versailles or loire

Versailles is impressive, and I think it is worth a look. I found the audio guide tours did not take too long. I would actually have preferred much more information, but it probably is a good thing when travelling with kids. The kids might also like the Petit Trianon, which is a mock-up farm that even has some animals there.

The best answer might depend on your kids and the logistics of your trip. Versailles is very impressive but also massive. Are you driving far to get there? Will they be up for it after a long drive? Will that be satisfying for you?

If you go to one Loire chateau, you can see how it goes and then decide whether to visit another one. On the other hand Versailles is the most magnificent of the ancient-regime palaces, so if you're going to see only one, maybe that should be it.

The big questions are how much time have you allotted and from where would you base yourself? If you are considering a daytrip from Paris, then Versailles. The Loire, although possible as a daytrip from Paris, is a very LONG day, and it would be a time squeeze to see even two chateaux. But if you have a few days, I would probably go for the Loire and base myself there, either in Amboise, Tours, or Blois.

We will arrive in Calais and rent a car, go to N. Normandy area then go to Mont St Michel and then heading towards Paris. We leave from there. We will have 2 full days in Paris Our kids are 15, 14 and 8.

If you'll already be in Normandy with a car, it's just a 3 hour drive from Bayeux to the Loire Chateaux country which might be more enjoyable for 3 kids than going through Versailles with crowds of people. With Tours as a base, you can visit 3 of the best chateaux in one day quite easily; Chenonceau, Villandry, and Azay-le-Rideau.

You don't say how old your kids are but there are many chateaux in the Loire Valley that have turrets, spires and a certain degree of fortification that Versailles does not have, so your kids may find the Loire chateaux more interesting in that respect.

Versailles is more recent than the Loire Valley chateaux.

I vote Versailles. That doesn't mean Loire is not worth it but it is spread out and can be exhaustive espec for kids. you won't regreat Versailles and the gardens with Marie Antoinettes Petit Trainon.

Jeff,

Those 2 places are very different. You can do Versailles in a half day. A few castles on Loire Valley plus the driving time takes much longer.
Versailles is magnificent.You kids might like a walk in the gardens. However some of the castles have also gardens. The castles on LV are a bit different than Versaille. They don't have large collections of paintings of furniture, some of them are almost empty, but the best part is the solid arhitecture.
Try to do some research on line to see the different, or go to the libray and get some books. CCPL has a large collection of RS's books and other guide books.

Thank you all for so much helpful advice.
Please keep the advice flowing!

we are still trying to make our plans for mid June. we have our airline reservations!

We are also trying to fine a hotel in Paris which has a room for 5 persons.

With 3 kids, I think I'd vote for Versailles. There's a lot to see there, and probably something that would interest everyone.

Curve ball.

Don't bother going to Loire Valley châteaux. Too far out of the way for the time you've got.

People forget (or don't know) that Lower Normandy has plenty of châteaux to match those of the Loire Valley.

Instead go to Château de Vendeuvre and to Château du Champ de Bataille - both fantastic châteaux and gardens between Caen and Rouen - en route to Paris. They are both Renaissance style châteaux like those in the Loire Valley.

They are châteaux/gardens #5 and #13 on this map

My personal favourite is actually the wonderful château fort at Lassay les Châteaux in the Mayenne, but that is a little off your route.

Do Versailles once you get to Paris if you have time - it's only a suburb of Paris, after all.

where would a family of 5 find a room near Lassay les Châteaux

I'm going to suggest:
1) Best idea would be to add the time to Paris and, if possible, hire a guide to help your family understand it and get around the city.
2) Do the chateau - pick two, no more.
3) Versailles, last choice.

we could even see something in brittany