My family will be making the drive from Venice to the Loire Valley to meet up with friends in July. We know it will be a long drive and won't be the highlight of our European vacation but we're hoping to make it interesting at least and to absorb some of the French countryside. So, we are looking for ideas on where to stop on the drive (any interesting lunch destinations? or must-see destinations along the way?) and where to spend the night on the way. The kids are 12, 9, and 7. Thanks so much for any advice.

I would take at least two days to do the trip. Take E62 between Italy and Switzerland, go down the Rhone valley towards Lyon (you probably will not want to navigate the big city, so go around it), and from there go to the Loire via Burgundy and the upper Loire valley. You might want to make a little detour to see Guédelon, if only for the sake of the children.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7622755059630/

Google Guédelon for more information.

You might want to use viaMichelin or Google maps to establish an itinerary with point of interest between the starting point and the final destination. You will also get a sense of distance and driving time.

Guedelon sounds fascinating for the kids. I've never heard of it so thanks very much for the tip. I'll check out viaMichelin too.

I would not do the E62 through Switzerland as you will have to pay the fixed fee for the motorway toll - valid for the whole of the year - even if you are just doing one journey through Switzerland. Consider instead doing Milan then on to the Valle d'Aosta and either crossing in to France via the Mont Blanc tunnel (quite a steep toll) or (since it is July) crossing via the Small Saint Bernard Pass. Then for both skirt south of Geneva (but still in France) aiming to join the main north-south autoroute at Macon.

If you have time (and maybe even before) take the kinds to Marosrica which is veru close to Venice. It is famous for its square which is laid out as a chessboard and in September each year they have a live chess game with the squares being occupied by individuals in medieval costume etc as well as live horses!

The Valle d'Aosta is famous for its many castles which are clearly visible whilst travelling towards Mont Blanc.

For a stop on route overnight I would suggest you consider using the Logis de France site - http://www.logishotels.com/en/index.html - the prices are very reasonable and there is plenty of choice. Additionally consider eating at one of the Routiers cafès which are the places used by the truck drivers. Don't be shocked but I have had some of my best and cheapest meals at these places. They are clean, friendly and terrific value. The food of course is excellent.

Have you checked the drop fee in France--could be high?

I did the route from Milan to Paris through the Val d'Aosta and the Mont Blanc tunnel. The valley is spectacular. I was driving my then 10 yo daughter. We stopped in a village in Burgundy for dinner and then found a motel on the highway. Any local restaurant, Auberge, in Burgundy will exceed your expections. I bought a 10 liter jug of Passetoutgrains wine before moving on. Look for signs in Beaune *degustation* where you can taste and buy <i>en vrac</i>, in bulk. It is a good deal.

Good point from bobthenavigator. If you are planning on using the vehicle for more than two weeks you should consider leasing a Renault or Peugeot. See http://www.ideamerge.com/

<i>I would not do the E62 through Switzerland as you will have to pay the fixed fee for the motorway toll -</i>

I checked the map. E62 over the mountains is not a toll road, but it is in the valley. In general it is difficult to avoid the toll road when there is one because Swiss road signs do not indicate the alternative, as opposed to Italian or French road signs. At any rate, given the distance the OP wants to cover in limited time, trying to avoid the motorway toll in Switzerland, if going through that country, makes little sense.

Spaarne, thanks so much for the suggestion about ideamerge.com. It sounds great. The extra charge to pickup in Italy and return in Paris may be too high. To anyone who has used them, is it as easy as advertised? Thanks!

With surcharges you really need 20 days or more to make it work for you. Compare at kemwel.com

I know someone who traveled with three friends and did a cross-border rental last Fall. Since they were four independent travelers, they did not consider the $40+ per person drop-off fee for their rental excessive in their week of travel. But traveling as a family, you might feel that $160 (or even more) added to a rental a little steep. It's a question of perspective and personal finances.