We're planning to take our baby daughter to the Loire Valley at the end of May and we're looking for an area to base ourselves that is conveniently located near the major chateaus and towns.

Because our little girl tends to get cranky in her car seat, we don't want to have to drive an hour each day to travel to different areas. I'm doing some research too, but I'd love to hear some opinions.

Also, we're thinking of staying in a small villa instead of a chateau. Thoughts?

Amboise is ideal.

Amboise is ideal IMO2

Chenonceaux short drive away
Chambord reasonable

those are the two consensus bests

Amboise neat old town on a romantic stretch of Loire - has its own great castle - catch the multi-lingual Sound and Light Show in the castle at night

Thanks for the information!

You can also hop minibus tours from Amboise that take you either on half- or full-day tours of some chateaus - if you don't have a car


www.accodispo.com is one such group that has been around a long time

can reserve at Amboise tourist office this and others as well

I also vote for Amboise. We enjoyed our stay at Manor les Minimes there.

Amboise is perfect. They have a interesting chateau in town as well as Clos du Luce, the final home of Leonardo da Vinci. Built by King Louis XI in the 10th century who subequently gave the house to his cook's assistant. It was purchased by Charles VIII in 1490 and remained a royal estate for the next two centuries. Francis I brought Da Vinci to Clos du Luce in 1516 where he died three years later. He is buried in a small chapel next to the chateau in Ambois.
I also agree with the recommendation of Manor les Minimes. Outstanding hotel.

Amboise is probably ideal for THAT PART of the Loire which is where many folks like to visit. We enjoyed our stay at the Manoir les Minimes but be aware that it abuts the equally-well-located LeChoiseul hotel which shares some of the same building..however, last we were there no love had been lost between the two establishments!

Chenonceau is a very EASY drive from Amboise...you could even go afar afield as Villandry without too much difficulty.

Are you at all interested in an early morning hot air balloon ride..it is MAGICAL www.franceballoons.com

and if you did like Dukester did, bring your own hot air, you'll get a discount on the balloon ride!

We stayed in Amboise as well, at Le Vieux Manoir, which is owned by two Americans, Bob & Gloria. We loved it and wished we had stayed longer than just 2 nights. Their place is beautiful and the breakfast, to die for.

www.accodispo.com

the page won't load for me.

We were thinking of doing the same thing. Find a base in the Loire, visit Chenonceau and Chambord. (Maybe get to our base by train and then take a tour, then on to Mont Saint Michel? Or maybe from Mont St. Michel to the Loire then to Paris...)

Would this work from Amboise?

try accodispo-tours.com

Thank you, that worked.

Are there any other tour companies that do similar tours...These look good.

Anyone know how much the entrance fees are for Chambord and Chenonceau since that cost is extra...?

Expect about $10 or even a bit more for castles

There are several other similar companies - but i don't know their sites or names

I'd google the Amboise tourist office as they book these and may have a list

Chenonceau's currently 10 Euros for adults.

We stayed in Amboise.

A huge thumbs up for Amboise (and Manoir les Minimes), just perfect for us.

We have chosen Amboise to stay in while in the Loire Valley. We will be staying at the B&B, Hotel Le Breche. The rates were reasonable (74E for double with bath)and included breakfast. http://www.labreche-amboise.com/idx-...tation-uk.html

Looks nice. I think you'll really enjoy your time in the Loire.

In Amboise don't miss the side street of troglydyte houses built into the limestone just south of the chateau - not obvious they are there - folks still living in caves, albeit modern caves

there were many of these years ago all along the south bank of the Loire into the limestone mini cliffs

many are still there and used now to grow mushrooms - if driving along the Loire, esp in the Saumur area look for Champignons signs and you can go into to see the fungi being cultured and taste and buy