Which Michelin map for the Loire Valley?

Loire Valley is long with lots of chateaux. Several maps are needed to cover the whole thing at 1:150,000.

Use this to see what you might need. Numbers in diagram are map numbers. Some might be in French if that's an issue.

http://www.languagequest.com/traveler/travel_htm/tr_europe/europe_country/france/michelin_loc_map_select.php

You might want to have these regional maps:

Michelin #517

Michelin #518

For even more detail, at the scale Ed listed, buy local maps Michelin #317 and Michelin #318.

We used Michelin #518 Regional "Centre" in the Loire in 2006. Bought it at a gas station outside of Tours after we picked our rental car in St. Piere des Corps. You could probably get one at a Barnes & Noble or on Amazon, but I imagine they'd also have them at a FNAC in Paris.

We rented w/ Europecar, turn right as you exit the train station, it's maybe 50 feet away. I think there was an Avis (or maybe it was Hertz) location at the train station too.

We got a Toyota Yaris diesel 5-speed, got great mileage, but we dropped the car in Beaune 3 days later....... "pas de problemme".......

I guess "Chateau hopping" was a bit grandiose for what we are proposing to do. We need to 1)drive from St Pierre des Corps to Chenanceax. 2)next am, drive to Chenanceau Chateau, and 3)Chaumont... possibly including 4)Cheverny if we have the stamina. If that specific info helps. I did look at the maps but they are so general on the website, I could not tell which was needed. Thanks again

I strongly recommend that you do not "wing it"! Michelin regional map #518 Centre is the one you want for the places you listed in your next to last post.

Correct spelling can be important. It's "Chenonceaux".

Do what Tim says. Buy a map. You'll get tired of the chateaux and start poking around the back roads and small villages. The smaller roads are a maze and the terrain around there is not distinguishable enough to keep you oriented. Without a map, you'll be backtracking and going in circles.

Ok, I'll get the map. I do not want to be lost in a maze of roads. I thought Chenonceaux referred to the village and Chenonceau referred to the Chateau....al la Rick Steves France 2010. We are staying in the town and I think they put an x on the end of the word.

Thanks for all your advice, I'm sure you've saved my lovely day of driving for me.

I can tell you this... you likely won't even need a map, or at worst, you can get a free map from your hotel or rental agency. Most of the chateaux in the region (and all of those you mentioned) sit on or just off one of the roads that run along either bank of the Loire. All you need to do is point your car in the right direction, drive, and follow the (many and easy to read) signs. For site-seeing purposes, this might be the easiest region of Europe to navigate by car.

Thank you all so much. I think since our scope is much smaller - just two or three chateaus in the same area, we shall wing it as suggested. I greatly appreciate everyone's input...happy trails to you!

Wait to get your maps in France because they're cheaper than here; the yellow local Michelin are the best. Cheverny is gorgeous inside, and if you like dogs, plan to be there for la soupe des chiens (p.325 in RS France 2010). It's a popular event, so allow 20-30 min ahead of feeding time so you can get a good viewing spot around the kennel perimeter. Azay-le-Rideau's lovely grounds make a nice spot for a picnic.

I can't believe all the stuff I don't know about geekland....and I am considered the computer savvy one in my crowd...very very scary! Thanks for the tips, I'll read up on it. thank you for the advice and the tips on how to put that advice to work for me. Happy Trails!

Wow, all kinds of good information. You all are answering a question I had. But one more: How helpful are GPS devises like Garmin Nuvi? Could they replace the maps, or merely supplement them? Do they show the chateau on them?

We just used a Michelin map of France that we bought in a gas station, and our GPS.

I won't leave home without my Tom Tom, but actually found driving around to the Loire Chateau's to be easy with the use of the RS guide book, and the map of France.

All the Chateau's are well marked with road signs, but, the little roads were not on my Michelin maps, so I did use the GPS.

My iphone has a GPS, does anyone know whether I would run up a bunch of charges on my phone bill if I took it along?

Yes, since it ain't really a gps, it just looks like one. Runs off of towers, not satellites. Take it to the far beyond and it's useless.

What does "jailbroken" mean? Is it unethical? Illegal? Sounds sort of risky! I thought anybody could change their sim card for foreign travel..... and I presumed I would have to do that, but it sounds like I need to do more than change the sim.

We did this diving tour last year. Rented from Avis and picked up a map in the St Pierre station. I am seriously directionally challenged but it was pretty easy. Pointing the car in the right direction is not really far off base; directions seemed to rely less on actual road or highway numbers as they do here, and more on just heading toward the right town or village. You'll quickly see many signs guiding you to the sights you want to see. Have a great time; we LOVED our 4 days in the Loire valley. Check out the Auberge des Launay across the river from Amboise; our base and great place with super meal plan option.