Loire Valley or Reims/Champagne Region
 

Loire Valley or Reims/Champagne Region

December trip...

Thank you!

We have been to Loire in November and was ideal time to be there. Cold but not bitter, no crowds. Car is needed to get around easily. Wonderful area to visit. We used Amboise as our base and it was good choice. Have not been to Reims/Champagne so can not comment.

Been to both in October and November...

After hot Fl summers , we find the chill air refreshing!

If I were choosing between, I'd pick the Loire. Though Reims and tiuring the caves are wonderful, visiting Verdun ..I still findd more to do in the Loire.

It really depends on your interests, e.g., exquisite castles vs. wineries and WWI sites (not a complete description, by any means). Will you have a car? I found traveling throughout the Loire very simple by car; haven't tried it (yet) in the Reims area.
December is bound to be cold and dreary, regardless, so pack a good overcoat and umbrellas.

The Loire valley is more interesting for a first time visitor, and will tend to be somewhat less cold than the Champagne area.