Where to stay 2 nights in Loire

You can stay in Tours and return the car at Gare Saint Pierre des Corps. Parking it's a problem in Tours. Enjoy the evening at Place Plummereau .

I know exactly where Rick and Steve had that meal, because we stayed there in October! It's the Chateau de Pray, about 3 km outside of Amboise. It's delightful, but be warned- the rooms (like most in France) are on the small side, and they don't have an elevator. Ask for a room on the first (North American 2nd) floor. There's ample parking at the Chateau. Only a few minutes to the Chateau in Amboise and Clos Luce, and relatively short drives to the Chambord, Chenonceau(sp?), Cheverny, and Villandry Chateaux. There are some very good restaurants in Amboise.

There are car rental places at the station in St Pierre Des Corps in Tours (Sixt, Europcar, an Hertz, I think). Its only about 30 min from Amboise. You can drop the car and get the TGV to Paris from there if you're renting from one of those outfits.

Thank you so much Jean. This is very helpful and exactly what I was looking for. 😊

I think CJean has nailed it. Amboise is a good base for the chateaux east of Tours and for itself. Don't miss the Clos Luce where Leonardo died. Blois has a fine, underrated chateau but is a bigger city.

I'll add a different recommendation. Since you are driving, you can continue on the Autoroute through Tours to Azay-le-Rideau and stay at Hotel Biencourt. http://www.hotelbiencourt.fr/en/hotel/

Azay-le-Rideau is a charming village with its own chateau, walking distance from the hotel, and several gourmet restaurants. If you drive to Chinon, less than an hour on a straight country road, you'll find gorgeous vineyards and wine shops selling the local wines. Rick Steves describes a self-guided walking tour through Chinon's old town.

In any case, when you drive south from Normandy, be aware that when you go through LeMans the A28 runs together with the A11 and A21 for a couple of miles. It's easy to go into a panic thinking that you've gotten on the wrong highway. If you follow the signs for Direction Bordeaux you'll be right. Also, before you get to LeMans, there's a large rest stop at Alencon where you can fill up with gasoline, buy a snack, stretch your legs.

After Azay-le-Rideau you could return the car in Tours, or drive back to Paris and return the car at Orly Airport.

Thanks epltd. This looks great too. We booked the Chateau le Prey. I was surprised by how reasonable it is. I guess that means we will have more to splurge in the restaurant. 😊😊

I stayed at B&B Belleroche in Amboise a few years ago - charming

I stayed in Amboise after biking through Tours. I thought it was a good choice. Tours is more of a city, with traffic, It wouldn't be my choice for a place to stay. Amboise is very convenient to Chenonceaux, Chateau d' Amboise and Clos Luce and relatively close to a number of other chateaux.

I'd say no more than a handful of Chateaux per trip is plenty. Since you are coming from Bayeaux you might consider a visit to Fontevraud Abbey or the Citadel at Chinon on the way, they are different than the typical luxury hunting lodges (chateaux) in the area (as is Clos Luce).