Itinerary France trip June 27-July 10

Joan, I happen to think this is a chateau too far. It's a lot of driving for a short trip, and your stays are too short. Two days is not nearly enough time for the Dordogne or for Paris* or for Nomandy. (I'd leave out the Loire if I had too, but that's me.) But if you are determined to connect these dots, there's a better way. From Paris, drive to Normandy (or take the train and rent a car when you arrive). Drive to the Loire and then Sarlat, and fly home from Toulouse or Bordeaux. This will save you from a big double-back zig-zag. *4 days on paper for Paris, minus first de-jetlag day, minus Versailles day equals two real days for Paris.

It's eight hours of hard road time from Sarlat to Bayeux. Sarlat has a small market on Wednesday, the big one is on Saturday.

Hi Joan, an aggressive schedule to say the least, since, in my opinion, my favorite memories of Paris are of long lazy walks, popping into Amorino for gelatto or just picking up some cheese and bread and sitting in a park. I am going to Francueil in September and will be staying in a chateau right next to Chenonceau and have heard it is a 3 hour drive from Paris, much too far for a day trip I have heard. Unless you want to take the bullet train..not sure exactly what it's called but heard it goes 200 mph..your kids would love that and takes you to tours where you would have to rent a car I imagine..alot to do in one day, but I know a lady who did it and thought it was worth it. When you do Notre Dame, have lunch at La Flore en L'ile, on the Ile St Louis right across the bridge from Notre Dame, fantastic views, wonderful food and reasonably priced...dinner there is not so great if you like sitting outside, we found the sun blasted you and it was not as nice as lunch. Louvre has very very long lines...we never went and do not regret it. Eiffel tower at night is a must, but bring a picnic like the locals and just sit on the grass and wait for the hour...every hour for 5 minutes the tower sparkles and it is just magical..a real hangout for the college set. LOVED IT and went three times during our 8 days in Paris. As for Versailles...think cattle call....tons and tons of people, pushing and shoving...but gorgeous ceilings and architecturs...I will not say "don't go" but I would say don't plan on spending more than an hour, it gets overhwhelming. We much preferred the gardens and walked for hours through them and Marie Antoinette's village farm. Have a wonderful trip, it is a fabulous city.

Thanks so much for your replies. I am sorry I got caught up trying to do too much! How about this revision: June 27 arrive, Notre dame, seine boat tour June 28 orsay, ile de la cite June 29 louvre, orangerie, Eiffel at night June 30 Versailles July 1 tgv montparnesse to saint Pierre des corps and rent car stay near amboise July 2 amboise, castles July 3 amboise, castles July 4 because my husband is a cyclist, train or car to rouen for tour de France finish that day. Stay in Rouen. July 5 train or car to Bayeaux, tapestry July 6th Normandy beach tour July 7th train back to Paris July 8 Paris open day July 9 Paris open day
July 10 return

Joan Much much better itinerary. In the Loire, check out 1 or more day bike tours. Think you all would love it and nice change of pace! Also see if their are canoe or kayak facilities there. For a splurge, hot air ballooning is big. It is possible to find more active and fun activities for your family even with this itinerary. Not to keep gong back to the bike idea, but Fat Tire Bike Tours in Paris has day, night and Versailles tours. They also do Segway tours. But I also agree with another poster that it is very nice to slow down and watch the world go by. Sit in a busy cafe off the tourist path. For at least 1/2 hour twice a day! Or do the same at a park. Buy some wine or pastry. Check out the Luxemburg Gardens. Also most teens love the Catacombs of Paris. Truly unique! Note: I thnk 3 days seeing castles is probably too much. By also doing some research to find interesting small towns there and nearby (or the bike tour) would add a nice balance to city of Paris. Your family will have a great time!
Bobbie

Joan, the new itinerary works pretty well. Just be sure you like Renaissance chateaux, because you are planning to spend a lot of time at them. Including Versailles, in July. I do not mean to say this is a bad thing to do! You may just love the renaissance and the French monarchy. But those chateaux are also things that we are all "supposed" to be completely bowled over by. If you're not, give yourself permission not to be. On a more practical plane, I suggest saving Versailles for one of your two final days (marked "Paris open day" on your itinerary) If you loved the Loire chateaux, Versailles is a fitting capstone; if not so much, then another day in Paris!

I'd recommend not driving on July 6/7. Schools (finally) get out on July 5th and I expect a large amount of road traffic on the days following.