abhodges

Hello-
My family and have the opportunity to do a home exchange with a family in Paris for 2 1/2 weeks (possibly 3) this August. There will be five of us traveling (2 adults and 3 children --- 15, 9 and 5). This will be my children's 2nd visit to Europe. We'd like to spend about 4 days in Paris sightseeing and then branching out to other destinations (day trips or longer). I'm not sure yet if we'll be brave and drive or if we'd like to use only the train system. If possible, we'd like to see the Normandy area (Mont St Michel, Omaha) and Loire Valley (Chenonceau). Any suggestions on a possible itinerary? We've not seen any other regions of France so, anything is fair game.....

Thanks in advance!

travelroo

To really do Normandy, Loire Valley etc. You could do a day trip to the Loire. Take the train to Versaille and rent a car at the train station. Very easy navigating in Versaille. Nice drive from there. Don't rent in Paris.

Do the same if you are going out to Normandy to Mont St Michel, I highly recommend that you stay all night. Also try to coordinate your trip with high tide....best when there is a full moon or new moon.

kleroux

I think driving in France is much easier than it used to be. Speed limits are enforced, they now have round-abouts on country roads, and the signage is very good. We rented in Paris, drove to the Loire Valley. Sorry not to have seen Orleans. Loved it all!!! Since you are a big family, it might be cheaper to rent a car in Paris to leave the city for your trips, than to take a train and then rent. If you are doing a house swap, don't you get the use of their car?

abhodges

travelroo, thanks for the suggestion about tides/moon for Mont-St-Michel...... For the Loire Valley, is one day enough to see Chartres and Chenonceau? Or is it best to stay overnight? Seems like I'd be trying to squeeze in too much for one day. Thanks.

abhodges

kleroux. a car is definitely a possibility with the home exchange... it's just something We've been hesitant about. We're leaning towards just taking the plunge and driving --- yikes! How long was the drive for you from Paris to Loire? I will look into Orleans as well since you are suggesting it as a stop off. Thanks.

StCirq

You've got answers on your other thread, too.