Loire Chateaus in November?
Oct 14th, 2006, 03:51 PM
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Loire Chateaus in November?
We are going to Paris for a week to ten days starting in early November and we are considering spending a few days outside of the city towards the end of the trip. The leading option at this point is to rent a car and drive around the Loire Valley. However, we are concerned that the weather might not be cooperative. Has anyone visited the Loire at this time of year? From the guidebooks we have consulted it looks like a lot of the chateaus (chateaux?) close down for the season in mid-November. Is this a good idea or should we just stay in Paris for a few more days? Also, any recommendaions for hotels/restaurants in the area would be appreciated.
Oct 14th, 2006, 06:00 PM
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The major chateaux don;t close for the season - but they do operate on shorter hours. Some of the smaller ones may close - and naturally the ones that you visit to see gardens (like Villandry) have little to show.
If this is your only chance to see the Loire than go - but if you have another opportunity in spring or esp summer (when they do those wonderful son et lumiere performances) I would do that instead.
If you go definitely rent a car. And at this time of year I wold stay in a town (versus a chateau) since daylight hours are short - and there's little fun driving country roads after dark.
Amboise is a charming small town that has much to see, some nice restaruants and is fairly centrally located.
If this is your only chance to see the Loire than go - but if you have another opportunity in spring or esp summer (when they do those wonderful son et lumiere performances) I would do that instead.
If you go definitely rent a car. And at this time of year I wold stay in a town (versus a chateau) since daylight hours are short - and there's little fun driving country roads after dark.
Amboise is a charming small town that has much to see, some nice restaruants and is fairly centrally located.
Oct 14th, 2006, 06:34 PM
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DEFINITELY get a car! NYT is right, the season comes to a grinding....well, not halt but slowdown after September. Do be careful, though! While in Chinon last week, I met a couple from Puerto Rico who drove all over France for their vacation. I don't really know how good they are with directions to begin with, but they said that every day held a surprise. (Like ending up in Versailles unexpectedly.) They seemed like a lot of fun, so they could stay flexible and roll with it.
Oct 15th, 2006, 04:37 PM
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Sure, drive yourselves and don't plan on too much per day. Take one or two days to see the ones where you're based in or near Tours, like Chenonceau and Amboise, or these while based in Blois: Blois, Cheverny, Chambord.
Daylight saving is over on Oct. 29, so days will be shorter.
Daylight saving is over on Oct. 29, so days will be shorter.
Oct 16th, 2006, 12:13 AM
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It depends on where you are in the Loire Valley. We were in Angers in November and it was just as lively as any other time of year. The Jardins des Plantes next to our hotel was still beautiful...it's been thoughtfully laid out so the gardens always have something attractive no matter what time of year.
IMO, for a November visit you should consider basing yourselves in a city like Angers because it will not have the "closed for the season" feel of some of the villages whose businesses cater to high season tourists. Unlike most Fodorites, we did not particularly care for Amboise.
Also, be advised that the wineries generally close their public tasting rooms around November 1. You can still taste (for free) a variety of locally produce wines at the Maisons du Vin in Saumur and Angers and buy them there.
IF you opt to stay in Angers, there are many good, inexpensive restaurants where you can eat very well for a fraction of Paris prices, but we liked Castel Boeuf and La Ferme the best. We always stay in the Mercure Angers Centre, which is a modern hotel with excellent service and underground parking. However, it's *not* for someone who wants lots of traditional atmosphere.
On our early November trips there, the weather has been delightful...crisp, cool, but sunny. The rain seemed to come only at night and was gone by morning. No guarantees you'll be equally lucky.
IMO, for a November visit you should consider basing yourselves in a city like Angers because it will not have the "closed for the season" feel of some of the villages whose businesses cater to high season tourists. Unlike most Fodorites, we did not particularly care for Amboise.
Also, be advised that the wineries generally close their public tasting rooms around November 1. You can still taste (for free) a variety of locally produce wines at the Maisons du Vin in Saumur and Angers and buy them there.
IF you opt to stay in Angers, there are many good, inexpensive restaurants where you can eat very well for a fraction of Paris prices, but we liked Castel Boeuf and La Ferme the best. We always stay in the Mercure Angers Centre, which is a modern hotel with excellent service and underground parking. However, it's *not* for someone who wants lots of traditional atmosphere.
On our early November trips there, the weather has been delightful...crisp, cool, but sunny. The rain seemed to come only at night and was gone by morning. No guarantees you'll be equally lucky.
Oct 16th, 2006, 09:09 PM
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I enjoyed Blois immensely in the winter. Because it is in the middle of a city and not so dependent on its grounds/foilage for appeal the time of year didn't seem to matter as much.
As already mentioned, those chateaux that are associated with active, populated towns like Angers, Saumur and Amboise would be more lively for a late fall/wnter visit.
As already mentioned, those chateaux that are associated with active, populated towns like Angers, Saumur and Amboise would be more lively for a late fall/wnter visit.
Oct 30th, 2006, 07:54 AM
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Thanks for the helpful replies. It looks like we are going to try our luck with the November weather and go ahead with this plan to visit the Loire. Atthis point we have narrowed our search to two hotels, both in the Tours area, the Domaine de la Tortiniere and the Chateau des Ormeaux. Any thoughts on these hotels would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
