Tour of the Loire Valley?

Question

I am planning a Honeymoon to England and France, and would like to tour the Loire valley. Any suggestions for which castles to visit, and the the best way to get there? Renting a car versus organized tour!?! Are there any tours of the valley that leave from Paris?

Answer 1

Castles? Well there are some but you might get more joy out of visiting some of the beautiful Chateaux. Chat Loire, Chat. Margeaux,

Chat Le fete' All very beautiful with lovely park like grounds.

I prefer to do the hire car or even the mobile home thing as it allows you to spend more time where you want to browse without being herded from place to place at the speed of the tour guides working day. The cheap way to go on the tours is of course to pop into a Paris agency get info on the tours, find out time of the buses and line yourself up behind them on the road and follow the leader. very cheap i assure you. Made the navigation job just-so much easier.

I did it in the winter, the first time   and so the roads and fog were treacherous, i suggest the springtime when the valley is at it's  best

You will adore France I am sure, expensive, but a wonderful cultural experience

Rural France is stunning, Paris is the Pits! London is OK, but once you have done the usual sights it has little else to hold interest. Too many mixed races, that are unsociable and cause problems after dark. Accommodation in London is a shock to the system 5 stars are equivalent to a 1 star anywhere else. Look under the bed dirt and dust even in the well known named hotels

I can recommend the Hampton Court Hotel and The coach and horses at Kew. If its still there take a meal at Bun in the Oven just up the road in Kew. Portuguese and Spanish Chefs  very unusual.

Answer 2

There are tours from Paris but I think it's more romantic to do it just the two of us instead of being with other tourists. So rent a car.

Chenonceaux is a magnificent castle because it's on a river. Chambord is the biggest one (I found it not that interesting inside though).

Answer 3

Chenonceaux  (chateau). Try to go through Chartres to see the castle.