arabianprincess

My husband and I will be spending a week in Paris in mid Sept. I heard so much about the Loire Valley but can we do a day trip from Paris by TGV or SNCF? Is it doable or do you recommend overnight stay?

Thanks : )

murphy89

I think Amboise makes a great day-trip provided you get up early and catch the first am train. A lovely town and Chateaux D'Amboise is beautiful. Also the Clos Luc (Leonardo DaVinci's house)is in town - and beautiful Chennonceux Chateaux is nearby (20E taxi one way or public bus).

Bloise is another option. A pretty city with a chateaux in town or with acess to nearby Chambord and Cheverny.

Good Travels,

Murphy

jmoy

Hi,

We used France Tourisme for our day trip out into the Loire Valley. http://www.francetourisme.fr/

We visited Chenonceau, Chambord and Cheverny. We left Paris early in the morning (around 7am I think), and came back by late afternoon. We had sufficient time to visit each castle (once you get to the castles, you tour it on your own).

It was the best way to tour the 3 castles without having to worry about bus/train schedules, overnight stays, etc.

'Hope that helps!

amaclise

I agree a tour (much as they have downsides) is the best way to maximize a day in the Loire valley. You see several castles (self guided), don't get lost, have a nice lunch and you're home by dinner. I'm afraid I don't remember who we used but it was a small van not a big bus and it was lovely.

arabianprincess

Thank you all for your recommendations and thoughts. It's perfect and I can't wait to go!