We are visiting France during the winter holidays and spending a week in paris.
We would like to do a day visit to the Loire valley. My questions are whether we should do the trip by train or car?
If by car, is it ok to drive in winter? Are there any tour agencies who can do a tour of Loire valley if we would like to use the train?
Please advise.
We have been to paris during summer and this is our first visit during winter
Vidyasagar
I've not been to the Loire valley in winter either but from my research I do know that some of the chateaux definitely 'dress up' for the holiday season and tours run all year. Best way for a day tour is to take an early train to Tours (about an hour) and pick up a group tour from there. Tours usually start around 9:00am and go to three different chateaux.
This company offers year-round tours from central Tours, which you can reach by train from Paris. Other companies (try Google) offer all-day tours from Paris. Either way it will be a very long day unless you spend a night in Tours or Amboise or nearby. I guess you could drive, but it would be a long tiring round trip. Whether it's OK to drive in winter depends on the weather and what you're used to; lots of French people drive in winter and the major roads are well-maintained. I wouldn't go if it's snowing, just not worth the trouble.
But with just a week in Paris I'd suggest you stay closer to the city. Versailles, Fontainebleau, Vaux-le-Vicomte, and other chateaux are much closer and easier to reach. Save the Loire for another trip, when you can spend at least 2-3 days there. And the countryside will be more attractive in spring, summer, or fall.
Hi Nancy
Thanks for the information - I saw from the Chateau's website that they are open and will try to definitely to go there unless there is bad weather. We visited paris long time ago and did not have a chance to see Loire valley. Hope the weather co-operates
Thanks
Sagar
Hi Dick
Thanks for the suggestion - the tour so much depends on the weather. We chose Paris as we have heard about the festive atmosphere and want to be there
thanks
Sagar
We went to Chenenceux on our last trip to Paris and much prefer it to Versailles. We went in late afternoon in July and it was actually quiet and peaceful and ice cream readily obtainable! Quite relaxing-unlike Versailles with its crowds!
