We are going to go to Paris in September or early October for a few days and then will take TGV to Loire Valley for 3 or 4 days. Any suggestions of what not to miss and most wonderful places to stay ?

Why did you choose the Loire? What are your interests? What is your budget? Will you have a car? Have you done any research yet?

You need to help us out here. No one wants to start typing away giving out advice when it might be totally useless to you.

My husband and I are taking my 34. yr old son and his wife to Paris and the Loire Valley - they have never been to France. I have been to Paris quite a few times but to the Loire Valley only once many years ago and I just remember how beautiiful it was. I am just starting research on the area - we want to stay somewhere nice, charming, etc. and will rent a car while there. There are so many chateaux that I imagine there are some that we should not leave the area without seeing.Thanks for your help.

Friends of mine have stayed in a manor house built in the 16th/17th century surrounded by many acres of wooded parklands.It has a heated pool and tennis courts.They were delighted with it. www.slh.com/france/luynes/luybea.html
Have a great time.
moonrise

oops, I should have said I was describing a place to stay in the Loire Valley.
Moonrise

If you have 4 days, I'd recommend breaking it up into two locales, one in the eastern Loire and one in the western Loire: Amboise or Blois in the east and Saumur or Angers in the west. In the eastm I'd visit Chenonceau, Chambord, and Amboise (plus the Clos Lucé) at least; and in the west I'd visit Angers and Saumur and Chinon and at least one troglodyte cave/restaurant/whatever.

Places to stay would depend on your budget.

Moonrise and StCirq - Thankyou both for your input - I appreciate the advice of eastern and western Loire - Hotel i Luynes looks beautiful - if y'all come up with any other wonderful hotels or restaurants near Amboise/Blois and Saumur/Angers areas I would really appreciate it. Thanks

In the western Loire check out Chateau du Rochecotte. Fabulous place given by Talleyrand to his "niece" Good, and beautiful restaurant, pool, lovely grounds. In eastern Loire, consider Manoir de Minimes in Amboise, nice manor house. Or consider the old Francois Coty place, Chateau d'Artigny. See my trip report by clicking on my profile and looking for the report about 2 days in the Loire Valley.

If you don't mind breaking the bank, the biggy of all is the Domaine des Hauts de Loire with its 2 Michein starred restaurant, the swans in the pond and every possible amenity It's always on the Conde Nast top 10 hotels in Europe and deserves to be, but in some respects the Artigny is more of a jaw dropper--but the food, of course, does not compare.
Enjoy your return to the Loire.

Thanks - I will look up your suggestions as well as your trip report

Betsy, I topped another of my trip reports for the Loire Valley for you. It's called Another long trip report--Loire Valley and Paris. Check it out.

I did and it is fabulous - I am not even going to need a guide book. It sounds like you two must travel most of the time - what a great way to live !

I would add Villandry especially if you like places with formal gardens

hi betsy,

ditto Villandry.

regards, ann

I topped a trip report for you. Lots of chateaux and eating tips. We stayed at the aforementioned Domain des Hauts de Loire. Fabulous. It's actually relatively inexpensive compared to Paris prices.