need advice-I have a rough itinerary for 21 days, doing Paris 5 nights, Amboise 3-4 nights-doing this segment by train. After the Loire we want to head to Vaison la Romaine for a few nights then Arles or go directly to Arles-my question is, are we better taking the train from the Loire back to Paris then to Provence, or renting a car to get to Vaison? We are also thinking of getting a combination rail/car pass-has anyone already gotten one & if so was it cost efficient? We are looking at the time factor & cost of each. (We will be staying in Provence 8-9 nights & Nice area last 4 nights)
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I've used the French rail-drive pass several times.
They can be a great value, and allow for a lot of flexibility. For instance, you could take a drive day or two in Amboise, not a bad idea to visit the chateaux, and get a good daily rate. However, the answer depends on your itinerary.
I suspect that the pass would not be a good deal if you will drive from the Loire to Provence (not enough rail) and that it might be if you take the train. The train is a bit of a haul, requiring a trip across Paris, but if you are not tempted by an overnight in central France it might be your best bet.
You might consider changing your itinerary a little, starting in Amboise and using your stay in Paris to break the trip to Provence.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
to see Provence and Loire valley a little or really well you need a car! generally a car costs about $65 per day for a stick econ. I would rent a car in Loire and drive to Provence, easy freeway drive . I did this Aug 2007. You can rail the other segments easily.
Posted by
Marietta, Georgia
157 posts
In the Lorie Valley I would Highly recommend Chateau des Ormeaux. We were in France last July for three weeks, and simply put, the nicest palce we stayed.
And in Paris Hotel Muguet in the 7th.