Title gives the main parameters...my wife and I will be taking the train to the coast, and want to have a garden focused stop in the Loire Valley, with fairly easy logistics, good food and lodging options. We just have 1 night for this piece of the trip.
Currently leaning toward stopping/staying in Tours, and visiting Château de Villandry for the gardens.
Looking for either alternatives to consider, or details to add to make the current plan work well...thanks much
Hello. Without a car, Villandry isn't easily accessible, and you'll waste time on public transport. Do you know Terra Botanica in Angers? It's not a " jardin à la française" , but if you like plants, it might interest you. And it's much more accessible than Villandry. From there, it's Angers to Nantes, then Nantes to Auray by TER train.
Hmmm...Rome to Rio says its a 25 minute drive for taxi/uber from the Tours train staton to Villandry...but we'd most likely drop of bags where we are staying and break that trip up, so I think we might work that out...unless taxis/uber are a problem in Tours or its a longer trip than that...
I would most certainly stay in Tours. It's very easy to access via TGV from Paris (just one hour). Place Plumereau is the obvious choice for dinner. Personally I like a little hotel round the corner called L'Adresse. Not posh but perfectly located.
I've only ever visited Villandry by car but you're right, it is quite close and a pre-booked taxi wouldn't be outrageous. It is the one I'd choose if I could only pick one. The drive from Tours to Villandry is extremely scenic and a pleasure in itself. And the gardens will be spectacular in June.
As for Quiberon: I am off there in September and I can't wait. It's gorgeous. I can't help you with transport from Tours to Quiberon as I've never done it by train, sorry! I think you go to Auray and take a special train from there, along the peninsula with sea on both sides. I believe it is nicknamed the Corkscrew! Auray and Vannes are both worth seeing as well.
The train known as "le tire bouchon" (cork screw) only runs the last three weekends of June. Otherwise, of course, there are buses between Auray and Quiberon.
