Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Day trips from Paris to Loire Valley Chateau

Day trips from Paris to Loire Valley Chateau

Old Jul 17th, 2010, 08:49 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Day trips from Paris to Loire Valley Chateau

I am hoping to take a day tour with Paris Vision or ParisTrip.com to the Loire Valley in September. Has anyone been on one? I am not used to day excursion tours. Is there anything I should be looking out for?
We are not intereseted in renting a car, and thought this would be a good way to see some of the countryside.
halii999999999 is offline  
Old Jul 17th, 2010, 09:50 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
In terms of simplicity and ease of planning...a bus tour is probably best.

Parisvision has Chambord, Cheverny and Chenonceau. I've seen the 1sr and last. Chambord was great from the outside (all those chimneys), bit empty inside. Chenonceau is a gem.

Cityrama is another coach tour company. Interestingly enough, they go to the same chateaux!
Michel_Paris is offline  
Old Jul 17th, 2010, 10:08 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We did this tour with Parisvision. We did the minivan tour so there were only 7 or 8 people on the tour. It was January so there were no crowds but it was a bit chilly. We really enjoyed the trip. Our guides were charming and the lunch we had at a place near Cheverny was excellant and included in the price.
Suzanne2 is offline  
Old Jul 17th, 2010, 12:09 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 29,541
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We did the Cityrama and had the same good time Suzanne2 had with Parisvision! Compare prices and itineraries-I don't think you can go wrong with either.

I do remember saying to DH that the area looked lovely for a long drive through sweet little towns.
TDudette is offline  
Old Jul 18th, 2010, 04:32 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The bus tours usually take around 3 hours to get to the Loire Valley whereas it's very easy to take the TGV train from Gare Montparnasse to the city of Tours (1 hour) and from there catch a minibus tour. The mini bus tours depart from the tourist office, across the street from the train station. Taking the TGV allows you to spend a greater part of the day in the Loire Valley and less time travelling.
Lutetia is offline  
Old Jul 18th, 2010, 04:34 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Here's the link to the tourist office's minibus tour page:

http://www.ligeris.com/excursions_en.php?id=4
Lutetia is offline  
Old Jul 18th, 2010, 04:51 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Forgot to mention that if you still prefer to take a bus tour departing from Paris, there's another company worth considering: http://www.francetourisme.fr/.
Lutetia is offline  
Old Jul 18th, 2010, 08:40 AM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you for all the helpful comments.
I used the TGV to get to the Champagne region and was very pleased. I will be doing all the day planning for our time in Paris, and think I'll stick with an excursion from the city because it will give me a break from finding my way and 3 hours each way off my feet.
halii999999999 is offline  
Old Jul 18th, 2010, 03:10 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The city of Angers is an easy 90 minute trip from Paris via the TGV from Gare Montparnasse. The Chateau d' Angers is an easy 10 minute walk from the Gare St. Laud. Within the Chateau d' Angers is the Apocalypse Tapestries; one of the premier works of art extant from the 14th century.
Langcraft is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kelsey22
Europe
23
Feb 9th, 2016 06:02 AM
Lynn_ChafitzKoch
Europe
9
Jul 4th, 2012 04:36 AM
Cliff09
Europe
7
Sep 4th, 2011 05:35 AM
llcc
Europe
10
Mar 6th, 2006 03:05 PM
Tara
Europe
5
Jan 24th, 2003 08:44 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -