I will be visting the Loire in Sept./07 for the first time. I've been surfing the net looking for B&B accomodation in chateau or luxury chateau accomodation. At first I wanted to base myself in Amboise but after reading various comments from different sites, I've come to the conclusion that it might be too touristy and overcrowded during that time. Does anyone have a recommendation for a beautiful chateau stay (romantic) in a pretty, picturesque town around Amboise. I will be having a rental car, so transportation is not a problem.

You might try this web site which lists several luxury properties:

www.circumvista.com/loire-valley.cfm

I feel Amboise is the perfect base - a small city which tourists in peak periods but not overwhelming - a real regional town and arguably on the most romatic looking stretch of the wild-looking Loire River - just about the only river in France that has not be channelized by dams for barge navigation so is a real wild looking river - at its finest in Amboise.

The Chateau de Prey, just downstream from Amboise and the castle gets very good reviews and will be far away from the maddening crowd.

J'aime Amboise!

I enjoyed staying in Amboise at Manoir les Minimes, easy to park the car, easy to get out on the D road for sightseeing. Walked to Chateau d'Amboise and Clos Luce. Hoofed it to the local train station on the return via St Pierre des Corps for Paris.

Another place -in- Amboise that I would stay is www.leclosamboise.com/

We stayed at Chateau Des Ormeaux, just outside Amboise (in Nazelles). It was the highlight of our trip-- an absolutely top-notch chateau in a gorgeous, serene setting. I can't recommend it enough. It is only 5-10 minutes driving to Amboise, but you'd never know you were near a town while at the Chateau.

I do think Amboise is a great base for seeing the area. You can go into town at night for dinner but then retreat to the peace of your chateau. It should be a good balance. Good luck!

We enjoyed Chateau du Pray. Lovely rooms with wonderful food. It is just outside of town, so you won't tackle the crowds, but you aren't within walking distance of town either (which might be a plus or a minus).

We've enjoyed our 3 stays in Onzain, between Amboise and Blois, at Domaine des Hautes de Loire. The rooms are large, beautifully furnished and comfortable. The restaurant is superior. It's location is very central for touring all of the valley and chateaux.

http://www.relaischateaux.com/en/sea...t/hauts-loire/

A second vote for Amboise and Les Manoir les Minimes(LMLM). Yes, Amboise is touristy but not in the late afternoon and evening. Amboise is a great location for chateau visits. Nice restaurants also. Le Cheval Blanc was one that we loved (it's actually outside of town on the north bank of the Loire). And as mentioned the car park at LMLM is great - oh, and the rooms are terrfic with very helpful staff.

Great information - bookmarking for later.

Try Saumur this is a great little town also Tours. Saumur has the castle in it that some say is the patern for Disneyland. We stayed in the Best Western Central and it was easy to get in and out of Tours and the town was centrally located. Just another thought. emilyandjim.

If you go to relaischateaux.com you can put in the region, town and type of area and come up with a specific list of properties. We stayed in one toward Mont St Michel and it was lovely.

thanks everyone for your suggetions. by the way, this is the first time i participate in a forum like this. it's great!!!!!
i will take your advise and stay in amboise. it sounds lovely. i was worried about the mad rush of the people and tour buses, but like some of you mentionned it calms down towards the end of the day. looking forward to asking more questions!!