Loire Valley
 

Can you give us any information about the Loire Valley and what to see there.<BR><BR>How far is it from Paris by train?

In my opinion, these castles are a must to see: Chambord, Chenonceaux, Blois, Amboise.<BR><BR>

A lot of people go there to see chateaux, I imagine you've heard of them (big old houses). There are some wineries around there but I don't know about them and haven't visited them. Some of the chateaux have more interesting histories than others and are better kept up or worth seeing. The countryside can be very beautiful in summer (especially when the sunflowers are blooming, and it is an important agricultural region for France. There are some good gardens around, particularly Villandry, and the usual old churches, abbeys, etc.<BR><BR>It's only about 2-1/2 hours by train.

Michael,<BR>

Clos Luce in Amboise is one place I really enjoyed. Villandry and Azay le Rideau were special to me. <BR>Sylvie