Train connections to Amboise from Paris
Jan 24th, 2012, 12:26 PM
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Train connections to Amboise from Paris
We are taking the Eurostar to Paris from London this May and want to travel on that day to Amboise. We plan on renting a car for our stay in the Loire but would rather pick it up the following morning in Amboise rather than drive there from Paris. I just want confirmation that there is a direct train from Paris Austerlitz station to Amboise---not the TGV . I would also welcome any hotel suggestions for Amboise and Chinon---hotels close to the city center. We are 3 sisters who like to travel together and drink wine and window shop in the evenings! Thank you for any help.
Jan 24th, 2012, 12:48 PM
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there are about hourly direct trains, non-TGVs, from Austerlitz to Amboise - Blois may have more car rental options and is just a short drive from Amboise and also served by lots of direct trains from Austerlitz. These are flat fare trains pretty much so unlike TGVs no need to buy tickets in advance though you may save a few euros on some trains - but Aqualys trains - the regional trains seem to have a flat fare.
Jan 24th, 2012, 01:05 PM
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There are a good number of trains from Austerlitz to Amboise but most now connect through Orléans. Prices vary depending upon when tickets are purchased. PREM fares, purchased in advance, start around 15€, walk up fares are typically just over 30€.
Absent a budget window, hotel suggestions are problematic but I can recommend the Auberge de Launay near Amboise which has one of the best restaurants in the area.
http://www.aubergedelaunay.com/
Restaurants within Amboise are unremarkable at best, perhaps the best is l´Epicerie just at the base of the château.
http://www.lepicerie-amboise.com/
The best shopping in the area is in central Tours.
Absent a budget window, hotel suggestions are problematic but I can recommend the Auberge de Launay near Amboise which has one of the best restaurants in the area.
http://www.aubergedelaunay.com/
Restaurants within Amboise are unremarkable at best, perhaps the best is l´Epicerie just at the base of the château.
http://www.lepicerie-amboise.com/
The best shopping in the area is in central Tours.
Jan 24th, 2012, 02:01 PM
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Amboise and Chinon are very small places so by definition even a hotel on the outskirts of each place is probably no more than a 5+ minute walk to the center of each town. If you want to search for hotels on your own just check the tourist office websites:
http://www.amboise-valdeloire.com/
http://www.chinon-valdeloire.com/
http://www.amboise-valdeloire.com/
http://www.chinon-valdeloire.com/
Jan 24th, 2012, 02:22 PM
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Amboise isn't that small, I didn't have a car and walked from the train station into the center of Amboise when I visited, it wasn't five minutes, it was about 2 km. I think the population is around 15K of Amboise, it is a small town but it's not that small that it's only 5 minutes to everywhere. haven't been to Chinon
Jan 24th, 2012, 04:07 PM
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Point taken so let me rephrase that. Of the approximately 25 hotels in Amboise 9 of them are right in the central area. Here is a map of hotels in Amboise:
http://tinyurl.com/86gyvz4
Of the approximately 15 hotels in Chinon about 12 of them are centrally located. Here is a map of hotels in Chinon:
http://tinyurl.com/86gyvz4
When you click on the hotel dots on the map it will bring up a pop-up window with the address of the hotel and a link to the hotel website. This should help you with your research. I haven't looked into B&B's/chambres d'hôtes so there may still be more options. Also, although unlikely there may be hotels without websites so cross check with the tourist office websites.
http://tinyurl.com/86gyvz4
Of the approximately 15 hotels in Chinon about 12 of them are centrally located. Here is a map of hotels in Chinon:
http://tinyurl.com/86gyvz4
When you click on the hotel dots on the map it will bring up a pop-up window with the address of the hotel and a link to the hotel website. This should help you with your research. I haven't looked into B&B's/chambres d'hôtes so there may still be more options. Also, although unlikely there may be hotels without websites so cross check with the tourist office websites.
Jan 24th, 2012, 06:21 PM
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We picked up our car in Amboise. Christina was correct. When you are pulling even a small suitcase from the train station into town, it does not seem to be so small. Especially when you go to the tourist office to find out the autoeurope rental agency is out of town. They called a cab for us. It ended up to work out quite well for two retired ladies.
Rentals: We stayed a week here and absolutely loved loved this huge apartment with lovely views
http://www.vrbo.com/232618
Another time my DBF and I stayed at this fantastic hotel
http://www.manoirlesminimes.com/
Both places are in town where you can drink your wine (there is a free wine tasting in town), eat and shop.
Rentals: We stayed a week here and absolutely loved loved this huge apartment with lovely views
http://www.vrbo.com/232618
Another time my DBF and I stayed at this fantastic hotel
http://www.manoirlesminimes.com/
Both places are in town where you can drink your wine (there is a free wine tasting in town), eat and shop.
