution for wildlife (deer crossings common). Road surface is good, but beware of agricultural vehicles on secondary roads. Emergency phones are every 2 km on the A85.

• Safety tip: The exit for Saumur (junction 5) has a sharp curve; reduce speed to 80 km/h.
• Rest zones: Official rest areas (aires de repos) at km 45 (near Saumur) and km 85 (near Langeais) have picnic tables and toilets.

Family and Child Suitability

The route offers several child-friendly attractions. The Parc de Loisirs de la Vallée (near Vouvray) has a miniature train and zip lines. The Château de Langeais features a medieval garden and costumed guides. For interactive fun, the Museum of Natural History in Tours has a dinosaur exhibit.

• Recommended pitstop: La Grange aux Dîmes in Restigné has a small farm with ponies.
• Best for ages 5-12: Le Puy du Fou is a 40-minute detour (historic theme park) but worth the extra drive.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most châteaux in the Loire Valley allow dogs in the gardens but not inside. The Forêt de Chinon offers extensive walking trails. Pet-friendly cafes: Café de la Loire in Tours has a terrace that welcomes dogs. The Aire de la Vallée (rest area at km 60) has a designated dog walking area.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

If you feel drowsy, the following spots are safe for a short nap:

• Aire de la Loire (km 35): Shaded parking, benches, clean restrooms.
• Parking of Château d'Ussé: Quiet lot with views of the castle (free, open sunrise to sunset).
• Aire du Coteau (km 72): Less crowded, with a viewing table for the river.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Within a 5-minute drive from the A85, you can find:

• The abandoned slate quarries of Trélazé: Just east of Angers, now a nature reserve with hiking trails (park at D4 exit).
• The village of Gennes (exit 4): Romanesque church and ancient houses.
• The Troglodyte village of Rochemenier (near Doué-la-Fontaine): Underground homes carved from tuffeau (exit 6, 3 km detour).

The A85 is a toll-free dual carriageway for most of its length, with well-maintained asphalt and clear signage. The speed limit is 130 km/h, though sections near towns reduce to 110 km/h. Fuel stations are spaced roughly every 15-20 kilometers along the A85, with major stops at Saumur and Langeais.

• Toll sections: The A85 between Angers and Tours has no tolls, making it a cost-effective drive.
• Fuel costs: With current diesel prices around €1.60/L and petrol €1.70/L, expect to spend about €15-€20 for a standard car (consumption ~8L/100km).
• Fuel efficiency tips: The flat terrain of the Loire Valley reduces fuel consumption; avoid sudden accelerations and use cruise control around 110 km/h for optimal efficiency.

Parking options in Tours: There are several underground parking garages near the cathedral (e.g., Parking Wilson, €2.50/hour). In Angers, parking at the railway station (Gare d'Angers) costs €1.50/hour. For overnight stops, many châteaux offer free parking.

The landscape shifts from the bustling urban fringe of Angers to the patchwork of vineyards and limestone cliffs known as tuffeau. Along the Loire, sandy banks and poplar trees give way to the dark slate roofs of Saumur. The region is part of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine regional nature park, offering diverse flora and fauna.

• Geographical shift: Near Gennes, the river widens and islands (îles) appear, such as Île Gilette, a bird sanctuary.
• Scenic viewpoints: The Belvédère de Montsoreau provides a panoramic vista of the river and the Château de Montsoreau.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire is a UNESCO World Heritage site. On this route, you are within the UNESCO zone from Angers to Tours. Specific sites include the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud and the Château d'Ussé, though the entire valley is designated.

Local Commerce & Culture

• Saumur: Famous for its sparkling wines (Saumur Brut) and the Musée du Champignon (mushroom museum).
• Bourgueil: Known for its red wines; many domaines offer tastings.
• Rigny-Ussé: Weekly market on Sundays with local goat cheese (Sainte-Maure) and rillettes.
• Roadside stalls: Look for signs for vente directe (direct sale) of wine and seasonal fruits like apples and pears.