Paris Normandy Loire 17 days ?? oh boy!

Ann, this sounds good, you are right to be excited! All of it is perfectly feasible, but your Day 9 is a bit cramped. I would consider getting a jump on things by ending Day 8 in Rouen. (Day 8 is a bit empty by comparison; there's not much to see in Giverny.) You could also spend 2 days on that Day 9 itinerary and not regret it; shifting Deauville to Day 10 is not a bad idea, or at least being flexible about that is smart. Not everyone loves MSM (I do), but if you are going to visit spending the night is the way to go. Not everyone loves the Loire chateaux (I don't), but if you are going to tour the main ones without cramming everything ridiculously then the time you have blocked out is about right (pace yourselves!). I do think you should try to see some older castles enroute. Counter to that, I'll say this. If you can spend a day less in the Loire, you could have a fine visit in Burgundy, a really wonderful part of France. You could even manage in 3 days. As a bonus there is an early morning train from Dijon direct to the airport, bypassing Paris. It would get you to deGaulle by 8:30. Otherwise I think the logical thing to do with the 3 days is more Normandy, some Brittany, or more Paris. Have a blast!

When do you get the cars? On Day 8 at CDG? That's the opposite direction out of Paris compared to Giverny. IMO, I wouldn't spend the night at Mont St Michel. I would increase D-Day experience and sleep near last D-Day locale (St Lo?) then zip into MCM early next day. We're headed to Loire Valley next June, I'm toying with 2 days in Chinon and 2 days in Amboise, v. 3 in Amboise.

The driving time differential from central Paris vs Roissy out to Gevery isn't ten minutes. It makes sense to me to pick up the car at the airport since that's where you're meeting the rest of the crowd. What you'll need to do is get out there first, make the car arrangements, then leave it in the lot until you round up the others. Don't try to reposition it, but if you have time, toss your stuff in there first. A van is easier than a two-car caravan, if you can get all the junk in there without having people sit on laps. If the others are making an early-morning arrival, you'll be done with the Monet stuff by lunch. I'd push on to Rouen for the night since it has more to offer. If there's still time between Giverny and Rouen, Chateau Gaillard, on the hill just south of Les Andelys is worth a stop since it's the only castle built by Lionheart in France. It's a ruin, but historically significant and gives a great view of the bends in the Seine. The tapestry/MSN day is empty, essentially. It takes an hour to walk the whole tapesstry listening to the audio guide (free, and in any language). You can walk the main drag and the eastern wall at MSM in less than an hour; the abbey takes only another hour. My druthers would be to scram out of MSM and go spend the night at St Malo which is cheaper, has exceptional grub, and is one of the best examples of a walled city/port in europe. Hotels at MSM are out of sight and the food at all the places appears to come from the same microwave, will gag a maggot, and empty your wallet (fifteen dollar omlets and eight dollar beers). Now for a dangerous suggestion. After MSM/St Malo, I'd drive out to Carnac for the allignments - - it'll knock your socks off. The reason for the idea is that you've got too much time in the Loire valley and all those darn chateaux start to look alike real fast.

We did most of your itinerary in June, 2008, although in the opposite direction. I agree with Ed's suggestions of Carnac and St. Malo. Here's my suggestions: starting at CDG, drive the sixty miles to Giverny, then go to Les Andelys, see the castle, overnight there. We stayed at a lovely old hotel right on the banks of the Seine........... Next day, spend a few hours in Rouen, see Jumieges (we missed it because we were on the wrong side of the river and the ferry runs infrequently), head off to Honfleur. While there, check out the Normandy suspension bridge which is a beautiful bit of engineering, drive to Etretat if you like Monet and want to see those cliffs......... We did not go to Caen........ The Bayeux Tapestry is fascinating and Bayeux itself is interesting for a stroll. We went to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery which was sufficient D-day for us........... Try to schedule MSM for early morning or early evening, when it is more atmospheric. Even more important, check the tide tables and go there when the tide is in. MSM looks much better surrounded by water than by sand!......St. Malo is a good overnight, nearby Dinan is good for about two hours......Carnac is why we went to Brittany. It is fascinating, worth a full day, maybe see Quimper on the way.......Running out of space.

After Carnac, head back towards the Loire.......The chateau at Angers is supposed to have a great set of tapestries although we didn't have time for them........We stayed two nights in Chenonceux at Le Roserie. From there you can walk to that chateau. We also visited Clos de Luce (Leonardo's home) in Amboise and the ruined castles at Chinon and Loches. The Loire countryside is very flat. We found two days there were plenty unless you are very fond of ostentatious displays of wealth. Heading back towards Paris, Lavardin is an interesting village and you can stop at Chartres for the cathedral and lunch.

Your itinerary will show you an amazing part of France. Do not stay overnight on MSM. Try to spend time outside some of the villages and in the countryside. Check out the foodie type places / excursions in Normandy. 2 or 3 castles is enough. Also get out of the car and do a bike day tour in the Loire. Spend a day on the Atlantic beaches and see how the France vacation. Remember to stop in cafes as you go and watch the world go by! At least 2 a day for an hour. Perfect mid day break and evening activity. Check out local music venues. Drink the local drink (cider and crepes, specialties of St. Malo (I think). Discover how cider is made. Whatever your interests are, check out what France has available. Gardens. wines, sports, etc. You will see that just checking off the sights isn't as important as experiencing something. Finalize your itinerary. Make your hotel reservations NOW! Triples are not so common in Europe. Have a wonderful time with your family and friends! Bobbie