| Page Views: 103 Last Visit to Pays de la Loire: April, 2008 | Loire Valley Road Trip by pedroswift - last update: Jul 5, 2009 |
I shall not add to the numerous tips on what could be the "most visited" region(s*) of France bar Ile de France. *(Centre & Pays de la Loire). Rightly UNESCO Heritage Listed from Sully-sur-Loire to Chalonnes (downstream from Angers) this valley really is a must-visit region of France. Instead of tips, here is our 6 day itinerary Nevers to Nevers with distances (kilometers) and accommodation choices. Loire Valley Road Trip of six days from Nevers - Nevers to see: 8 chateaux/forts, 1 Abbey, 1 tank museum, 1 mushroom museum and 1 winery plus an unsuccessful attempt to see Cointreau being made. Best advice I can give those preparing for a trip to the Loire : Read Ina Caro's " The Road from the Past: Traveling Through History in France" Get a handle on the architectural development of France over the centuries. Loire is after all, forts and chateaux. And ........don't try to see too many: save some for the next visit to France. It is too easy to get - "shatoff with chateaux". Use vt to research the chateaux. I'd start at the well written Centre pages of von.otter....hard to beat for a balance between the big names of history, the architecture, whimsical comment and practical advice for the tourist. Best advice I can give for when you get there:- if not on a guided tour, opt for the audio guides ; hang the expense - you're on holiday! It's one thing to see the chateaux : another to be informed about the chateaux. overnight stop is in bold type Nevers, Ibis Drove 197kms to Montrichard Donjon drove 11 kms Chenonceaux 600m from parking to chateau €14 entry with Audio Guide. Great Chateau : bone up on its history before you go. Please take note of the flower arrangements in nearly every room. Drove 34 kms to Loches, Great fortified hill, Donjon & Royal Loges Loches - Hotel George Sand (€64) ate at L’Entracte |
Drove 62kms West to Chinon. Fortress. Saw film in English to start. Entry: €3 each
then 22 kms Fontevraud L’Abbaye – tomb of Richard the Lionhearted
18 kms Saumur Walked around town
Saumur, Campanile €72
Saumur Chateau closed for last 4-5years after wall collapsed
Drove 67 kms to St Batholemeu suburb of Angers to Carre Cointreau. Hard to find. Guided tours only on Saturday.
back to Saumur south of Loire. on the way- Musee du Champignon €7,30 each then nearby Winery - Veuve Amiot (Widow Amiot) free guided 30minute tour with 4 sparkling wines tasted at end.
67 kms Saumur,
Saumur Campanile ate in town at La Petite Barrique (good) |
| Tank Museum - for boys (& girls) of all ages |
|  | Musee des Blindes Entry €6,00 each. Fantastic collection of tanks - a highlight. 115 kms Drove right bank of Loire to Ibis Amboise . drove into town to check out parking for Chateau and de Vinci the next day. Amboise Ibis €53 Leonardo de Vinci Chateau du Clos Luce. Entry €12,50 each with audio Chateau Ambois. Entry €9,00 each. coffee in town Amboise Ibis, ate at Italian restaurant not remarkable Stopped by cops with breathalyzer drive 50kms to Cheverny. Entry €9,00each Very good –fine furnishings. The best chateau. Drove 57 kms to Chambord Chateau Entry: €9,50. Very good. Try to see the film before climbing the spiral stairs. Drove 105 kms to Bourges to look for overnight accom but music festival had driven up prices. Drove 67 kms to Nevers via Bengy-sur-Craon and a beer at Cheval Blanc.Then on to familiar territory Ibis at Nevers |
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| Pros: | "More than enough chateaux for everyone" | | Cons: | "The fact that there is another river, Loir in the same area" |
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