The Saint-Pierre-des-Corps Station (Gare de Saint-Pierre-des-Corps) is one of the most important railway hubs in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Located just a few kilometres from the city centre of Tours, this station specialises in handling high-speed TGV trains travelling on the Paris — Bordeaux route, which do not enter the dead-end central station of Tours. The modern station building is characterised by its functionality and spaciousness, ensuring a comfortable transit for thousands of travellers wishing to visit the famous castles of the Loire.
It is important for passengers to know that the station has a simple linear structure with several platforms connected by underground and overhead passageways. For orientation, please follow the signs Sortie (Exit) or Correspondance (Transfer) if you are heading to the centre of Tours. The main entrances are equipped for the convenience of passengers with luggage, and information screens in the main hall will help you quickly determine the departure platform of your train.
Contact Information
Official website: sncf-connect.com (website of the national carrier SNCF)
Address: 67 Rue Fabienne Landy, 37700 Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, France
Information phone: 3635 (single SNCF number, accessible from France)
Opening hours: daily from 05:00 to 23:30 (timings may change on public holidays)
Luggage storage: automatic lockers are available during station opening hours
Accessibility:Accès Plus service to assist passengers with reduced mobility (booking 48 hours in advance is recommended)
How to Get There
Getting to the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station from the centre of Tours is very simple, as these two stations are closely linked. The most popular and fastest way is to use the special shuttle train known as the "Navette". These trains run between Tours Station (Gare de Tours) and Saint-Pierre-des-Corps very frequently, and the travel time is only about 5 minutes. A TGV ticket often already includes this transfer, but it can also be purchased separately at a machine.
You can also reach the station by urban public transport. Buses of the Fil Bleu network (routes 5, 11, 16) stop right at the entrance. A taxi ride from the city centre will take approximately 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Walking is not recommended for tourists with luggage, as the distance is over 3 km through the urban area.
Services and Amenities
Saint-Pierre-des-Corps Station offers a full range of services for a comfortable wait for your train. In the main building, there are ticket counters and numerous self-service machines for purchasing and printing tickets. For relaxation, waiting halls are provided, including heated zones where you can take shelter from the weather. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the station premises, which is easy to connect to after a short registration.
For the convenience of travellers, mobile device charging points and photo booths are installed. The station also has paid restrooms that are maintained in a clean condition. Special attention is paid to accessibility: the station is equipped with lifts and ramps for citizens with reduced mobility, and an assistance service helps with boarding and disembarking from the train.
Where to Eat
If you need a light meal before your journey, there are several convenient options at the station itself. Inside the terminal, there is a popular kiosk of the Relay chain, where you can buy fresh press, water, sandwiches, and snacks. A small cafeteria or buffet is also often open, offering hot coffee and pastries — an ideal option for a quick breakfast or afternoon tea.
For a more substantial lunch, it is worth going out to the station square. On Rue Fabienne Landy, right opposite the exit, there are several brasseries and cafes serving full hot dishes of French cuisine. The average bill here will be higher than at the kiosk, but this will allow you to relax in a calmer atmosphere if you have at least 40–50 minutes to spare.
Station History
The history of the railway station in Saint-Pierre-des-Corps is closely linked to the development of the transport network of all France. Initially, this hub emerged due to a geographical feature: the main station of Tours was a terminus (dead-end), which required trains to change direction. The station in the suburb allowed trains to pass through in transit, saving time. During the Second World War, the station, as a strategically important object, was subjected to massive bombing and was almost completely destroyed.
A new life for the station began in 1990 with the launch of the high-speed LGV Atlantique line. The station was extensively reconstructed and modernised to receive TGV trains. Today, it plays a key role, connecting Paris with the Atlantic coast and the south of France, and serves as the main gateway to the Loire Valley for millions of tourists annually.
Tips for Passengers
The main advice for all travellers: carefully check the name of the station on your ticket. Many tourists confuse "Gare de Tours" (in the centre) and "Gare de Saint-Pierre-des-Corps" (in the suburbs). If your train departs from here, allow time for the transfer from the city centre. It is better to arrive at the platform 20 minutes before departure, as boarding for the TGV often closes 2 minutes before the start.
Do not forget about safety rules: do not leave luggage unattended, as this may lead to the evacuation of the station. If you have an old-style paper ticket (without a QR code), it must be validated in the yellow machine before entering the platform. In case of a long wait or a night transfer, bear in mind that the station closes at night, so plan your accommodation in a hotel in advance.
