sarah

Help! I need to go from Paris to the Loire Valley.(Tours) I have looked at SCNF website, but can't find out which way has the best prices, etc. Can anyone help out? <BR>Is it better to buy a railpass w/car? We'll be there 5 days.

Chris

I would take the TGV. Gets you there much faster than the "regular" train and it usually isn't too much more than the train. Are you planning on going to see the chateaux? A car is fine (but make sure you get GOOD directions), the tourist office can help you get tours if you don't want to rent a car. <BR> <BR>Second class on the TGV is fine. But always go for non-smoking -- those train cars can get really gross.

Christine

I would definitely take the TGV, it's only 2 hrs or less, as I recall, from Paris. All prices should be on that website, prices are listed by the train schedule; if you see a train that takes about twice as long, that's a regular one, not the TGV. A railpass would be too expensive if you only need it for one trip, even if it is RT, they cost about $175 for 3 days to start, although that may be outdated. If you intend to use the train every day during those 5 days, it might be cost effective, but obviously not if you are renting a car, also. A railpass is never cheaper than buying one ticket, they are intentionally priced for people who intend to travel by train a lot.

Mr. Go

I would definitely rent a car. Although the roads from Paris to Tours aren't all that scenic, once you're there you will want to drive around the area. Your rental selection will probably be better in Paris...and with a car you can easily detour to Chartres, which I highly recommend. Very impressive cathedral, and an interesting town. Just my 2 cents...

sarah

Thanks for the advice! I received a tourist guide from Tours in the mail today. I will definently take the TGV, as I can't wait to see all the chateaus. Thanks again to all that replied.

Katherine

Sarah, <BR> <BR>I would take the TGV to Tours and then rent a car in Tours and take the TGV back to Paris. It's so much faster and you don't want to be driving anywhere NEAR Paris! But it is essential to have a car in the Loire Valley to see the chateaux and do the wine tasting thing. They have the most amazing wine caves there and the town of Samaur has wine caves all under the town. You can tour them for free. If you like wine tasting visit some of the small family wineries where the sign outside says "degaustation". Often the oldest son will come out to their shop and pour for you and you will try to communicate in your best French. It's part of the experience.

StCirq

Sarah: Take the TGV to Tours and pick up a rental car. Others will disagree with me, but I don't like Tours much at all for a base for the Loire. Drive to Blois or better, Amboise, and make your base there. It's a wonderful town and a great spot from which to get to the main châteaux. You can drive back to Tours and drop your car off there, or continue on west to someplace like Saumur (to see another part of the Loire valley)and drop the car there. Or you could drive to Chartres on the way back, leave the car there, and continue back to Paris. For all I know, you're continuing on to Greece, so forgive me if I have made silly assumptions.

Fran

It doesn't natter where you rent your car as long ias it is somewhere outside of Paris. Blois is fine for one night as is Amboise, but they are too small to be very interesting of themselves. I personally found Tours to be much more appealing. Why not, do one night in each place.

Katherine

How about staying at a chateau for a really unique experience? We stayed at Chateau Jallanges in Vouvray. It was unforgetable.

sarah

Thanks all! I've decided on a stay at a chateau. I'll rent a car in Tours, then drive to a chateau. Chateau de Jallanges looks great, has anyone got another favorite to share? Do all the rooms look about the same as on their websites? I can't find pictures of rooms on some of them...Also, any good restaurants or special local places. I don't speak much french, but those years of ballet training have taught me enough to get by.

Katherine

Sarah, <BR> <BR>I just looked at their website. Yep, that's exactly what the rooms look like. You will love lounging in the modern tub in a very old chateau drinking "vin de Vouvray"! You will enjoy the breakfasts in the dining room. The owners are great for giving you tips for things to do or arranging special treats (like a balloon ride!) Be sure to tour some of the wine caves.