I am trying to plan a trip to France (Aug 28 to Sept 6). I need some advice on a couple of issues. First, after landing at CDG on Aug 29th early am, I was hoping to catch a train directly to Amboise. Is this doable from the airport or will I have to go into Paris? Second, I want to rent a car for the Loire valley portion of the trip. Is Amboise a good place to do this? We would return the car there also and train back into Paris. Nothing is final at this time so any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks so much.

There are no direct trains from CDG to Amboise, but you can take a train from CDG to Tours and then change to a local train to Amboise (or go from CDG to Les Aubrais and then to Orléans and then Amboise). I'd rent the car in Tours and drive to Amboise - many more car rental options in Tours.

The destination you want is St Pierre des Corps. It's a suburb of Tours and the main TGV stop. All the agencies have car rental desks there. Call the 800 number you'll find on the autoeurope.com website to discuss your requirements.

Thanks StCirq. I think the TGV to Tours and car rental there would work well for me. Do you have any idea how often that train runs from CDG? Is it best to purchase tickets in advance?

They run, generally speaking, about every two hours, but schedules change a couple of times a year. You can purchase deeply discounted PREM fares 3 months out from your date of travel, but they are nonrefundable and nonexchangeable. Prices go up as your travel date approaches. If you are arriving from overseas the same morning you plan to take the train, allow 3 hours from the stated time of landing until the time you board the train.

All schedules and prices are at www.capitainetrain.com, or, if you read French, at www.voyages-sncf.com. Don't even consider using Rail Europe.