We're planning our first trip to France in late March. We're a family of 4 (daughter 7, son 9) and plan to spend 6 nights in Paris, 2 in Beaune, and 2 in Amboise (then 1 at CDG airport because we have an early flight out!) The kids are great travelers but none of us likes long drives in the car. Does anyone know how long the drive is between Beaune and Amboise? Which route is best? We're hoping to see Chateau de Guedelon - is this worthwhile? Anyone been to Amboise with kids? The da Vinci house sounds like it would be a hit, anything else? Thanks!
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
To Amboise, I'm not sure how long the drive is, but by estimating from other locations, I doubt the trip will be much longer than 3 hours- more likely significantly less. Your best route is probably to take the A10 south towards Orleans, then towards Tours, exiting on the D31 before Tours.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Not to complicate anything, but I can't resist suggesting a stop in Vezeley, which is just a little ways (I think) beyond Guedelon towards Beaune.
Apart from the cathedral, it is stunningly beautiful, on top of a hill, small, and cobbled. I think children would enjoy the site. Though it deserves a longer visit, even a quick stop would be rewarding. I doubt it would be very crowded in March.
Posted by
Ojai, CA
591 posts
It's about 4 hours from Beaune to Amboise taking the A6 NE, N6 W A10 SW to the D31. Veering off to see Chateau de Guedelon (D965 W from Auxerre, then D955 SW to just past St. Sauveur en Puisaye) will add about another hour of driving. I don't think stopping to see the construction of Chateau de Guedelon would be worth the detour; there's too much to see near Amboise.
Posted by
oregon
131 posts
I am a teacher and I know your kids would love touring Leonardo's house! Amboise also had several small streets filled with shops they would also love. The grounds are filled with big models of all his inventions, after you see the smaller scale models inside. I would definitely (yes, I am a teacher!) prepare them ahead of time with his biography and the history of his relationship with the king to help them enjoy it more. Inside the house itself the meaning is from his quotes on the walls and seeing his actual rooms (at least for me, as an adult)- but that won't have meaning without the context, for them. Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
I definately agree with seeing Leanardos house and grounds.
I also disagree with poster who suggest Guedelon would not be worth visit, but, I qualify that.
We were there this past summer on a RS Family tour, and we were accompanied through by a english tour guide( she was actually an American lady who works there, it is owned by an American) .. she made it fasicnating, she was constantly explaining the workings of a medivel castle to the kids in our group( aged 7-16),I learned tons, everyone did. Now, without the guide it would not have been half as interesting ,, signs, what very few I saw were in french.
I would be concerned that it may not be running full steam in March, in which case I would not go.. but , was it worth seeing, I definately thought so.