My husband will be on a business trip just outside Orleans in October. I'm coming with him. It is likely he will work long hours. What things should I not miss in the area? We will have a rental car or I can use public transport. We will be there two weeks with just one weekend to get out and about together. I've always wanted to go to Normandy. Or is there another destination we should try? Not sure we want to spend the weekend in Paris.
Linda
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Normandy is a lot more than the D-Day Beaches and Mont St. Michel (which is just inside the border of Normandy).
Mont St. Michel will require a car or bus tour.
Driving is not so difficult in the country, but it's still not the same as driving here (have all your insurance).
So will the D-Day Beaches (not the same tour as the Mont).
Both are found quite worthwhile by most travelers.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
You're within striking distance of not only the Loire chateaux to the west but also Burgundy to the east. For instance, the medieval castle project at Guedelon and basilica at Vezelay would make a nice day out for you. Or a weekend based around Beaune is a 3-hour drive away.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7161 posts
Definitely check into the Loire valley (towns and chateaux), both Amboise and Blois are easy day trips from Orleans. Chartres is also an easy trip from there. Have you been to France before? If not, I would recommend the weekend in Paris. Otherwise, the weekend around Beaune as Laura suggested is a good idea.
Posted by
885 posts
Bourges would also make a nice day trip. There are direct trains from Orleans.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks for the suggestions. We will probably find a day to spend in Paris at the beginning or end of our trip. I've been there before but my husband didn't see much on his last business trip. It sounds like there are lots of interesting places to visit around Orleans. I will be sure to drive up to see Chartes also.