Driving in the Champagne region and Loire Valley

Driving is easy in the countryside, but can require a fair bit of attention and patience in villages and towns. As a rule of thumb estimate that you will be doing just over 50km/h (30mph) on ordinary roads. For the record, I live in a small village, and average about 17,000km a year at just over 53km/h.

The only thing you will find disagreeable is that french drivers are taught that tailgating and pulling out to overtake at the first opportunity is "proper" driving. It's why a disproportionate number of road deaths are head on collisions on country roads.

You’ll save some taxes associated with starting a rental if you make these just one instead of two. Europcar or Sixt generally will not charge for one way, in France, fees.

Driving is straight forward. Out of towns, the speed limit is now 80 km but local administrators have changed many of the roads in the Loire Valley back to 90 km. Just be careful about the priorité à droite and particularly when you see the yellow diamond sign with a black line through it, which means any car entering the roadway from the right has the right-of-way.

Since the train from Reims to the Loire Valley involves crossing Paris by taxi or public transport, and is a bit of a hassle overall, I would consider driving between the two regions. It is not far, 4 hours or so, and to make a mini road trip out of it you can pass through Troyes (slight detour) which would be worth an overnight stay in my opinion, or Provins + Fontainebleau (staying overnight in Fontainebleau).

Balso is right, why put yourselves through two train rides and a Metro or taxi ride through central Paris when you can easily drive between the two regions? Unless you have some reason to be in Paris that day.

Driving in France is easy outside the big cities, and the autoroutes are a delight to anyone more used to American freeways. They're not free but they're a bargain. Via Michelin shows several route choices between Reims and Tours. I'd suggest staying well south of Paris to reduce the traffic, even if it takes longer. There are interesting places to stop along, or near, any of the plausible routes.

An absolutely gorgeous little town to visit is Hautvillers, between Reims and Épernay. You will find some small champagne houses there including G. Tribaut which is very nice.

Thanks to all of you who took the time to reply to my inquiry. They will be very helpful when planning my trip!☺