The Loire Valley or Burgundy?

Jessica,

I would recommend the Lorie Valley and The Chateau des Ormeaux near Amboise.

We spent three weeks in France this July and the Chateau was the nicest place we stayed. You can also visit Chenonceau & Cheverny which were both great.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g315796-d309025-r8220025-Chateau_des_Ormeaux_Amboise-Nazelles_Negron_Loire_Valley_Centre.html

Jessica, we've spent quite a bit of time all over the Loire and Tuscany and have traveled through Burgundy. The Loire and Burgundy have similarities but if it's chateaux you are looking for then the Loire is the place to be. Get the Michelin "France" road atlas 1:200,000 scale. You'll need the detail that map provides to really explore an area.

Chateaus = Loire Valley; good wine = Burgundy. Do you have enough time for both?

Thanks Everyone!

I have been to both. It really boils down to personal taste. Both wonderful, but neither are particularly Tuscan.

Loire has the chateaux. Burgundy is more rural (though both are lovely) and has some fabulous small towns. Both have wine, though Burgundy's is much more "serious" (and paradoxically therefore more accessible, because it touches everything and there are lots of ways to experience it).

Both are easy to reach from Paris, and both are best seen by car (or bicycle).

In place of chateaux in Burgundy there are some really stunning sights such as Vezeley and the Fontenay Abbey.

What a choice! Have fun.

Jessica,

I concur with Tim re: Amboise and the Loire valley.
We also stayed at the same Chateau as Tim. Amboise can be 2 days for sure --- also see the cave homes heading towards Tours. If you stay at the chateau try the lemon marmelade!!!

Have fun!!

Craig

Opps Jim sorry!!

"also see the cave homes heading towards Tours" Oh, yes! If you speak any French at all, you will get a kick out of the friendly old character who owns one of the wine caves. Oh, and the wine is cheap and of high quality.