We are staying in Amboise, planning to see Chambord, Cheverny, Chenonceau. Best to do this by public transportation, taxi, minibus tour or best to rent a car. We really would rather not have to drive ourselves, but if this is the best...??? Thanks for your suggestions. mgg

Public transportation is minimal. A taxi would be expensive. Minibus tours don't give you any flexibility. It's so easy to drive in the Loire valley. That's what I'd do.

mgg,

I stayed near Amboise, closer to Chenonceau at Chateau di Chissay. What a treat! If I had it to do over however, I would stay in Amboise.

From there I visited Cheverny, Chenonceau, Chambord, Vallandry, Azay le Rideau and Amboise. Really enjoyed them all, but Chenonceau was my overall favorite.

I drove all around for 4 days SOLO (before the days of GPS). It was my very first 4 days in France, I don't speak French. It was pretty easy. St. Cirq told me I could do it and she was right.

We were in the Loire in late
August and even during tourist season traffic was light and roads easy to navigate. There are lots of signs poiting you to the chateau. As St Cirq said, by all means get a car.

There are large free lots below the chateau in Amboise
and at Chenonceau as well. Can't say for Cheverny.

In Amboise don't miss da Vinci's house, the Clos Luce
just up the street from the chateau.

Rob

Many thanks for your suggestions, will rent a car.mgg

I just got <u>Drive Around Loire Valley</u> from Amazon. Looks good.

mgg:

The Loire is best done with a car. There is hardly any way to get to most of the chateaux (those not in the center of a city) via public transportation.

And since you are staying in Amboise, I agree completely with the other posters - do not miss the Clos du Luce, the chateau and park where Da Vinci spent his last days.

For more information, check out my web page on our trip to the Loire in June. Maybe it will help you in your planning.

http://www.travel.stv77.com/loire/loire.htm

You really need to rent a car. Most of the chateuax are in the counryside - or very tiny towns with minimal to no (i/2 buses per day_ public transit. And taking one of those van tours doesn;t allow you to put the empahsis on what you enjoy - whether gardens or specific types of building or specific period of history (some of the &quot;chateaux&quot; are actually older fortresses).