Paris to Chartres to Amboise?

Chartres to Amboise is difficult by public transport because of how centralised the French rail network is - you would have to go to Paris and back out again. You really need a hire car to see the Loire chateaus.

So your basic question is whether to hire a car in Chartres or in Paris. (Paris to Chartres is an easy trip by limited-stop local train with no need to buy in advance.) Compare fares and hire/parking costs, as well as considering whether you want to drive a car in central Paris on your way out which can be stressful.

It would also help to know if you are spending any time in Paris or flying in and immediately leaving. It is not recommended to drive on the same day as a transatlantic flight due to jet leg and general lack of sleep.

We drove from Paris to Chenonceau. Be sure to have lots of change for the numerous toll booths. Otherwise, my husband thought driving in France was easy(we had just come from Ireland!). We got to Cheoenceau around 5 PM which was great since the crowds were gone and it stays open late. We then drove to Chartres and stayed at a former monastery across the street from the cathedral, which was wonderful because there is a light show at night during the summer. I really preferred this part of our trip to our time in Paris(except for the wonderful concert at St. Chapelle). I strongly recommend picking up car at airport-we had a horrible time(wasted half a day) finding the car return near one of the train stations.

I'm going to assume that you will be spending a few days in Paris at the beginning of your trip because... Paris! So then you have choices. Do Chartres as a day trip. And then train from Paris to St. Pierre des Corps (near Tours ) where you can pick up your rental car. Or rent a car in Chartres and drive to the Loire. Amboise would be a good place to stay. We picked the first option for our Oct visit.

I tried to do the reverse of this last year. Unfortunately, the train goes into Paris, then back out to Chartres so it was really inconvenient.

There is a ride sharing service called Blah Blah Car that might have worked, you pay a portion of the costs based on how many riders there are, but I couldn't find the app for my phone - so gave up and just went back into Paris.

I'll catch Chartres as a daytrip from Paris this September.

I think you will benefit from a car in the Loire valley. I'm guessing Chartres is a big enough town to have a rental agency; if so, pick your car up there. Return it at the Amboise TGV if you are going back to Paris after that.

May I suggest that you spend the night in Chartres? It has a great deal of charm and you will not exhaust the cathedral in a single visit either.

You can see Chartres as a day trip. Leaving Paris early will get you back well before dinner time.

Catch Malcolm Miller if you possibly can.

Hi Jazz,
We drove from Paris to Amboise and spent two days and nights. Le Manoir St. Thomas ( hotel) is great and an easy walk to the Chateau of Amboise and Clos de Luce ( daVinci chateau and museum) We then drove to several chateaux in the area. Not nearly enough time and all of it was fabulous.
We loved Amboise. We usually rent a car at Orly and drive out from there. Get a car with a good GPS. It can be tricky getting out of town but then it is smooth sailing. The train to Chambord and then rent the car sounds like a good solution to Paris traffic. Don't miss the working gardens at Chenonceau.

Hi Jazz,
We drove from Paris to Amboise and spent two days and nights. Le Manoir St. Thomas ( hotel) is great and an easy walk to the Chateau of Amboise and Clos de Luce ( daVinci chateau and museum) We then drove to several chateaux in the area. Not nearly enough time and all of it was fabulous.
We loved Amboise. We usually rent a car at Orly and drive out from there. Get a car with a good GPS. It can be tricky getting out of town but then it is smooth sailing. The train to Chambord and then rent the car sounds like a good solution to Paris traffic. Don't miss the working gardens at Chenonceau.

These suggestions are very helpful, thanks everyone!