Sue4

nolf3, in Tours I stayed at the Hotel du Manoir, which is a nice, basic-type hotel, inexpensive. I think I paid only 45E per night. It's an old manor house in a lovely section of Tours, very quiet, but easy walk to the station and the tourist office - and to the cathedral, etc. The owners were extremely helpful and nice. I loved hearing the birds chirping all around on that Sunday afternoon when I arrived from Paris (crowded May 1st in Paris!).

If you want to stay somewhere fancier, after Tours I stayed at the Manoir Les Minimes in Amboise. That was beautiful, located right on the river and with a view of the chateau up above - my room was a standard and 120E. But gorgeous!

A less expensive place in Amboise, near the station, is La Breche, which I understand has a great restaurant. I think the rooms are pretty basic there, but I met some people on the minivan tour I took who were staying there and liked it alot. Rick Steves also recommends. However, that hotel is not as close to the center of Amboise. But cheap!

Anyway, I think you can definitely do what you want in the Loire without a car. However, check out the Tours Tourist site or Acco Dispo site and book your tours ahead of time,so you won't be disappointed. They have plenty of great tours to various chateaux, either half day or a whole day.

nolf3

Sue4, Thank you very much!

hlsam

I just came back from the Loire and did it easily without a car - saw 6 chateaus. Just search for Trip Report, Paris, Loire, Part 2, Loire. I posted it last week.