Loire Valley

Are you planning on renting a car to explore the chateaus in the region ?

The villages of Amboise or Blois make a good base for the eastern Loire, and Saumur or Angers make a good base for the western part. Depends on how much time you want to spend in the area.

Here is a nice hotel in Amboise:

http://www.manoirlesminimes.com/en/

https://www.experienceloire.com/where-to-stay-in-loire-valley.htm

I was looking at travel plans also today here is more info on the Loire that has been covered the last 6 months

https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=6m&filter=Travel+Forum&query=lOIRE+VALLEY&utf8=%E2%9C%93

Without a car, I would only consider staying in Tours and then only in the area around Place Plumereau or Old Tours (near the university). Other areas of Tours are not interesting for visitors.

Tours should be booked at the Office de Tourisme located across the street from Tours Centre (the train station), both of which are within easy walking distance of Place Plumereau.

I have a friend who recently returned from a week in Langeais and recommended I stay there or Amboise for a month. We are looking for a medium-sized town to plant ourselves in for a month to live, work from “home”, sightsee on weekends so I am in a different situation. That said, you might want to research Langeais.

Amboise- did three days there for the area - loved it

I agree with RJean......we toured the Loire Valley to see the chateaus and based in Amboise and stayed at Manior les Minimes....it was delightful. We were there in May and the crowds were not bad at all. We had a car and drove out of Amboise each day to the different chateaus and gardens......found coming back home to Amboise each night was a treat. We loved the size of Amboise and the ease of getting around......do not miss Villandry....it’s gardens are gorgeous. Chenonceau was our favorite castle and the fresh flowers put out each day by volunteers were something to see. Have fun!

Start with which chateaux you would like to visit, then find something central to those. I stayed in Amboise but the places I decided to visit were in the west side of the area. If those aren't your choices, it might be better to stay in Blois or further east.

We stayed in Amboise. Found the narrow streets and fast drivers harrowing, plus very difficult to turn into the gate of the B&B where we stayed. On Sun and Mon you need a reservation for most decent restaurants since so many are closed on these days.