Hi all,

We are planning to spend a night or two in Amboise, Loire Valley after staying in Paris and before goint to Provence. My question is that, should we take TGV to Loire Valley and rent a car there, and drop it off before we head over to Avignon via TGV train; or, should we rent a car while still in Paris and drive to Loire Valley and drop the car off there before taking a TGV train to Avignon? Any better way? If it helps, we are interested in seeing Chambord and Chenonceau chateaus.

We would appreciate any suggestions.

P.S. We will carry 2 full size suitcases as well as carry-on bags. Will it be very hard getting in-out of trains and finding storage on trains? If taking train is very inconvenient, we can also keep the car and drive to Avignon.

Thank you!

With that much luggage I would definitely rent a car. And yes, it can be complicated getting on and off trains with that much luggage - unless you can each carry your large suitcase and put the carry-on on your shoulder. If they are both wheelies it will require coordination to pass the bags from one person (on the train) to another (on the platform) to move all 4 bags.

Strongly suggest you not try to walk any distance each pulling two wheelies. Have seen tourists where I work try this and there are always problems with wheels catching in something or one bag going straight and the other turning sideways. They really clog up the sidewalk. And seeing them try to cross a street can be scary.

I don't know how big are the "full size suitcases." Are they size of 30" wheelies? If that is the case, you would have issues both in a car and in trains. Car is not an unconditional remedy in this case. There are lively discussion on how secure are luggage left in a car. If your car usage does not require parking unattended, then you can rent any size car that accommodate all your luggage. Otherwise you need a large enough car to conceal all your luggage when parked. This, of course reduces your maneuverability in driving around as well finding a place to park.

We visit France twice a year with 2 small wheelies & 1 carry-on. We rent intermediate/mid-sized cars & often have trouble fitting everything into the trunk (didn't make it this past trip). We've never had trouble fitting everything on the TGV - but we often travel first class (with PREMS). If your drive is hotel to hotel, the bags in the back seat would not be an issue.

I would certainly prefer taking the TGV that leaves St Pierre des Corps at 14:32 & arrives at the Avignon TGV station at 18:44, over driving for 8+ hours.

Stu Dudley

Maybe try to pare down you luggage--you won't be sorry. It's a long not very interesting drive to Provence. STu has the best advice--as usual.

I assume by the luggage you mean you EACH will have a suitcase and a carryon. That's what I have, it's no problem to me. It just depends how big those are, of course, as we don't know what a "full size" suitcase means to you. Or a carryon, for that matter. My carryon is not a 22 inch suitcase, just a smaller totebag. I do use a 22-24 inch full size suitcase and so do a lot of other people on trains. If you mean 28-30 inch as fullsize, I wouldn't even own such a thing, to be honest, as I see no use for it. I would never take it on a vacation as it's too big.

I don't know the exact size, but I am thinking it's 28". We both will have one 28" suitcase and one either duffle-bag or a carry-on that fits overheads on planes. I admire people who can pack minimally, it just doesn't seem to be something we are good at. Thanks for the suggestions.

You do not necessarily need a car in the Loire to see two chateaus - go to Amboise by train then put up and take the reasonably priced minibus tours to both castles in the same day - Chenonceau can also be reached by train from Amboise (via St-Pierre-des-Corps) and Chambord by bus from Blois (frequent trains from Amboise).

If renting why not just rent in Paris and drive via Blois and Chenonceau to Amboise - spend the next day at Chenonceau and return car at St-Pierre-des-Corps and take one of the few direct TGV trains between it and Avignon. all other rail connections involve changes and take significantly longer - often a change of stations in Paris to boot!

and yes first class on trains is much more amenable to large luggage- more room to stow. Fewer seats in same-sized rail car - for lots about French trains check www.voyages-sncf.com and www.capitainetrain.com - same tickets same trains the latter is said to be easier to book (Prems are discounted tickets that are non-changeable non-refundable I believe and as they are sold in limited numbers can sell out weeks early but you save a ton over full fare); www.seat61.com - great tips on discounted tickets; and for general info on French trains: www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com. Booking early can save a ton if you do no need flexibility to chose which trains to take once there.

If that is a TGV Duplex - double-decker chose a seat in the top deck for a much better view of the French countryside you speed thru at 185 mph or so!

We took train to Ambois. Be aware that it is a long trek from train station across the Loire to town centre. Do not expect a taxi to be at station unless you book in advance. Cannot comment on the mini bus tours. I can say that IMO the most difficult aspect of traveling by train with the amount of luggage you mention, even with a 22" and backpack, the real hassle is getting on/off the train. We had no problem with luggage storage on the train. An important question is what are your ages and how fit are you? When I was in my 30's and 40's and in excellent shape, I managed a 28" fine but now I'm down to a 22". If young and fit you might be fine if not, I'd really try to downsize. Too much luggage can put a real damper on one's trip not to mention one's back. I promise, and speak from a great deal of experience, you do not need that much luggage.

You can also get to Chennonceaux via St. Pierre des Corps/ Tours/Paris.

