Looking at Dec 23 to Jan 4 trip to France. Two years ago, we stayed in Paris over the same holiday period and loved it, and then also visited parts of Languedoc and Provence the following Spring (seeing Albi, Cordes Sur Ciel, Carcassonne, Avignon, Nimes, Orange, and Uzes). We loved both trips and everything we saw. (except perhaps for Versailles and Albi/Cordes Sur Ciel in the driving rain). We know we missed sites for sure in Paris and in Provence/Languedoc (Arles, Camaruge, and most of the Cathar trail).
This trip we would like to spend at least one night in Chartres after landing Paris, and then one night, maybe two, in Paris before flying out on the 4th. In between the 25th and 3, that leaves about 8 days to either go back to either Provence or Languedoc, and see what we missed, or try a completely new area. We can skip Chartres and Paris nights if need be for more time elsewhere.
So looking for the usual in France - Castles and monasteries, art, wine and great cheese, Roman Ruins, more Castles, Vin Chaud, and natural beauty. Don't mind driving every two to 3 days if needed. Not looking for - crushing crowds, train strikes, modern art, and multiple days of sideways rain/excessive snow. We are returning to Wisconsin for like 16 months straight of winter on January 5 - so at least one partial day of sunshine would be greatly appreciated.
So possible trips might be:
1) Chartres to Tours and Sarlat and return by car? Can you canoe the Dordogne or any of the other rivers in the Winter?
2) Chartres/Paris to Toulouse by train and then either Acquataine or Languedoc by car, and return to Paris by train from either Toulouse or Montpellier
3) Chartres/Paris to Lyon by train and then on to either French Riviera or Arles, and return to Paris by train from Nice or Arles
Just looking on advice for a region to visit in the winter in France and top three must see sights in your suggested region. Also aware that both Lyon and Toulouse may merit some time, especially Lyon. If I missed the boat on the three possible itineraries, feel free to suggest