Loire Valley: car needed?
 

Hello. My wife and I are planning to spend 2-3 days in the Loire region this August. We were wondering if it makes sense without a car... neither of us has driven for several years now, and not too keen to re-start in a different country. Is it possible to enjoy the region, visit the vineyards etc., without driving yourself?

thanks!

arctan - In your case I think the driving part may proove a bother and need too much concentration looking at the road signs instead of the countryside!

Take the TGV and relax on a mini tour with all your needs taken care of - I had a package deal with hotel, sightseeing & all meals including lunch on certain days, thrown in to the excursion.

It's very difficult to see much of the Loire without road transport - since most things are in small towns with either no or rare (once a day) public transit.

If you don;t want to drive I would go to to one of the larger towns where yoe can pick up van tours.

Unfortunately you really need a car for the Loire. I wouldn't worry too much. It is very easy to get around.

Thank you all for your responses -- very helpful.

Tod: what's TGV -- a tour company?

cheers!

The TGV is the French high-speed train. I guess Tod meant to take the train from Paris to a town in the Loire and then connect with a tour company for that area. A local tour makes the most sense if you don't want to drive.