Best Route

Raymond,

My choice would be (and actually is, as I'm traveling there again in April) Lyon. It's a two-hour train ride directly from CDG (train leaves at 6 as well). Lyon has amazing food, colorful streets, and wonderful people.

Enjoy!

-- Mike Beebe

Raymond, Where do you plan on going in France after arriving? That would determine the direction you want to head after arrival. (If the Loire or Normandy or Brittany go with Tours, If Provence, the Riviera, Burgundy head for Lyon. Check to see what TGV trains leave CDG, and when and how often they depart.

I don't think the suggestion of Lyon makes any sense since you are planning to visit the Loire Valley.

I would take the TGV from the airport to St. Pierre des Corps. It is usually suggested that you allow a minimum of 3 hours from arrival to your train departure. This should give you plenty of time to go through immigration and collect your bags. With 4 hours you should have time for a bite before boarding your train.

Our ruff itinerary has us flying Into Paris but not spending anytime there first. We would like to do 2 days in the Loire Valley, then drive to Mont Saint-Michel were we would like to spend the night there. Then the next day, drive to Caen were we drop the car off. Spend 2 nights in Bayeux, then take the train into Paris for the remainder of our trip, with a couple of day trips from Paris.

To rent a car for visiting the Loire Valley, you'll need to go to the St Pierre des Corps stop, which is south of Tours itself, but I'd be concerned that rental agencies might be closed by the time you arrive. Maybe stop at Tours and stay there overnight, then get to SPDC to pick up your car the next morning.

Thank you, that's what we were thinking, that the car rental places would be close so we would have to get the car the next day. We plan on booking our place in Tours at the end of the month and looking at car rental places. Any recommendations on how to rent the car, direct or through a site like Expedia, and what companies are good. Thanks again.

I wouldn't use Expedia. AutoEurope is good and reliable and deals with all the major car rental companies. They make it easy to compare rentals and prices. You can go direct to the companies, but look at your options through Autoeurope first. I have heard a few horror stories about Expedia not being easy t.o deal with if there is a problem. I believe Autoeurope does have a US office

Also, take a look at any memberships you have for promo codes or discounts with carrentals. Airline frequent flyer programs, Costco, AAA and more can sometimes make a huge difference in pricing.

Great, thank you for the advice Judy and Jeanm. Will definitely look into AutoEurope.