Brittany, Champagne, Burgandy or Centre

Depends what you are looking for. We love the burgundy countryside and small medieval villages. You do need a car though.

Indeed look first about specific things you want to see, otherwise I would flip a coin between Brittany and Burgundy.

We have visited both areas and there is much to see. We loved Brittany, especially around Perros Guirac. We stayed in Vannes and PG, enjoying both.

We have also stayed near Beaune and Charolles. We rented a house near Charolles and did several little day excursions. One of favorites was a cattle auction done in both the modern and ancient styles.

When we were near Beaune, we visited several little vineyards and charming towns.

I agree with a previous poster in comparing the areas to Maine and Arizona. Each has its own charms. I would go back to both tomorrow.

Have fun!

Where would you be coming from and where would you be going to after these few days? What do you mean by Centre? How would you be traveling - rental car or public transport?

Of those areas (but not sure what you mean by Centre) I preferred Brittany but then I'm not a big wine aficionado. I know there's much to do in the Burgundy or Champagne area besides wine, but I just loved the coastal area of Brittany.

Thanks for all the replies. We will have a car. This is our first trip to France. We are staying in Paris five nights and then in Amboise for two nights. We will go to Normandy for at least one day, but haven't decided if that will be a day trip from Paris or drive and stay a night. By Centre, I am talking about the area south of Paris between Loire and Burgandy.

Over a few trips, I have spent time walking the coast of Brittany, the Champagne region from Reims to Épernay, the Burgundy Canal plus Beaune, and visited several of the châteaux in the Loire region. All I can add is that a car will make life a lot easier and no matter where you choose, it will be beautiful and you will love it!

We will have a car. This is our first trip to France. We are staying in Paris five nights and then in Amboise for two nights. We will go to Normandy for at least one day but haven't decided if that will be a day trip from Paris or drive and stay a night

If I am reading this right, you will have a car while you are in Paris. You will have to look far and wide to find anyone recommending that.

Also it is about 200 miles from Amboise to a town in Normandy such as Bayeux. Whether you drive direct between Amboise and Paris, or stop in Paris and a different day go on to Normandy, it is still 200 miles. Rather than a single day in Normandy at the cost of several hours on the road, you'd probably see more and enjoy more if you spent an extra day in the Loire region and save Normandy fo anothr trip.

We will not be picking up the rental car until we leave Paris.

I love Burgundy. I have been there on three separate trips and I still feel there is more to see. Wineries, chateaus, Basilicas, abbeys, quaint and ancient towns--lots to see and choose from. I enjoy staying in a small town on the outskirts of Beaune. Enjoy your trip!

It would be a shame to use one of your few days in Paris for a hasty trip to Normandy. There is a lot more to Normandy than the WW II beaches. Why don't you use that time to explore Normandy and Brittany on your way to Amboise.

We love Burgundy, but haven't been to Brittany or Champagne yet, so I can't compare them. We have been to the Burgundy area twice with a car and enjoy exploring the tiny villages. We also loved the Loire. You might consider 3 nights there rather than 2, since there are so many great things to see.

As you say you have a few days, so it comes down to use your time efficiently. I agree with Bets, there are enough stunning places and nice surprices around the corner in Normandy and Brittany for an enjoyable trip between the WWII-beaches and Amboise.

It also depends what the plan is: to see as much as you can or relax and enjoy what you have. Speaking for myself I prefer the last and Normandy can offer enough to keep you happy for a few days.