I've been to Paris a couple of times, and I've seen the regular tourist sites. I'm interested in any day trips that may be interesting, especially vineyards, restaurants, etc. Any suggestions?

Hi, Tara. Years ago I took a day tour to the Loire Valley to see some castles. We had a great guide - a retired cab driver who spoke several languages and acted out scenes at each castle. What a hoot. The castles were divine, but without the guide, I'd have learned virtually nothing about the history.

I spent some time in the Loire Valley last year and wondered how feasible it would be for my sister and me to take out nieces (college age) on a day trip. Chenonceaux was my favorite chateau. Is it possible to see it and perhaps the chateau at Amboise and Clos Luce in a day?

Burta, I took a daytrip to the Loire last October.. thru a company called Paris Bus Tours. They have brochures at the hotels. We took the TGV to Tours,(one hour), were met by a guide in minivan, and went to Le Clos Luce, Chenonceau and Chambord (also a nice lunch was included). You could also take the TGV yourself, and connect with a minivan tour in Tours. Rick Steves mentions a company to call for this to arrange, ( I think it's called Acco-Dispo, and they have a website, where you can book). Paris Vision and Cityrama also have bus tours to the Loire from Paris - but the train in better and quicker. I'm going to France in May, and plan to spend a week in the Loire Valley- that daytrip just made me want more!

If you are at all a Monet fan, or love beautiful gardens, a day trip to Giverny would be very worthwhile for you. There's also an American Impressionist Museum near Monet's home, and the surrounding countryside is charming and fun to walk around.

Our favorites have been Vaux-le-Vicomte, Auvers-sur-Oise [the high point being the impressionist multi-media show at the Auvers Chateau], and Chantilly. If you would like my file, send me an e mail.