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Getting from the Loire Valley to Burgundy -- suggestions/options?

I've been getting some amazing help planning my summer trip, but there is one leg that I am having difficulty with. I need to get from the Loire Valley to Burgundy. Originally, at some point, I wanted to go to Lyon, and I was advised that it would make the most sense (train-wise) to put Lyon between the Loire and Burgundy. However, my itinerary is a bit ... overstuffed. For a while, I thought that maybe I would go to Lyon instead of Burgundy, but further research is drawing me to Burgundy. I also considered skipping Lyon AND Burgundy and going to Dordogne. However -- while I am not fully opposed to renting a car, it is my MAJOR preference not to, and the combo of Dordogne seemingly really requiring a car PLUS my son's interest in history being firmly towards the recorded end of things is pulling me away from Dordogne.

So, back to the first place: Loire Valley to Burgundy. I had read that you need to go through Paris, but Rome2Rio is showing me routings through Nevers. It is looking like 5ish hours by train, vs 4ish hours by car. I feel like that is pretty much equal by the time you add in getting the car? I also don't mind going through Paris if that is faster. My main concern is that there is a connection on the train ride and we don't exactly travel light. Getting on and off the trains (and finding our car) is usually pretty stressful, though in the end it has always worked out.

Anyway: looking for suggestions. Is there another option I haven't considered? Is there some reason that driving is far better than train if I decide I must go from the Loire Valley to Burgundy? Scenery on the drive is not a strong consideration because if I am driving, I will definitely not be enjoying the scenery.

Posted by
5429 posts

For specific routing recommendations, it would be helpful to know the town/city you are leaving from and going to. Both the Loire and Burgundy are regions than encompass many towns, ergo many possible routes.

Posted by
7300 posts

What is your starting point? And your destination?
Tours to Dijon is not too hard by TGV; you do have to get from Montparnasse to Gare de Lyon stations in Paris but that's a quick cab ride if you want to keep things easy..
Blois to Dijon is even easier: train to Gare d'Austerlitz, 10-15 min walk to Gare de Lyon, TGV to Dijon.

If your destination is not Dijon, it adds at least one step, or could change the route altogether!