We're going to France the end of May. Planning on 6 nights in Paris [been there many times but it's never enough] . We've been to Provence and the Riviera more than once, thought we'd go to Bordeaux and stay in the city for 3 nights . Now we're thinking maybe we should go instead to the Loire Valley or Dordogne. Would love to hear any thoughts about these alternatives.

I think that the Loire Valley or the Dordogne would be preferable to Bordeaux. Another possibility is La Rochelle with the near-by Île de Ré with many cycling paths.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...th/4172546441/

The Loire Valley for three days is perfect. Three days is not enough time for the Dordogne. Bordeaux is fine for three days if you spend a bit of it outside the city at, say, Saint-Emilion, Cap Ferret, Arcachon, and the Dune du Pyla.

Or you could spend a lovely three days in La Rochelle and environs and the Ile de Ré.

You don't say if you have a car for any of this time, but I agree with StCirq - 3 days is perfect for the Loire (If possible rent a car from home for the 3 days and then wander at will- pick it up somewhere in the valley). The Loire is beautiful and will whet your appetite for more of the countryside of France. Having said that, I think the Dordogne is even more appealing, but again, you'd need more time than just 3 days (and definitely need a car).

I agree that I would go for the Loire. Close to Pari - so less travel time and more time at task. We spent 6 nights (5 days) at a private chateaux near Chinon and saw many (but by no means all) of the major chateaux, several very pretty towns and a host of other sights. The key is realizing you must travel by car - and finding the right place to stay. We found a 15th century chateau a fascinating place to stay - esp with the dinner en famille they host a couple of times a week. Do some reserch - there are a number of these chateaux to meet any requirements.