I have 4days to spend outside paris and would like to go to the Loire valley. I will have a car and am interested in wine as well as romantic relaxation<BR>Any suggestions?

I'm going to Amboise, but not for the romantic relaxation (perhaps the wine, but any kind will do). Do a search on Amboise and you'll find lots of interesting posts, though not specifically oriented to your criteria.

I'm not much of a romantic, but the guided sailboat ride down the Loire river from Saumur was very nice. It was serene sailing through the open fields and seeing the houses and livestock. I even got to row a little bit. Taking a picnic lunch and stopping along the way might be nice.<BR><BR>Saumur also has a famous equestrian school and horseback riding is very popular in the area. That might work.

You can find a VERY enchanted evening at Chateau d'Artigny in Montbazon - - dinner, brandy (from their collection of something like, over 1300 to choose from), a room - - or all of the above.<BR><BR>The French cosmetics manufacturer Coty spent pretty much his entire fortune to create this place, and you get to be the beneficiary.<BR><BR>Search this forum for Artigny (but not to be confused with Mas d'Artigny - - in the south of France) or Montbazon for details, web site, et cetera. I feel sure I have given them here before - - probably on the www.slh.com website or Grandes Etapes.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

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I would recommend you stay at Chateau de Rochecotte, a wonderful hotel/restaurant in St. Patrice, about an hour from Tours. Take a balloon ride with Montgolfieres above Chenonceaux and visit the wineries in Bourgeuil and Vouvray. Other castles worth visiting: Azay le Rideau, Amboise, Usse, Chambord and Cheverny. If you have time visit Gien also. Enjoy.