My boyfriend will be in Paris on business during Dec and I'm arriving 12/20. Our flight home from CDG is Christmas Day, midday. Would a driving tour of the Loire Valley be feasible 12/20-24 or will things be shut down? Could we have a nice Christmas Eve dinner somewhere, leave early Christmas morning and get to CDG on time? Does anyone have a favorite chateau to stay in? Are there special activities in that area at that time? If not Loire Valley, other ideas not too far from Paris? Thanks!

I've only been to the Loire in fall but I could only imagine it being beautiful and magical at Christmas. The towns are mostly small and it is very easy to navigate by car. We have stayed in the Domaine des Hauts de Loire by Onzain and very near the chateaux at Chaumont. It's a Relais and Chateaux hotel so it's pricey but it is beautiful. We've also stayed at Chateau Chissay at Chissay en Touraine. It, too is lovely and somewhat less expensive than the Domaine des Hauts de Loire. Another place I'd recommend is Chateau de Rochcotte, in St. Patrice. The estate was owned by Tallyrand who awarded it to his niece who was also alleged to have been his mistress. (Rex, correct me if I've got my history wrong again) I'ts been decorated in modern style but the building itself is every bit a chateaux. None of these places are inexpensive. I'd guess that rooms in all are upwards of $200 per night, but they are beautiful and would be a very special Christmas present to yourself and your boyfriend. What I'd do if I were you would be to book a hotel in the Loire for the 4 nights (20-23) and book the 24th nearer to Paris. I'd suggest the Chaumontel in Luzarches. It is also a sort of chateau, though a bit less pricey than those in the Loire. Most importantly, it's only 25 km or so from CDG which would be far more convenient than being up at the crack of dawn to drive from the Loire. <BR>The big problem might be getting reservations in any of these places at this late date. Good luck. Sounds wonderful. Oh, and an alternative to the Loire would be the Ile de France--the area right around Paris. It has nearly as many chateaux as the Loire, but may present greater traffic problems. If you don't mind driving over some the same roads day after day you can anchor in one place and see Versaille, Vaux le Vicomte, Ramboillet, St. Germain, Chantilly, Fontainebleau, and Compiegne. When we did that we stayed at St. Germain in a Best Western property on the outskirts of the city. I'll be happy to look up the specific name if you're interested. Again, the problem could be getting reservations. Best advice, decide quickly and start checking out places. Should be a wonderful Christmas.

I'd check carefully I know several of the mentioned places are closed at this time of year

Thanks, Julie! What a lot of wonderful, juicy info. I appreciate it. MJ

I was just at Domaine des hauts de Loire about 3 weeks ago and I know they are closing so again ,check!!