Traveling to France for 2 weeks with our 3 kids (ages 18, 16,12). Will do 5-6 days in Paris, 1-2 days in Normandy (D-Day Beaches). Can't decide whether to spend 1 week in a Gite in the Loire Valley or split the week between the Loire and Provence. Worried the kids may get bored for 1 week in Loire. Last year we did Rome than Tuscany. Kids got tired of Medieval Cities but loved relaxing at our Agriturismo villa. Help.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
The Loire is a long river (at least 600 miles ?), so where in the valley would make a difference. The highly-touted "chateau area" just south of Paris would probably bore them to tears by the second day. Somewhere along Orleans - Blois - Tours would be more interesting.
Splitting wouldn't work too well since transit time would eat up a couple days out of the week.
Head for Provence, they'll love it.
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1355 posts
I agree with Ed. Choose one or the other. You can easily spend a week at a gite in Provence and there is so much to do there.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
Not too far from Tours, is Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci's home, Chateau Du Clos Luce, is located. Within the chateau is a museum of his inventions. These inventions are also on the grounds around the chateau. They are life-size and you can personally operate them. My husband and son (14 at the time) had a great time playing with them. By the way, my son had a blast in Paris. Lots to entertain them there. Have fun making lifetime memories with your kids on your trip! We reminisce about ours often.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
A third voice saying "one or the other." Taking the time out to travel will not just "waste" that time, it'll probably be a hassle and annoyance with kids - even older ones.
If you pick the Loire Valley, the kids might be be more entertained in Tours than at the Chateaux - if they get tired of hanging out at the gite. Tours is a college town, so there are video arcades and skateboarders and so on - you could even let the 16 and 18-year-old "loose" to enjoy themselves downtown while you and the younger child do something else.