Hi all, We will have 14 days in France in October, beginning the 10th. The first 3 nights will be in Paris, and then we head out via rental car, returning to Paris on the 24th. We have the car all set as well as 5 nights in Azay-le- Rideau (10/13 - 10/18) which we will use as a base for exploring the Loire Valley. When we leave the Loire Valley, the plan kind of falls apart.
The places we definitely want to visit before returning to Paris: Mont St Michel and Normandy beaches (of course) and Giverny. We would really like 2 days in the Champagne region before returning to Paris. It looks like a loop beginning and ending in Paris is (technically) 1200-ish kilometers. Have we bitten off more than we can comfortably chew? We don't want to be chasing our tails for the last 6 days of the trip. Please advise about what, if anything, we should jettison. My head says to postpone Champagne until the next trip. My heart says "but maybe there won't be a next trip." Also, given the rough idea of where we will be, your best suggestions, particularly about out of the way/lesser known places would be most welcomed.
We have been to Paris so many times but can never get enough, and there is an insane wine festival in Montmartre while we're there plus a restaurant I really want to take my husband to plus we deserve another glass of champagne on a Seine boat ride.
Sincere thanks, in advance.