Making the Most of Your Time

Making the Most of Your Time

More than a region in the usual sense, the Loire Valley is just that: a valley. Although most of the sites are close to the meandering river, it's a long way—140 mi—between Orléans, on the eastern edge, and Angers away to the west. If you have 10 days or so you can visit the majority of the sites we cover. Otherwise we suggest you divide the Valley into three segments and choose the base(s) as your time and tastes dictate. To cover the eastern Loire (Chambord, Cheverny, Chaumont), base yourself in or near Blois. For the central Loire (Amboise, Chenonceau, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau), base yourself in or around Tours. For the western Loire (Ussé, Chinon, Fontevraud, Angers), opt for pretty Saumur. There are many other scenarios, including this interesting one posted on the Talk Forums of www.Fodors.com: "Angers is only about a 1 1/2 hour TGV ride from Paris, the train station is in the center of the city, and much is within walking distance. You might consider renting your car in Angers, if driving is your plan, and then tour the other châteaux (if you were renting a car in Paris it would save you the headache of the Paris traffic), then take the return TGV to Paris. "—Randy