David |
Apr 24th, 2002 09:33 AM |
I did this last spring and thoroughly enjoyed the train approach. I wanted to be able to sample the wines, yet still get around. I didn't feel a car was the best option. I will easily walk a mile so keep that in mind.<BR><BR>The chateaux I saw were: Chinon, Angers, Chenonceau and Blois.<BR><BR>I also saw Amboise's Chateau where you are staying and walked to the Clos de Luce outside of town about a half mile. This is where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last few years. There's also a quirky toy museum in Amboise. It has over-stuffed displays that are interesting to see.<BR><BR>I was there in late May and saw the "Son & Lumiere" (Sound & Light) show at Blois. I found it beautiful and interesting even though I went on a French narration night and could understand almost nothing. Other chateaux have them through the summer, you can look around on the internet to see whats available.<BR><BR>I believe Azay-le-Rideau is accessible by train, too. I'm sure there are other chateau but I'm not familiar with them.<BR><BR>Later in June I went back with my Dad, neice & nephew with a rental car. We saw Chambord, Langeais, Chateaudun & Saumur.<BR><BR>I did not use, but have seen discussed, small organized bus tours out of Amboise. This might be an option to see a chateau like Chambord which is about 10 miles from a rail station.<BR><BR>Try not to miss Chambord and Saumur is well worth it. Saumur Chateau would be about a mile walk from the train station with some beautiful views of the castle on the way.<BR><BR>FYI, to get south of the Loire River or west past Tours you will almost certainly have to go through and/or change trains in Tours. It can be a bit confusing because Tours has two train stations: the main city station of Tours and St Pierre des Corps in the suburbs. These train stops are only 5 minutes apart and there is a shuttle train that runs between them several times an hour. In addition, most of the train journeys I went on stopped at both stations. But if for some reason one leg of your journey stops at one and the next leg departs at the other it shouldnt be a problem.<BR><BR>I loved my time in the Loire Valley, Im sure you will too.<BR>
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