We are planning our first trip to France and will spend several days in the Loire valley. We would like to stay at a couple of chateaus. Would appreciate any recommendations at places that are very elegant/romantic.

I recommend Chateau Jallanges in Vouvray (just outside of Tours). Very nice and the folks who own/run it are wonderful. They have a website you can find with a yahoo search.

Le Choiseul in Amboise isn't exactly a chateau - moe like a manor house - buit it's elegant and romantic and Amboise makes a great base for touring the Loire.

Kim, <BR>We too are planning to stay in a chateau in the Loire Valley near Tours. <BR>I have been thinking about Jallanges (sp?) and Chateau de Gerfaut, or Chateau du Noizay.I have emailed all three to inquire about availability and rates.All of them seem nice. The Chateau du Noizay has had great reviews.You will certainly enjoy the Loire Valley. Don't miss Villandry, Chambord, or Azay le Rideau (my personal favorite). If you rent a car, you can see almost all of them. There's <BR>an excellent guidebook "Chateaus of the Loire Valley". I haven't found it in the states, but it is available in just about every tourist gift store in the area. Make sure to taste the local wines, as some chateaus have their own. <BR>

I don't want to exclude a chateaux from my lodging considerations but I have know idea what it would cost or what the experience is like. Any ideas on cost or comments would be appreciated.

Kim, Today I got a wonderful guidebook from the Loire Valley. Yes it was in french, but with a little help I figured it out. (Most notably, the date written as 1/9/01 is actually Sept. 1). Anyway you can request one at : <BR>www.tourism-touraine.com <BR> <BR>Hope this helps!

Greg, <BR>The chateaus listed above run about 100.00 per night. This includes breakfast. With dinner and wine add 50.00 more. It is quite reasonable for the experience.One of the chateau owners has even listed a menu of specialties, and wants us to pick our favorites.She even asked about special dietary restrictions...Let me see. no fat, no cholesteral, no calories, just cheese, wine, and chocolate!