We have 8 days to spend in the French countryside and are planning on staying in the Loire for 2-3 days, Burgundy for 2-3, and we are wondering how to spend the additional time...Go to Alsace, Champagne, or spend time in Normandy? Any experienced words of advice?

We went to Normandy and loved the area.

You will find that 3 days in the Loire and 3 days in Burgundy is not excessive. I assume that you are driving, and I would simply do a leisurely drive back to Paris via the Champagne area rather than push all the way to Alsace. Troyes is a worthwhile stop. Check out Discovering the Villages of France by Michael Busselle. And you might want to check out this web site: http://www.villagesdefrance.free.fr/

I appreciate your reply. We are driving, and do not want to over do it. we want to travel like we will return. Thanks for the advice.

You might want to check out Bourges, Apremont-sur-Allier and la Charité-sur-Loire. The latter has an interesting square in front of the church, with the walls of the collapsed apse containing housing. If you like pottery, go to La Borne (near Henrichemont).

Hi, Kay,<BR><BR>I agree with Michael's advice. If you are hooked on the Loire and Burgundy, Champagne makes great sense and is worth 2-3 nights. In Burgundy, Beaune is a great base. Avallon has some wonderful hotels if you want a splurge one night before heading home.<BR><BR>Happy travels.<BR><BR>John H.

I second John's vote for Beaune: great hx, arch., wine &amp; food! If I were in that region, that's where I'd stay.

Pity, though, because Alsace is just wonderful, especially if you possess the foodie gene.