I think kids can find just as much in Bordeaux as some of these others places, that's for sure.

The old town center is interesting and walkable, and they have one of those little tourist trains around the city that could be fun. They have boat rides on the river, and a couple really nice parks, like the jardin publique see
http://www.bordeaux.fr/ebx/LinkResol...nt=lieu&id=858

Hi there... I'll chime in since I took my 2 girls (then 7 and 10) to Paris & the Loire Valley in 2013... it was their first time there though I'd been to both places before (and Paris many times).

Since it was our first int'l trip with the girls, we focused on exactly 2 bases. 12 days in Paris and a week in the Loire. It was a wonderful trip. Sorry, I didn't do a trip report but when I get some time I can put together their favorites. We're planning to go back again this coming summer when they'll be 9 and 12... we'll be adding a couple more stops (London, Burgundy) and returning to the Loire and to Paris... and I can tell you both girls unanimously asked for "at least 5 more nights in Paris."

If you've already been to Paris (and love Paris, some people actually don't love Paris), you'll know how much there is to do, and you can imagine how wonderful it would be to see Paris through the eyes of your children. My girls loved Paris.

They also loved seeing the Chateaux in the Loire. (We focused on Azay le Rideau and Chenonceau the last trip.) We also rented bikes a couple times in the Loire Valley and once at Giverny. This next trip, we're going to take them to Clos de Luce, where many of Da Vinci's inventions are on display.

For our first trip, I would not have wanted to do quite as much moving around as you're proposing, though only you can know whether your kids will handle it well. Jet lag settled in around day 3... and it was rough.

Your kids will enjoy being with you no matter where you go, but it's helpful if they've had some say in what they see. Once you decide on areas you want to visit, show them guidebooks, and find at least one or two things that will make them feel like they did something exciting for them.

Also, since you asked... I'd probably start my trip in Paris, and then work away from there. (The opposite of your proposed schedule.) But that's just me.

Also, why Bordeaux? Just wondering. Unless you're a huge Bordeaux afficionado, I don't know if 2 days there is going to be as much fun as 2 days in the Loire or 2 days in Paris.

Good luck planning.

Forgot to mention, it's super easy to take the TGV to Tours St Pierre des Corps, pick up a car there, and drive around the Loire (even out to Nantes if that's the direction you want to go) then return the car to Tours and train back to Paris. If you haven't already looked yet, AutoEurope (based in the US) has great prices on rentals.

Ooops, I only read your original post and not your revised itinerary and Stu's great information. I think you're on the right track, though I'd be dead tired and not able to drive a car my first day on the ground.

hi thanks for all suggestion..i was thinking of taking car from cog as i land at 8 am and don't think can make it for train at 10 so don't wanna wait still 2 ..can anyone suggest train from cog to la rochella?
thanks

CDG to La Rochelle????

Leaves CDG at 10:16 with a train change in Poitiers (small station).

Stu Dudley