bookmarking.

We went to Paris (2nd time), Versaille, Loire Valley (Chenonceau, Chambord, Amboise, Usse, Chinon-I think I got it all) Beaune, Dijon, Barcelona on our Honeymoon 1-1/2 years ago. (In 10 days) So the itinerary is very similar. If you're as ambitious as we are when we travel I'd say you can do it. Just know, you won't have that much time to enjoy the museums thoroughly. The first time we visited Paris we went to the Louvre just to see the Mona Lisa and 1 other wing. That was it and we were lucky the lines were not that long. We didn't have the time to listen to the audios. Also, you must take to open air tour bus that takes you to the different sites. It helps A LOT. No one suggested this our first time around. We figured it our after losing 1/2 a day.

First I'd skip Chambord if that's on your list. It looks the same throughout. Chenonceau is a must.

Now, I'm all about the food. If you go to Chinon, MUST, MUST, MUST eat at "Le Annees 30". Wow, the presentation was five star standard and delicious! The experience was phenom. (Note: the wife/hostess/waitress spoke very little english and I took 2 yrs of french in High School-20 yrs ago, but it added to the whole experience). She was wonderful! We ate at a 5 star in Paris and in Beaune, the presentation didn't come close. If you send me your e-mail, I'll send you pictures of the food. Chinon was a small town so make the effort to visit Usse, it's not too far and kinda cool if you like sleeping beauty.

In Beaune, must visit Marche Aux Vin. This wine cave was amazing and right in the square. If you buy the Rick Steve's France book, it has a great route for the wine tour drive.

I think one nite in Dijon is plenty. We enjoyed it but expected too much out of this town and were a little disappointed. One thing though, you must have Escargot at "Restaurant L'escargot". I'm not an escargot fan but I would go back to Dijon just to eat here. If you have to choose between Loire Valley or Dijon, I'd pick Loire.

Good luck Matt, it'll be amazing!

Matt, correction I think we did it in 12 days.

Driving after an overnight flight is not a good idea. And allow some time for jetlag, especially from LA; there's a 9-hours time difference. That's why time in Paris is good at the start of your trip. Lots to do day and night, you can pick and choose according to how you feel.

I know it has been a long time since the last post, but I'm curious how the trip went. Did you write a trip report? I didn't find it. We have a trip in October, into Amsterdam, out of Paris, 14 days, so I try to check out what others have done or would do differently. Thanks!

Honfleur is a must but staying there as a base for the d day beaches and Mont St Michel puts it a long way from those places.
I would visit Honfleur on the way up from Paris and stay at Bayeux. Thats where the tours start and you'll gain an hours sleep or visiting time. For the tour you have the choice between minibus tours, a private guide or an audio guide.

Bayeux is also closer to Mont St Michel than Honfleur.