Loire Valley central location?
Mar 10th, 2008, 12:14 PM
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Loire Valley central location?
We're planning to take our baby daughter to the Loire Valley at the end of May and we're looking for an area to base ourselves that is conveniently located near the major chateaus and towns.
Because our little girl tends to get cranky in her car seat, we don't want to have to drive an hour each day to travel to different areas. I'm doing some research too, but I'd love to hear some opinions.
Also, we're thinking of staying in a small villa instead of a chateau. Thoughts?
Because our little girl tends to get cranky in her car seat, we don't want to have to drive an hour each day to travel to different areas. I'm doing some research too, but I'd love to hear some opinions.
Also, we're thinking of staying in a small villa instead of a chateau. Thoughts?
Mar 10th, 2008, 01:00 PM
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Amboise is ideal IMO2
Chenonceaux short drive away
Chambord reasonable
those are the two consensus bests
Amboise neat old town on a romantic stretch of Loire - has its own great castle - catch the multi-lingual Sound and Light Show in the castle at night
Chenonceaux short drive away
Chambord reasonable
those are the two consensus bests
Amboise neat old town on a romantic stretch of Loire - has its own great castle - catch the multi-lingual Sound and Light Show in the castle at night
Mar 12th, 2008, 07:39 AM
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You can also hop minibus tours from Amboise that take you either on half- or full-day tours of some chateaus - if you don't have a car
www.accodispo.com is one such group that has been around a long time
can reserve at Amboise tourist office this and others as well
www.accodispo.com is one such group that has been around a long time
can reserve at Amboise tourist office this and others as well
Mar 12th, 2008, 08:36 AM
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Amboise is perfect. They have a interesting chateau in town as well as Clos du Luce, the final home of Leonardo da Vinci. Built by King Louis XI in the 10th century who subequently gave the house to his cook's assistant. It was purchased by Charles VIII in 1490 and remained a royal estate for the next two centuries. Francis I brought Da Vinci to Clos du Luce in 1516 where he died three years later. He is buried in a small chapel next to the chateau in Ambois.
I also agree with the recommendation of Manor les Minimes. Outstanding hotel.
I also agree with the recommendation of Manor les Minimes. Outstanding hotel.
Mar 12th, 2008, 09:52 AM
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Amboise is probably ideal for THAT PART of the Loire which is where many folks like to visit. We enjoyed our stay at the Manoir les Minimes but be aware that it abuts the equally-well-located LeChoiseul hotel which shares some of the same building..however, last we were there no love had been lost between the two establishments!
Chenonceau is a very EASY drive from Amboise...you could even go afar afield as Villandry without too much difficulty.
Are you at all interested in an early morning hot air balloon ride..it is MAGICAL www.franceballoons.com
Chenonceau is a very EASY drive from Amboise...you could even go afar afield as Villandry without too much difficulty.
Are you at all interested in an early morning hot air balloon ride..it is MAGICAL www.franceballoons.com
Mar 12th, 2008, 10:52 AM
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We stayed in Amboise as well, at Le Vieux Manoir, which is owned by two Americans, Bob & Gloria. We loved it and wished we had stayed longer than just 2 nights. Their place is beautiful and the breakfast, to die for.
Mar 13th, 2008, 10:06 AM
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www.accodispo.com
the page won't load for me.
We were thinking of doing the same thing. Find a base in the Loire, visit Chenonceau and Chambord. (Maybe get to our base by train and then take a tour, then on to Mont Saint Michel? Or maybe from Mont St. Michel to the Loire then to Paris...)
Would this work from Amboise?
the page won't load for me.
We were thinking of doing the same thing. Find a base in the Loire, visit Chenonceau and Chambord. (Maybe get to our base by train and then take a tour, then on to Mont Saint Michel? Or maybe from Mont St. Michel to the Loire then to Paris...)
Would this work from Amboise?
Mar 13th, 2008, 10:32 AM
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Thank you, that worked.
Are there any other tour companies that do similar tours...These look good.
Anyone know how much the entrance fees are for Chambord and Chenonceau since that cost is extra...?
Are there any other tour companies that do similar tours...These look good.
Anyone know how much the entrance fees are for Chambord and Chenonceau since that cost is extra...?
Mar 13th, 2008, 10:38 AM
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Expect about $10 or even a bit more for castles
There are several other similar companies - but i don't know their sites or names
I'd google the Amboise tourist office as they book these and may have a list
There are several other similar companies - but i don't know their sites or names
I'd google the Amboise tourist office as they book these and may have a list
Mar 14th, 2008, 03:19 PM
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We have chosen Amboise to stay in while in the Loire Valley. We will be staying at the B&B, Hotel Le Breche. The rates were reasonable (74E for double with bath)and included breakfast. http://www.labreche-amboise.com/idx-...tation-uk.html
Mar 15th, 2008, 09:07 AM
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In Amboise don't miss the side street of troglydyte houses built into the limestone just south of the chateau - not obvious they are there - folks still living in caves, albeit modern caves
there were many of these years ago all along the south bank of the Loire into the limestone mini cliffs
many are still there and used now to grow mushrooms - if driving along the Loire, esp in the Saumur area look for Champignons signs and you can go into to see the fungi being cultured and taste and buy
there were many of these years ago all along the south bank of the Loire into the limestone mini cliffs
many are still there and used now to grow mushrooms - if driving along the Loire, esp in the Saumur area look for Champignons signs and you can go into to see the fungi being cultured and taste and buy
