Please help me plan a day trip from Paris to the Loire - we'd like to see a few castles, and have lunch somewhere outdoors and fabulous. Thanks.

Time of year?

How? Car? Train? Tour bus?

How many people?

Budget?

Thanks - we are going in two weeks; we will rent a car for the day; budget not an issue - we want amazing food and great views. Thanks.

"we will rent a car for the day"

I'd like to know how you plan pulling that off. Seriously. Have you triwed to rent a car in Europe on day before?

What's the problem? I've rented a car for one day in Europe. Even if cost is a consideration, it's simple to do.

On the other hand, a one day driving trip from Paris to the Loire will make for a long day, especially getting in and out of Paris through traffic.

I think this is one of those times when a bus tour might be considered. By the time you rent the car and drive in and out of Paris, you are losing time right there, not to mention finding your way in the Loire area for the first time.
Since you aren't going to be spending days exploring, one of the bus tours that offers comfort, efficiency, and
a sampling of one or two chateaux, might be just the way to go on this occasion. Also, you can decide the day before, based on the weather forecast, which is the best day to go, without committing in advance to rent the car.

Parisvision and Cityrama.com are just two agencies that offer this kind of tour, I'm assuming they still offer it in November.

I meant, late October

Investigate the SNCF (French railways) Train + Auto plan - bullet train in one hour to Tours, pick up car drive to nearby Chenonceaux or other castles, return car and blast back to Paris. Cars are thru AVIS i believe - otherwise driving from Paris with gas and tolls could be very costly in terms of euros and time. Ask at stations for this plan. Or just arrange a one-day rental at Tours thru AVIS, hertz, etc. in advance or do it locally once in Paris.

Thanks for the advice - last winter we rented a smart car for the day and drove out to the loire - we saw a few castles and headed back to paris by evening - very doable.

"What's the problem? I've rented a car for one day in Europe. Even if cost is a consideration, it's simple to do."

Yes, I know that it is possible, but they ususaaly charge between 2-3 days of a 3 day rental. I'm not going to rent a car for $150 a day.