skeng - I think that i would stay two nights in Noizay [though i would prefer 3] and day trip to Angers from there, unless you have a particular reason for wanting to stay in Angers - i have a prejudice against "one-night stands" as I think that they provide very poor value in hotels and make a trip too "bitty".

it's about 90 mins to Angers from Noizay, according to google maps; you could go there first and then work your way back to Noizay via Saumur, Chinon and Villandry - the latter is a definite "must" in the area and would make a lovely afternoon's visit.

Chenonceau is my "must see" on the way to Romantin; if you had missed Villandry the day before, you could go there in the morning and see Chenonceau in the afternoon.

I would think on a 13 hour flight you would probably get some pretty good rest/sleep, unlike the 6-7 from the east coast of the US. Of course, it is your trip, but we often just like to keep going if possible to maximize time--and get where we want to be and stay our first night, if travelling outside of Paris.

Thanks all for your recommendations. All set for a fun drive around France in the summer!

hi all,

just one last question. what's the best place to pick up the car when driving out of Paris? We're staying at the Honore area..we want to avoid Paris traffic if possible..