If I were you, I'd take the train ( Gare Montparnasse ) to St-Pierre- des-Corps, pick- up rental car there and drive to Chennonceaux.

We are in our early 30s and fit. The lifting should not be a problem. If the storage is going to be easier we'd get the first class seats. I just checked the first class seats to Avignon on the websites PalenQ mentioned, and they are not terribly expensive.

I was thinking about renting the car from Paris and dropping it off before we take the TGV from St Pierre Des Corps to Avignon; but the general advise I've been getting is to take train from Paris as well.

Also, I've been reading where people say that you have to get in-out of trains so quickly, do they mean that they open the doors and everyone rushes in and the train takes off in a few mins?

You could rent a car at Orly Airport in Paris and then be well out of the Paris traffic as the autoroute to Blois and Amboise goes clcose to it - I'd rent a car in Paris and drive - in Paris you have leisurely time to pick up the car - In S-P-d-C youmay feel rushed to get to your destination.

That said the scenery between Paris and the Loire by autoroute iis pretty boring - the Beauce - France's breadbasket with non-broken flat farms for miles and miles - so no reason to linger en route.

I don't consider myself a light packer at all, nothing like what people claim on Fodors. But really, a large totebag plus a 24-25" suitcase is not packing minimally, what can you possibly be taking that would take so much room. The only reason I could think would be if it is the winter and you have a lot of heavy/bulky clothing and maybe need some for special activities (skiing, hiking, etc.). otherwise, there is truly no need for a 28" suitcase. SOme people don't even try to pack lightly, I don't know what they are thinking. For example, I've seen women who packed entire large bottles (8 oz or more) of shampoo and conditioner, and a fullsize deodorant, etc. or something like that, which I think is crazy. And I don't wash clothes, either (at least not pants or big things). I do wash underwear which is easy enough, and maybe light socks or something like that, or a very light Tshirt if I'm gone a couple weeks. NOthing else.

It is a lot easier to pack lighter in warm weather, also -- no heavy jackets needs, boots, and clothes in general are lighter weight.

As for train times, yes, sometimes they do only stop for a few minutes and if a lot of people want to get off, you won't have tons of time. YOu don't usually have any big rush to get on one so much if it's a big one and at the start, but I guess it depends what kind of train and where. I often board trains in Paris and it's where they start, so they may be there 15-20 minutes before leaving. If you were just getting on a train at some intermediate stop, it's the same thing as getting off, sometimes it can be only a few minutes at minor stops. Trains coming back into Paris aren't a problem, they are there more than a few minutes.

At the smaller stations you will only have a few minutes to get on/off. Trains departing from Paris usually give you fifteen minutes, but there can also be a lot of people doing the same. Crowded, yes. Also take note that many of the trains have very narrow, steep steps into the carriage. I have often found that I cannot get on without dragging my suitcase behind me. No room for both me and my luggage at the same time, and I'm not a big person. However, the TGV should not be a problem.

PalenQ - Question regarding purchasing train tickets:
When I went on www.voyages-sncf.com and selected the country as UK as someone from another forum suggested (for better pricing), it took me to uk.voyages-sncf.com, where the first class seat was 44 euros from S.P.d.C to Avignon. When I try the same search with www.capitainetrain.com, the same ticket was 58 euros. Do you know whether we can use the UK website even if we are from the US?

I believe so - trains tickets are not retricted to any nationality but the key is if you can print them yourselves and not have to have them sent - or collect at a station in France. You may want to post that question as a stand-alone question with something in the title - there are folks much more versed in these matters than moi - but if you can print the ticket at home you're home free - again though I will defer to those with more background actually using the site. Maybe pose that question to that someone on another forum?

But if you post separately as a new thread with that question on Fodor's you'll get several expert responses.

You could also check www.raileurope.com in gthe U.S. - they are now matching some cheaper fares I believe. At least worth a look. Onwed mainly by the SNCF but usually higher fares but they tell me they are a changing.

PalenQ - I tried that as well. The price was the same as www.capitainetrain.com. I will post another thread or search more to see if anyone can help me with that.

Thank you all for your responses. We'll definitely considers each of your invaluable advises and come back for more recommendations

Thanks flieder - RailEurope matches capitainetrain.com - interesting - and about the RE UK site - are you sure those prices were not in UK pounds? So reaching for straws I guess but...?

You were right!! Lol. I didn't realized one was in pounds one was in euros . Well, then it looks like Capitainetrain is cheaper by about $10 for two tickets.

I am actually now considering doing a day trip to Loire Valley from Paris just to see couple chateaus. I'm thinking it might be less hassle and give us more options in terms of timing of trains to Avignon.

Well I could not figure out how the RE UK would be cheaper and no question about if you can book if not a UK resident!

Hello, I am planning to visit TOULOUSE, FRANCE the first week in August 2015. I arrive CDG airport and was interested in knowing IF there is express DIRECT train service to TOULOUSE. OR would it be best to just book another flight for this trip?? Can the train be boarded from the Airport or does one need to take a Taxi to the Train. IF SO.. that seems like too much hassle with my luggage and the air route would be much the easier. OUI ??
Merci beaucoup !