France - need to fill 2 nights - suggestions??

First, I would suggest you spend the last night at the Hotel Novotel Convention and Wellness Center at the airport because it has a wonderful, big, indoor swimming pool for the kids and a spa for you. Second, you don't say if you are traveling by train or car, but if by car, you could stopover in Bourges on the way back to CDG from the Dordogne the first night.

How about Beaune in Burgundy? We loved Burgundy. Or is that too far out of the way?

Thanks for the CDG Novotel suggestion - sounds great! And funny you should mention Bourges, that's one place I was considering. As for car or train,we are booking a car but depending where we spend the 2 nights,we may drop it where it's most convenient. Suggestions on hotels or B&Bs (with pool-it will be Aug) in Bourges??

Thanks for Beaune suggestion! I will check it out (and the distance). Thanks!!

I just want to commend you on a good itinerary with kids those ages. I'd spend the last two nights back in Paris and go do whatever you missed or really like the first week.

Richard has it exactly right. Normally you'd want to avoid breaking the Paris visit into two pieces like that, but you've already bought your plane tickets. If the drive from the Dordogne is too much for you you can drive to Angouleme and take the TGV the rest of the way.

I suggest a calming day or 2 in Chartres, since you're on your way back to the airport. It's a lovely, calm city and is a reasonable priced option.

Bourges and Chartres both have great cathedrals but not a whole lot else to see. Bourges is an easy midway point from Dordogne. You could spend a night in both places if you don't mind switching hotels that much. Or back to the Loire if you liked it. Two nights there, really only one full sightseeing day, isn't much. There are lots of chateaux both east and west of Tours, you could focus on one end on the way south and the other end heading back north. Or back to Paris as suggested to revisit your favorites or pick up something you missed before. I haven't been to Beaune but we'll be there this fall. Normally I'd give great weight to any recommendation from Susan, but from the map it looks to me like a bridge too far on this trip. Save Burgundy for next time, maybe when the kids are old enough for the wine (sooner than at home). A CDG or Roissy hotel the last night would be good insurance for making your flight, especially if it's in the morning. Viva Vancouver, another favorite of ours!

Many thanks all for the suggestions everyone - they are much appreciated! After the considering the suggestions received, we may stop in the Loire or Bourges for a night, spend the last night in Paris, then wake up and make our way to CDG without being rushed (flight leaves at 2, need to be there by noon). Will also work out well with car rental pick up/drop off in Loire (Tours) or Paris. Nothing is booked so still open to other suggestions. Thanks!!

If your flight leaves a two you should add abit more time most of us advocate 3 hrs ahead, I fudge it with 2.5 .But I agree that still gives you a lot of time to stay last night in Paris..