A few posts have been deleted. All opinions and recommendation are welcome, but playing one-upmanship is unnecessary. Let's keep things friendly.

It isn't because we don't like long drives, it is because you have so little time and it seems a shame to spend so much time driving to a completely different area. Driving from Normandy to Burgundy takes a whole day out of your 14 days.
If Burgundy appeals more than divide your time between Paris and Burgundy so you can enjoy the area more. 3 nights gives you two days in any area giving very time to see anything much in an area as I am sure you realise. Certainly not enough time for long walks and wine.
The Loire Valley makes no sense from Burgundy back to CDG really, and adds more time wasted on long drives rather than experiencing an area.

Perhaps choose to add another day or two to Paris and visit just one other area. France will still be there for future visits when you can enjoy more areas.

My view of long drives on two-week trips is similar to hetismij2's -- with so much to see, my preference is to visit places that are closer to one another. But to each his own! It sounds like you've made your decisions and I'm sure you'll see some wonderful things. Enjoy!

Agree with Hetis and Kja. Another option could be Paris 5 nights. Train to Avignon for 5 nights in someplace like St Remy with car then 4 nights Nice. Fly home from Nice

Great points.

I'll admit I am struggling to make the final decisions. Have booked 4 nights in Paris to start within the Saint Germain Neighborhood and 3 nights right in Bayeux Normandy.
Now working on the other areas.

We know we want to fly in and out of Paris. We know we want to spend time in Paris, Normandy and Burgundy. Loire Valley is questionable for several reasons. I need to watch a few Youtubes to see if this is a region that fits our style or will it be too similar to one of the others. We like rural areas that offer nice scenic walks. We prefer to stay in a location which allows us the ability to walk to different restaurants but since we have a car we won't mind if we have to drive a short distance.

We know we want to rent the car outside of Paris. We have taken the trains throughout several regions of Italy and although convenient we believe driving gives us more freedom and flexibility.

We will hopefully plan a Southern France trip next year.

Your feedback has been invaluable.

Thanks! W

None of these regions look like the other. Different landscape, different architecture, different food.

However, there is a certain sameness to the general experience of wandering around a pretty village vs visiting evidence of the D-Day landings, or visiting relics of prehistoric man like in Brittany, going to a vineyard in Burgundy, or visiting a royal chateau in the Loire Valley.

Thanks.

I did make another edit. We realized that it would be a better flow driving wise to visit Burgundy last. It will be a longer drive back to CDG but since we will be staying overnight near the airport before the flight home we can take our time.

W

Hi.
Now that reservations are all made, does anybody have recommendations of where to dine (dinner) in:

Paris: Particularly the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area since that is where we will be staying but absolutely open to other areas as well since we have several nights.
Normandy
Loire Valley: We will be staying in Amboise
Burgundy: We will be stahying in Beune
Also, near the airport since the last night we will be staying there.

We are not looking for anything fancy. We like casual, nice local atmosphere, fresh food, and friendly service.

Amy recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks, W

Where in Normandy?

Hi.

Bayeux.

Thanks, W

I can't help with with Bayeux, Amboise, or Beune, and its been a while since I was in Paris, but La Petite Chaise and Le Bistrot du 7eme both still get good reviews. I know I enjoyed them!

Hi.

The vibe for both restaurants looks great. Pics of food does as well.

Le Bistrot du 7eme's menu offers more variety more to what we like,

Thank you so much. I'll let you know if we end up going to either.

W

The OP's latest post has been moved to create a Trip Report. It is found here: Northern France Trip Report