nrwayne

We're planning a four-night visit to the Loire Valley in early June. We'll train from Paris to Tours, then rent a car to visit the area and drive back to CDG. We'd prefer a small hotel within 30 minutes of Amboise. Although we have kids of our own (grown), we'd like a place where there are few, if any, little ones. We have no budget constraint.
Our visit will include a couple of chateaus, a food market, enjoyable restaurants, and poking around villages such as Chinon. We've been to France many times before, but never to the Loire.
Thanks in advance for your help.

Dayle

nrwayne

Many years ago I stayed in the Chateau de Chissay near Ambroise and Chennoceau. Loved it! I was traveling off season in Oct so can't say how the family situation might be. They did have a pool.

If interested, check it out. It's a real and lovely historical chateau. I have no idea what the current rates or reviews might be. I think I'll look it up just out of curiosity!

Anyway, thats my suggestion for what it's worth. I had a wonderful time driving around solo and was able to visit several chateaux over 4 days.

colonna

The Manoir des Minimes is right below the chateau walls of Amboise, so "outside" the town, but an easy walk to several pleasant restaurants.

Also easy driving distance to many chateaux (Chenonceau, Azay-les-Rideaux, Villandry are the ones we visited).

nytraveler

If I were you I wold take the opportunity to stay in a private chateau. We stayed in one near Chinon (15th century) and it was a fascinating experience. We even had dinner en famille one night - with other guests - from Canada, Australia, Argentina and Russia. All of the food and wine were products of the chateau.

I think if you check there are quite a few near Amboise and these are not typically places you will get a lot of kids.

PalenQ

http://www.chateaupray.com/

Chateau de Pray on the edge of Amboise is cool! You can even walk into Amboise from there.

TPAYT

http://www.chateaudeperreux.fr/fr/index.php

We had wonderful experience here in 2007
Since then I see new owners and a total redo of the rooms.
Still gets great reviews on trip advisor.

A short drive from Amboise and a good location to visit the Loire Valley Chateaus.
Our favorites were Chennenceau, Chambord, Villandry, DaVinci house in Amboise, and the town of Chinon a bit further west.

We enjoyed the valley so much we returned a year later & stayed in a lovey
Little house on a vineyard near Chinon and visited more lovely places in the western part of the valley. I'll give you the site if you are interested.

TPAYT

FYI----we were in room #2 at Chateau Perreux and had everything we could have wanted while staying in a French Chateau.

sarabeth

Years ago, we rented a house in Blois. I loved this little town. There was a great restaurant, sorry I don't remember the name.
Blois was a great base for the Loire Valley. We stayed there for a week and visited many of the more famous chateaux.

Sue4

A few years ago I took the TGV to Tours, rented a car and drove to Amboise for a few days before driving to Chinon, then Saumur for a few days each. I stayed at the Manoir des Minimes, which someone else mentioned. Lovely place, peaceful - I don't think they would appreciate children either! Easy walking into Amboise and driving to many Chateaux, including Blois. I loved the Chateau d'Amboise,a medieval fortress which many people skip.

Before driving to Amboise I spent 2 nights in Tours, which was worthwhile. There are some interesting museums there as well as a lovely cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows. But I stayed 9 days in the Loire Valley, so had lots of time to amble. Loved it! It was my first time driving in France (alone!) so I was nervous at first, but was quite easy as people are so helpful in France, especially in the provinces. Much more than the Parisiens - but I love Paris too.

The Loire trip was so great and easy to do that I have since done the same thing visiting Burgundy, Normandy, Provence, Alsace and Brittany. Enjoy your trip!

RonZ

Arrange your car at the St Pierre des Corps station, just outside of Tours. Faster and easier.

maitaitom

About a 20-25 minute walk into town. We loved this place.

<B>http://www.lamaisonblanche-fr.com/</B>

Here's a little bit more from my trip report (Chapters Eight - Ten are on the Loire and I have some pictures of the property).

<B>http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/france-2012/</B>