debkim

we'll be traveling to france in less than 2 weeks and have 3 full days to travel outside of paris, via car. are currently trying to decide btwn loire valley vs burgundy. any tips?

panecott

I can't compare the two b/c I haven't been to Burgundy, but the Loire Valley is a wonderful destination. It is rich in history, with numerous chateaux and beautiful gardens to visit, not to mention the wines. I did the Loire Valley on a bike tour several years ago and we cycled to at least 1-2 chateaux a day. With a car, depending on how leisurely you want to travel, you can really see a lot.

Michael

I think that Burgundy has more interesting villages and countryside than the Loire.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7622755059630/

spaarne

For the best food and wine go to Burgundy. To see the chateaux of the formerly rich and famous go to Loire.

iris1745

debkim; Find the other current post on Burgundy for good information. Richard

RJD

It depends on your interests. Been to both. We have more fun in Burgundy with it's pretty scenery, great food and wine and general ambiance. We especially love Beaujolais in southern Burgundy.
The Chateau of the Loire are interesting historically and architecturally, but as a steady diet for three days a little dull, for us at least.

georgiegirl

For 3 days, go to Burgundy. You will enjoy it.

Randy

I have been to both and liked both, but for similar reasons mentioned above I would suggest Burgundy. Visit Beaune and the Hospice of Beaune also I had a great meal at http://www.caveau-des-arches.com/res...estaurant.html There is also the church at
Vezelay and near there the Chateau de Vauban. There is much more to do in the area.

MarySteveChicago

Spent a week in Beaune, Burgundy in May. Found the food better than any we had in Paris. Loved Olivier Leflaive lunch with 10(!) wines, Les Jardin des Remparts and Ma Cuisine. If you happen to be driving from Paris via A6, stop at exit 22 in Avalon for lunch at beautiful Auberge du Relais Fleuri.

StCirq

Burgundy has far more variety than the Loire, and better food and scenery.

debkim

thank you all for the recommendations! to provide a littler more information about what we are looking for:
- visiting chateaus sounds great, but we don't want to spend all day indoors and would probably tire after 1 or 2.
- figure we will get fabulous food and wine in either place, so that won't be a deciding factor for us
- would like some outdoor stuff to do - whether bike riding or hiking
- love cute villages and beautiful outdoor scenery

also, is it a must-see to go to versailles?

cigalechanta

Definatly like Burgundy more than the Loire
though I have ftiends tere who live in a lovely village.

PalenQ

I have lived in the Loire area and traversed it many times on bike and by car and by train - the heart of the Cheateaux of the Loire part near Tours and Amboise and Blois. And IMO unless you like to see more castles than you ever dreamt of head for the Loire (consider taking a train to Blois and renting a car at the station IMO) - but otherwise from a scenery standpoint the Loire is so-so ordinaire for France. I have also biked and driven thru Burgundy and to me it is one of the most bucolic places in France - and if you like good wine and wine tours in wineries occupying fancy mini castles then Burgundy is it. Burgundy also has a lot of nice cities like Beaune and Vezelay, Auxerre, etc. I find few cities in the Loire to be as charming - Chinon would be one but others do not excite me to much. Burgundy has rolling hills, vineyards, dreamy old wine towns - you can motor along the Route des vins des Bourgogne (sp?) or Burgundy Wine Road, a road that meanders along foothills and which passes many famous wine chateaus - Beaune makes a sweet base - nice old town that is the commercial wine center of Burgudny.

Castle - Loire (but how many can you visit without getting castled out?) Burgundy more scenic, nicer towns, wineries, etc.

StCirq

Just for the record, though no one would ever complain about eating in the Loire, food in Burgundy is definitely superior.

debkim

we were thinking of eating at the following: le p'tit paradis, la ciboulette, and maybe le jardin des remparts. any recs on the above? thanks!

MarySteveChicago

If you want to feel really indulged do dine at Le Jardin des Remparts ($$$$). It's stunning in decor and food. Service is top-notch as we discovered in May. Tried to have lunch at P'tit Paradis but they weren't serving lunch that day (or maybe any day?) Looked very inviting. We especially liked Ma Cuisine but one must book well in advance. Very fun and friendly owners. Bon Apetit!

nytraveler

Have done both and it's apples and oranges. We adored the Loire - but are major history buffs - and there are never too many chateaux and abbeys and etc. There are numerous place to eat wonderful food and I love a good Sancerre.

Burgundy has interesting countryside, some charming small towns (we esp loved Vezelay) and truly superb food - and a lot of good wine.

So it depends on what really matters most to you.

Either way I would definitely stay in a chateau rather than a hotel - to get a feel for the history of the countryside you are in.