2 days outside of Paris

Here are two: 1)drive west to Mont St. Michel, Bayeux, the American cemetery, D-Day beaches, Caen, .... 2) drive southwest to Amboise, Tours, Chinon, and the chateaux in that region. Happy travels.

Those 2 itineraries would be my first 2 choices also, tho I'd see the Loire Valley before the coast.

I would start with the Loire Chateaux, you could spend three days there easily. if you do want to go on, Bayeaux tapestry is a must, and Mont St Michelle- before all the beaches

Loire Valley, pick any of many chateaus to visit . it is wonderful even if you choose not to go in them.

I'd also suggest Amboise/Loire Valley. Beautiful scenery, beautiful chateaux and worth the trip!

I'd go to the Anjou region of the Loire before the Touraine region. It's a little more rustic with interesting chateaux, underground cave dwellings, and delicious wine.

Linda - You're from Turlock! So the Loire will seem very familiar. It's like the San Joaquin Valley, only with castles and nuclear power plants. I'd rather spend the time in Normandy.

Doug, I'm actually going to be in the San Joaquin Valley in a few days (on the way to Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks). Do your remarks mean I should bring the beret and French language tapes?

Well, there is this great sidewalk cafe in Manteca...

Get a GPS & have plenty of money for tolls. If you get a diesel car, the station might say Gas-Oil which is what you use. We just got back and got lost everywhere we went, but had a great time doing Giverny,Chateux Gaillard, Rouen, Honfleur, Bayeux, D Days sights inc. Utah, Mont St Michel, St. Malo, Fourgeres, Chartres.