I want to do a week-end trip from Paris to the Loire Valley area. I would go by train and arrive on a friday night and go back to Paris on a sunday night. I would like to explore the area and see some of the chateaus. Would Amboise be the best place to stay or elsewhere?
What would you recommend to see for the best chateaus and sites in the area?
Some of the best chateaus are in the country, but the rail lines and stations are not in the country.
The rail lines run near the river; and Amboise, Blois and Tours are towns/cities near the river.
Your task will be to research which shuttles, tours or other transportation will link you from where you end up sleeping to where the chateaus are that you want to visit.
I'd stay in Amboise and take the earliest shuttle possible to Chenonceau--which is perhaps the most spectacular of all the chateaux but gets crowded very quickly. There are several shuttle companies that will take you to several chateaux in one day that leave from Amboise, such as Acco-Dispo, Quart de Tours, and Touraine Evasion. They are all listed in Rick's books. On Sunday I'd stay in Amboise and visit the chateau there and Leonardo's house. Have a great trip.
I did a similar trip a while ago. Took the train from Paris to Amboise. It worked well as a day base. From there I would definitely visit Chenonceaux and Chambord. Two of my favorites. If you have time more. I also visited Leonardo's house as well as a night laser sound and light show at the chateaux in Amboise. You can take a public bus from Amboise to Chenonceaux or you can take a shuttle van to both Chenonceaux and Chambord plus Cheverny.
Thank you very much for your help!