My husband and I will be driving from the Loire Valley to Avignon this summer. According to the Michelin website, it seems to be about a 9 hour drive, so we intend to break it up into two days. Any recommendations on the best route to take, or where to spend the night in between the two cities would be greatly appreciated. We thought about going by way of the Dordogne region, but not sure how much time that would add on to the drive. Thank you.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I don't think you necessarily get the feeling of the Dordogne by driving by it; the highlights of visits there include spending time for the prehistoric cave art, farmers markets, canoeing, etc. Along your most direct driving route, Bourges (pretty close to Loire) and Le Puy-en-Velay are two interesting towns that our tours have used as overnight stops. Clermont-Ferrand is larger and also rated by Michelin Green Guide to be of tourist interest.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
If I were driving this I'd want to take 3 or 4 days and make stops along the way.
It sounds as though you want to get to Avignon as quickly as possible; in that case I would take the train. If you want a car in Provence you can rent a second one there.