4annmarie

We are planning a trip to France with our 3 children (ages 18-12). Our trip will include Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley and possibly Provence. We would like to spend approximately 2-3 days in the Loire Valley. I would prefer to settle into a cottage (Gite) for the 2-3 days. Which towns would you recommend and which sites would you list as must see. Keep in mind we are traveling with kids and they can only see so many castles before they lose interest. I am trying to prioritize. Thanks.

sfgirl42

Can't comment on any of the other concerns, but you might want to show this to the children:
http://uk.futuroscope.com/
Definitely something you won't find elsewhere and there's TGV service almost directly

Viajero2

What time of the year? How long is your trip? With all the large regions you want to hit, this trip should not be anywhere less than a couple of weeks. If not, you need to drop something. The age range is challenging; MUST sees are up to you and your kids, not us.

Also, whenever you rent make sure you are close to a supermarket and have access to a pool if summertime.

jobo

We traveled to Normandy last year with our 13 year old. We stayed at a beautifully restored 18th century farm and our son absolutely loved it (so did we). Wonderful B&B with great breakfasts, he went to the chicken coop each morning, grabbed some eggs and the owner (Odile) cooked up a marvelous breakfast. Great place for kids, about 20 minutes from the beaches. It's called Ferme du Pressoir. I wrote about it in a trip report called "Our Month in France".

nytraveler

If you want to give the kids a real thrill stay at one of the private chateaux. We stayed at Chateau des Reaux near Chinon - 15th century, walls feet thick, moat and fairly large grounds. And they do dinners en famille a couple of nights a week - so you get to see the incredible drawing room (as well as the lounge they provide for guests). Prices are very moderate.