Driving in France

[Felice]

Is Gites de France on line?  I cant seem to find it?

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Other than ordering them I'm not aware they are on line.

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Here it is

www.gites-de-france.com

[Dave Hatfield]

I'm in agreement with menton1. A nice trip, but I wouldn't stay anywhere this upmarket.

I'd be more inclined to try Logis de France if the Chambre d'hotel is plunging into the deep in a bit too soon.

More upmarket, sort of in between, are the Silence Hotels Sort of a silly name; it gets lost in the translation, but these are charming places. We've stayed in many over the years & never been disappointed.

Yes, you can make it from the chunnel to the Loire in a day. About 6-7 hours I'd guess using the autoroutes until you get close.

In addition to Menton1's comments about Relais et Chateax which I agree with is the high probability that most of the other guests will not be French. You are more likely to meet Americans & Germans this time of year.

Don't know if this link will work, but if so it gives you your driving itinerary from Calais to Onzain.

4 hours & 45 minutes, toll fees 32.80 Euro.

Same deal here.

Onzain to Bordeaux.4 hours according to Michelin so a pretty days drive. Work out a nice place for lunch.

Links seem to work, just a bit slow to display.

Edited January 22, 2007 by Dave Hatfield (log)

[Corinna Dunne]

Ok, so I'm starting to get an idea of what we're going to do.

Eurotunnel to Calais.

3 nights in the loire here http://www.domainehautsloire.com/

3 more here in the loire http://www.chateaudesormeaux.fr/promo_en.php

4 nights wine/cookery course in bordeaux http://www.bordeauxsaveurs.com/default.htm

2 nights here http://www.chateauxmirambeau.com/

then drive back to calais stopping somewhere nice for one night.

i'd be interested to know what you all think - my points of concern are can i get to loire in one day easy enough?  and maybe the 2 places in the loire are too close?

thanks in advace for any advice.

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Don't miss the Vouvray in the Touraine! Love the stuff!

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The sweet Vouvray iw well worth trying too. Quite subtle. I had not heard of it until I tried it there; you'll find it in a winery called "Champion". As far as I can remember, it is in a mountain cave. In fact many of the caves are used for this purpose as the conditions are ideal. Following the wine route is fun if you are interested, but nothing like the fireworks of Burgundy or Bordeaux. It's a good spot for goats' cheese too.

With all the chateaux, the Loire is enchanting and very romantic. It looks like you have planned a lovely trip. I'd love to hear how you get on.

[HOLLY_L]

I am also planning a two-week trip to France, although about half will be in Paris. Almost my first time in France, excepting a one-night stay in Strasbourg about eight years ago.

It's hard to deciding where to go (and where to eat), but I'm sure this board will be a big help. I know reading the London forums was very helpful when I visited there last year.

Is anyone familiar with Bordeaux Saveurs (bordeauxsaveurs.com), mentioned by Menton1? I did an Internet search, but only found a couple of reviews, although those two seemed good. I have to admit that a little handholding is appealing to me, if done well.

[Busboy]

Ok, so I'm starting to get an idea of what we're going to do.

Eurotunnel to Calais.

3 nights in the loire here http://www.domainehautsloire.com/

3 more here in the loire http://www.chateaudesormeaux.fr/promo_en.php

4 nights wine/cookery course in bordeaux http://www.bordeauxsaveurs.com/default.htm

2 nights here http://www.chateauxmirambeau.com/

then drive back to calais stopping somewhere nice for one night.

i'd be interested to know what you all think - my points of concern are can i get to loire in one day easy enough?  and maybe the 2 places in the loire are too close?

thanks in advace for any advice.

←

Don't miss the Vouvray in the Touraine! Love the stuff!

←

The sweet Vouvray iw well worth trying too. Quite subtle. I had not heard of it until I tried it there; you'll find it in a winery called "Champion". As far as I can remember, it is in a mountain cave. In fact many of the caves are used for this purpose as the conditions are ideal. Following the wine route is fun if you are interested, but nothing like the fireworks of Burgundy or Bordeaux. It's a good spot for goats' cheese too.

With all the chateaux, the Loire is enchanting and very romantic. It looks like you have planned a lovely trip. I'd love to hear how you get on.

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If you're in the sweet Vouvray part of the world, try as much Savennieres as possible. One of the best wine values in the world (so sez Robert Parker, not just me ) and not well known at all. A Chenin Blanc-based wine, I believe, which also comes in a sweet variety, though I prefer the regular (sour? savory?) style.