Reims/Dijon vs. Loire Valley
 

I need some help. I am headed with my hubby to Paris for the first time for our 5 yr anniversary. We have 5 nights booked in Paris (Fri thru Wed) in early June. We need excursion recommendations for Wed thru Fri) & are considering driving to the Loire (Amboise) or driving to Dijon and the Reims. We plan to end the trip back in Paris for the last Fri and Sat night. I would really appreciate your advice since I am very excited for the trip. We are late 30's, love nightlife (jazz clubs, wine pairing dinners, piano bars, etc.) Please help! Thanks.

kgrimes-

If you like nightlife, I'd probably suggest that you head towards Dijon/Reims as opposed to the Loire. While I love the Loire, I found it pretty sleepy at night - the only "nightlife" we found were the son et lumiere shows.

Good luck on your trip.

Will you have a car or will be traveling by train? If by car go to Reims and Epernay, nice towns, cathedral and of course the champagne caves!!! There is a wonderful chateau 15 mins outside Epernay that is quite affordable and has a great restaurant. Could have been very romantic if I had not been with my Papa! As for the nightlife I could not respond due to the fact that we love to eat and drink wine so after our 3 to 4 hour meal we stumble back to the hotel. Email me if you are interested in the Chateau, I will have to dig up the book but not a problem! Enjoy and bon voyage

It depends on your interests. Nightlife will be best in Paris. Good food and wine you will find everywhere in France (use the Guide Michelin, the red guide).

The Loire Valley has those spectacular castles. Castle-visiting is the main activity there.

The Champagne has caves which you can visit. I personally prefer Launois in Mesnil sur Oger. It is much more personal than those big companies like Moet&Chandon, Heidsick etc. (francefling: Do you mean Chateau d'Etoges? This would be my recommendation.)

Burgundy has some spectacular sights: Hospice de Beaune, Clos de Vougeot, wineries and the city of Dijon.

Hard to decide.