I have looked at the snfc web site. My question is do we go 1st. class or 2nd?
Where would the most local or I guess I mean convenient place to take the train too? We will be planning on renting a car, when we get there.
I was thinking about Tours? any other suggestions? We are staying at Domaine Des Haut.
thanks As Always, jobie

If you're only traveling from Paris there's no need to pay for first class. It can be worth it on a longer trip, as second class tends to be more crowded.

Tours would be a good place to pick up your car. is it the Domaine des Hautes de Loire you're staying at? If so, you're in for a very pleasant experience.

Underhill,
Thanks for your help.
I went to the SNFC web site. 2nd. class will be 107e for 2 of us each way. Is that reasonable?
I tried to do those prems. but had a very hard time understanding the French.
thank you as always,
jobie

Jobie -- On the sncf website you should click on the English flag in the uper left hand corner.
I got a price of E35.10 per person each way.

The Loire Valley is a wonderful part of France to drive in, I'm sure you will enjoy yourselves.

I would go to Blois and pick up my car there, rather than going on to Tours. Blois is closer to Onzain and is an easier city to drive out of.

I'm seeing a 41 € r/t fare from Paris to Blois and a 32 € discovery fare if you are staying over a Saturday night.

I hope you love the Domaine des Hauts de Loire as much as I do. When my husband said we could spend our 40th anniversary anywhere I wanted, I chose to make a return trip there and we are booked to return again this Fall!

Thanks to you all.
I just booked our tickets, going though Tours, my husband and I 107.60e round trip. Maybe I should of done Bois, but it will have to be ok. Also did Avis car rental 2 days 87.60e.
You all are so helpful. I called direct to the sncf, and had very little problem. They are sending our tickets over to the Marriott on Champs Elysees. So I guess we are set!! Can't wait til April 26th We are flying direct from LAX to Paris on Air France.
I don't think I have anymore questions (isn't that nice) ha ha
Again Thank You All,
Jobie

Jobie: You know, you don't have to take the TGV to Tours. You could take a regular train, which will take two hours instead of one, and save some money. You could also conceivably buy a PREMs ticket for 25€ each way on a train destined for Bordeaux that stops at Tours, and just get off at Tours.
The TGVs leave from Montparnasse - the regular trains leave from Austerlitz.