google map directions and which chateau?
 

When I plug in Saumur to Saint Malo, google map sends me north through Le Mans and then west to the coast. Is that the quickest route, even though it's not that direct? If I took off on smaller roads, would it be a hassle and take much longer?

Also, I'd like to see either Chateau Chambord or Azay le Rideau en route between Orleans and Saumur. Any idea which would be easiest? Your favorite and why?

Check out my web page on our trip to the Loire. It includes details on our chateau visits. We visited both of the chateaux you mentioned.

http://www.travel.stv77.com/loire/loire.htm

Thanks for the link to your web page. It looks like you guys really lucked out with the weather - we may not be so lucky, going the last week of March and first week of April...but we're not going for the weather. I'll take note of the restaurant recommendations. The extra links for more information are appreciated, as well.

What kind of chateau do you prefer? Chambord was a hunting castle which, according to the guide, was empty most of the year. It was furnished only when the king came with his entourage and all his furniture. But it is grand and has an interesting double-spiral staircase. Azay-le-Rideau is on a much smaller scale as it was not a royal residence. In many ways it is more appealing.

The main appeal of Chambord to me was the double staircase and Azay le Rideau being on the water is it's main appeal. I'm leaning more towards it at the moment.

Do you have any feedback on the driving directions? I'm guessing it would be best to stay on the suggested route unless I have all kinds of time to meander...which I don't, unfortunately.

Chambord I found a bit 'cold'. Azay was nice. If I had to pick in the area, Chenonceau.

Hi G,

>If I took off on smaller roads, would it be a hassle and take much longer?<

You can change your route by pointing to the blue line, clicking and dragging it to where you would rather go.

The map will give the time and distance for the new route.

((I))

After 2 visits to The Loire,I have to agree with Michael and say Chenonceau was my favorite for both the inside and outside. For the outside only, Villandry and Chambord come to mind as the best. Azay didn't do much for me, but the town was cute. Just another opinion to consider.

The side roads can be very side roads - we were once stuck doing 10 mph behind a gigantic hay wagon way too big to pass.

Azay is charming but Chenonceau is by far the winner if you can do only one (we stayed 5 days and did a whole bunch).

Thanks, Ira, for the tip on how to change the route on google maps. The more direct route only involves 10 min. more driving time. Since Chenonceau is on the water and on my route as well, we'll go there instead of the other two. Thanks for everyone's input.

Our favorite, by far, was Chenonceau.