PalenQ

Chinon is to me the nicest of all Loire towns - at least in the chateau belt.

A different thing to do from Chinon as I did was to take the steam train to Richelieu - not only a neat train ride thru nice countryside but Richelieu is a one of a kind - totally unique planned town, done for and by Cardinal Richelieu - drive by there if possible.

And I have to correct a typo that slipped by me when I posted about St Cirq

<he/she has been for years not one of Fodor's really experts on all things French> - I of course did not mean 'not' - he/she is one of Fodor's true French experts - sorry the typo - just wanted to clear that up.

PalenQ

http://www.pagode-chanteloup.com/

If driving around Amboise it is easy to drive and park at the unique Chanteloup Pagoda - a remnant of a fascination with all things Asian a few centuries ago - it once punctuated a sprawling chateau that was built with it - the castle itself however was pulled down long ago when the owner owed back taxes to the state and it was demolished and its stones, etc sold off.

But the lovely pagoda remains and you can climb it - a very unique site a few miles from Amboise.

Sarastro

While I have been a satisfied customer of Autoeurope for many, many years, it should be noted that there are a number of charges which are NOT included in their quotes: road taxes, environmental fees, airport/train station pickup surcharges, additional driver fees, young driver fees, or speeding ticket information fees (information sent to the local police but charged to you). Any of these applicable to your rental will be invoiced/charged to your credit card at the rental return office.

Additionally, Autoeurope is no longer as flexible with cancellations as they once were. On line rentals, canceled within 72 hours of scheduled pickup time incur a cancellation fee.

Autoeurope´s rates are very competitive but you should completely familiar yourself with the terms and conditions clearly outlined on their pickup vouchers.

PalenQ

And also check out firms like Kemwell who have been in business a long time and again if the rates from say Hertz are at all in the ballpark go with someone who has their own offices in Europe - like Europcar does - if Europcar rates were anywhere near AutoEurope I'd go directly to the source. That said middleman rates booked thru an American agent are often significantly lower than booking in Europe.

PalenQ

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ire-valley.cfm

More on Richelieu - very different unique town with an intriguing history - near your Chinon base.