Good stop to break up drive between Epernay and Loire Valley?
May 7th, 2011, 05:01 AM
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Good stop to break up drive between Epernay and Loire Valley?
Hello Fodorites
Bikerscott and I are heading off on a two week adventure in France at the end of this month.
We will be driving from Epernay to Loches in the Loire Valley on a Monday. We thought we would break up the drive with a stop somewhere.
Some thoughts I had were Fontainebleu or Chartres. Or maybe a lovely village for a nice lunch.
Any thoughts or advice would be most welcome!
Thank you!
Jamikins
Bikerscott and I are heading off on a two week adventure in France at the end of this month.
We will be driving from Epernay to Loches in the Loire Valley on a Monday. We thought we would break up the drive with a stop somewhere.
Some thoughts I had were Fontainebleu or Chartres. Or maybe a lovely village for a nice lunch.
Any thoughts or advice would be most welcome!
Thank you!
Jamikins
May 7th, 2011, 06:09 AM
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Chartres would be my choice and I think a quicker route than via Fontaineblue - Chartres czthedral to me is so so exceptional and it is a sweet regional town as well.
I have drive side roads between Chartres and Blois and they are lovely - well paved and from a great distance you can see Chartres Cathedral gloriously capping its hill sticking out of Cahrtres town istself.
I have drive side roads between Chartres and Blois and they are lovely - well paved and from a great distance you can see Chartres Cathedral gloriously capping its hill sticking out of Cahrtres town istself.
May 7th, 2011, 06:22 AM
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I would choose Chartres as well and make sure to stop at the tourist office or do some research ahead of time to see what there is to do in the town as well as the cathedral, particularly the lower, medieval town and the very pleasant pedestrian-only center.
P.S. It's spelled Fontainebleau.
P.S. It's spelled Fontainebleau.
May 7th, 2011, 06:53 AM
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Excellent! Per googlemaps its about the same distance/time, but Chartres was my first choice so I am glad you recommend it!
StCirq - doh - I knew I was close, thanks for the correct spelling!
Any recommendations for lunch in Chartres?
StCirq - doh - I knew I was close, thanks for the correct spelling!
Any recommendations for lunch in Chartres?
May 7th, 2011, 07:12 AM
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Despite its proximity to one of the most visited tourist spots in the world, Le Bistrot de la Cathédrale is pretty good. So is La Tomate et Piment (for grilled stuff and salads and, yes, hamburgers) by the cathedral parking lot. For a truly grand meal, Georges.
May 7th, 2011, 10:41 PM
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Chartres has my vote.
If Georges is the one that is part of the hotel Le Grand Monarque (very comfortable), it truly is grand. Its sidekick bistrot, Le Madrigal, is a notch down in fanfare, but the food is exceptionally prepared.
Sounds corny, but the petit train tour is actually very interesting and a good starting point if you're planning on doing in-depth visit and if you can only do a "hit-and-run" visit it gives you an excellent overview (there is a lot to visit that is spread out in chartres) Meets right in front of Cathedral.
Very interesting and doesn't take a lot of time: the story of picassiette. http://www.thejoyofshards.co.uk/picassiette/index.shtml
Loches!!! You lucky devils! One of the more hidden gems of the chateaux towns. The town jardin is great for a stroll and there are too many good restaurants to choose from. Enjoy!
If Georges is the one that is part of the hotel Le Grand Monarque (very comfortable), it truly is grand. Its sidekick bistrot, Le Madrigal, is a notch down in fanfare, but the food is exceptionally prepared.
Sounds corny, but the petit train tour is actually very interesting and a good starting point if you're planning on doing in-depth visit and if you can only do a "hit-and-run" visit it gives you an excellent overview (there is a lot to visit that is spread out in chartres) Meets right in front of Cathedral.
Very interesting and doesn't take a lot of time: the story of picassiette. http://www.thejoyofshards.co.uk/picassiette/index.shtml
Loches!!! You lucky devils! One of the more hidden gems of the chateaux towns. The town jardin is great for a stroll and there are too many good restaurants to choose from. Enjoy!
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