Hi Lavaflow.

Glad to hear you had a wonderful trip and liked Villefranche and Hotel Welcome!

I finally figured out how to email my pictures, but now you don't need them as you have tons of your own I'm sure! Glad everything worked out.

We also stayed at Les Minimes in Amboise a few years ago, and it was one of the highlights of our trip.

Great review! Brought back some fond memories of my honeymoon, which was spent largely in Paris and the Loire Valley last year. Glad you had a wonderful time!

Lavaflow, we are spending 3 days at the hotel welcome and are not sure about the additional 3 prior to a wk in Paris. Do you think it would be too long to spend 4-5 nights at the welcome? Thanks.

hellokittie-- Sorry it has taken me so long to respond! I don't think 4-5 nights would be too much at all! We stayed 3 nights, so we ended up having 2 full days to sightsee. I would have liked to stay an extra day just to lounge at the beach or relax. I think 4 nights would be just right. Hope that helps!

lavaflow,
Just saw your trip report and really enjoyed it.

I love the story of getting off the train at St. Pierre de Corps instead of Tours. We (four couples) did the same thing some years ago, and will never forget the sight of the conductor in his little hat running up the platform, waving his arms and shouting "No Tours! No Tours!"

We finally realized what he was saying, threw out bags back on the train, and climbed aboard just as the wheels started moving.

Those are the times you remember.

Byrd

What a wonderful report! Very informative and readable. Sounds as though you had a delightful trip, well-planned and executed. DH anxious to visit Giverny next spring and I have long wanted to visit some of the areas in your trip. Thanks!