My wife and I are going to France for two weeks in September. We currently have 7 days in Paris, 1 day in Lyon, and 3 days in Beaune. We are looking for a spot to spend the last couple days before leaving from Paris. I was thinking either Reims in the Champagne region or somewhere in the Loire Valley. Does anyone have any recommendations?
Posted by
Mentor on the Lake, OH, USA
251 posts
We stayed in Amboise for 3 days last June. It is a wonderful town, loved the chateau, and the restaurants.
It is also within reasonable driving distance form Chambord , Chenonceau, and Chaumont. Hope you have a great trip.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Whatever you decide, I would rejigger your trip to end in Lyon. Lyon has many direct, 2-hour trains to Charles deGaulle. This will save you looping back to Paris the day before. As to Champagne vs. Loire: pick based on what you want to do.
Posted by
Fox Island, USA
88 posts
There is also a train that goes from the Loire region to Paris airport that takes about 2 hours.
It leaves from Tours/St. Pierre des Corps and goes to CDG airport.
Posted by
Palm Desert
126 posts
We stayed 3 nights in Amboise at Le Grange, recommended by RS. Very nice B&B. She offered us cutlery, etc when we had our dinner picnics and she even let me use her refrigerator for my coke. There's a nice Italian restaurant across from the TI. We did takeout there twice, pizza (on French bread) and a pasta. We aren't big eaters so sharing something for a picnic dinner was so nice and so affordable. There's a small mini-mart near the restaurant.
Posted by
S.F. Bay Area, CA, United States
1878 posts
Reims makes a lot of sense on this itinerary. We were really sorry not to make it there on our trip last year, and will make it a point to include it next time. For me, Verdun is another place in the area I would like to visit and I would recommend that you look into it if you like history.