Drive or take bus tours in Loire valley

I suggest keeping the car to allow more flexibility. We stayed in Amboise and drove to Chambord and Cheverny one day. Going we drove along the river and it was lovely. If we'd had more time we would have stopped along the way to explore a little more. The next day we drove to Chenonceau and were able to get there early, before the busses arrived. In between we were pleased that our hotel in Amboise had a nice parking area as driving in the town was crazy.

We spent several nights in early May in the area a few years ago, and to my mind, this is the area that is custom made for a car trip. We took the train from Paris to St Pierre des Corps (sp?) and picked up and dropped the car at that small and easy to use train station. Driving was pleasant, well signed, distances between sights manageable for a few stops per day if you choose. We had a broad- based attack plan, but often veered off when we saw a sign indicating some unknown but appealing sight a few k's away. A highlight of this trip, and many others, was our stay at the Auberge de Launay, a small hotel along the road across from Amboise. Very convenient for easy driving without hassles of city traffic coming and going. We took the breakfast/dinner package and it was excellent...dining room, glass conservatory or lovely, walled garden. A great value back then, too. It seemed like many locals came daily just for the restuarant. It has changed hands since our visit but current reviews still seem very positive. If I didn't already have a million other places I want to see, I would return here in a heartbeat and do it exactly the same way again! Have a wonderful trip.

I'd say keep the car. We've visited Loire chateaux many times with a car, but one time we decided to skip a car, staying a few days in Amboise, and wanted to show our niece some chateaux. But we missed being able to reserve a tour (I think it was just a small van), so we wound up hiring a cab. It was quite pricey.

I, on the other hand, took the "bus" trips from Tours. While these aren't guided tours (and the entrance fees are not included), they are a great way to see up to three chateaux in a day. We took two organized minivan tours. and then we took a city to city bus to Villandry. It was easy, fool proof, and stress free.

Thanks for all the tips, it sure helps to hear about your experiences. I believe we will use a car.

Yes! Use a car. You are comfortable driving since you will already have the car for Normandy, and driving in Loire Valley will give you the flexibility to go where you want on your own time. Driving is easy.

I'll row in here and agree with the "keeper" group.

A longer car rental is proportionally less expensive than a short one, the drive from Normandy to Tours is not difficult nor long, and it is pretty easy to get around many of the chateaux. The drive along the river around Amboise is beautiful, and if you have the car you can do it on the opposite side too (my preference). The slow drive through the forest approaching Chambord is really really beautiful, and it can be done from many directions - the forest is divided almost like a waggon wheel.

Parking is easy at Chenonceau and in the woods very near the chateau. Very scenic. Actually Chenonceau is totally trivial by train, too. There is a small train at least twice an hour from Tours, a small commuter line, which stops about 50 yards further from the chateau than the car park. You have to drive across the rail line to get to the car park.

Amboise is not difficult by train either, the main line towards Orleans, and a bit of a walk over the river. The Clos du Luce is further into the town and up quite a steep hill.

Blois is in the centre of the city, reachable from the station but parking is not easy at all.