Planning to transport your dog, cat, or ferret to Tours? The unofficial capital of the Loire Valley sits at the heart of France's most famous château region. With its elegant centre, excellent restaurants, and easy access to countless historic estates and riverside walks, Tours offers a perfect blend of culture and countryside. We provide professional door-to-door pet transport from anywhere in the UK.
Why Transport Your Pet to Tours?
Tours combines the advantages of a sophisticated French city with unparalleled access to countryside, châteaux, and vineyards. The city's elegant Place Plumereau is the heart of a vibrant old town, while the surrounding Loire Valley - a UNESCO World Heritage site - offers endless exploration.
For British expats, Tours offers excellent TGV connections to Paris, a prestigious university, and a cost of living significantly lower than Paris or the south. The gentle climate and peaceful riverside setting suit those seeking a slower pace of life.
Our Tours Pet Transport Service
What's Included
- Door-to-door collection and delivery - From your UK home to Tours or anywhere in the Indre-et-Loire department
- Climate-controlled vehicle - Comfortable temperature throughout
- Experienced DEFRA-approved handlers - Trained in animal welfare
- Regular comfort breaks - Appropriate for the journey
- Real-time WhatsApp updates - Photos throughout
- All documentation handled - Border procedures managed by us
The Route: UK to Tours
- Collection from your UK address
- Drive to Folkestone - The Eurotunnel terminal
- Eurotunnel crossing - 35 minutes to Calais
- Drive through France - Via Rouen and Le Mans
- Arrival in Tours - Delivery to your address
At 7-9 hours from London, Tours is a comfortable same-day journey.
Pet Entry Requirements
Essential Documentation
- Microchip - ISO compliant 15-digit chip
- Rabies vaccination - At least 21 days old
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC) - Issued within 10 days of travel. Valid for up to 6 months for onward EU travel and return to GB
Tours: The Loire Valley for Dogs
The Loire Valley is exceptional for dogs. The flat terrain along the river is perfect for cycling with dogs, the forests offer shaded walks, and many château grounds welcome well-behaved pets.
City and River Walks
- Banks of the Loire - Wide riverside paths perfect for long walks
- Banks of the Cher - Quieter walks along Tours' other river
- Île Simon - Island park in the Loire
- Jardin Botanique - City botanical gardens
- La Gloriette - Large park south of the river
Château Grounds and Forests
- Domaine de Chambord - Vast hunting grounds open for walking (dogs on leads)
- Forêt de Chinon - Ancient royal forest with marked trails
- Forêt d'Amboise - Woods near the famous château
- Chenonceau gardens - Some areas accessible with dogs
Day Trips
- Villandry - Famous gardens (dogs in specific areas)
- Azay-le-Rideau - Beautiful island château with parkland
- Chinon - Medieval fortress town with forest walks
- Vouvray - Wine villages along the Loire
Pet Services
- Excellent veterinary care in Tours
- Pet supply stores
- Dog grooming services
- Growing expat community
Living in Tours with Pets
Tours has a relaxed provincial atmosphere where dogs are part of daily life. The old town terraces welcome dogs, and the riverside lifestyle suits outdoor pets perfectly. The climate features warm summers and cool winters, with spring and autumn particularly beautiful for walks among the châteaux.
The flat terrain makes Tours accessible for older dogs or those with mobility issues, while energetic pets will love the forest trails.
Returning Your Pet from Tours to the UK
Lots of our clients use us for the outbound journey, then again when they return to the UK months or years later. The return leg from Tours is well-rehearsed: via the A10 to Paris and the A1/A26 to Calais (5-6 hours).
- Tapeworm timing: Treatment must be given by a French vet 24–120 hours before arriving back in the UK. We pre-book this with a trusted vet local to Tours.
- UK Border check: Handled at the Pet Reception in Calais Coquelles before Eurotunnel boarding - we manage every form.
- Door-to-door delivery: From Tours to any UK postcode, including Scotland and Wales.
Tours sits halfway between Paris and the Atlantic coast, which makes it a natural overnight stop for our Bordeaux and Dordogne routes - your pet often gets the longest walk break here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does pet transport to Tours take?
7-9 hours from London, easily achievable in a single day with comfort breaks.
Can I take my dog to the châteaux?
Many château gardens allow dogs on leads. The interiors are generally off-limits, but the grounds - often the best part - are often accessible.
What's the climate like on the UK to Tours route?
Temperate with warm summers (25-30°C) and cool winters. Similar to southern England but drier and sunnier. Comfortable for dogs year-round.
Do you cover areas around Tours, including the Loire Valley?
Yes - Amboise, Chinon, Loches, Montlouis, and all villages throughout the Indre-et-Loire department and wider Loire Valley.
Book Your Tours Pet Transport
Ready to explore the Loire Valley with your pet? Contact us for a free quote.
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Tours: The Loire Valley Gateway
Tours is the unofficial capital of the Loire Valley, sitting roughly 7 hours of total drive time from the Eurotunnel. The route runs A1 south through Paris, then A10 to Tours. The Loire Valley is the classic French chateaux-and-vineyards region and a popular British holiday-home destination. Many of our Tours-bound clients are second-home owners with properties in the surrounding Indre-et-Loire department.
Pet-Friendly Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is genuinely walkable for pet owners. Most major chateau gardens (Villandry, Chenonceau, Amboise) permit leashed dogs, the cycle-path network along the Loire river is dog-friendly, and many vineyards welcome canine visitors at tasting rooms. Tours itself has good park infrastructure, including the Jardin Botanique and the Parc des Prebendes.