Paris Day Trip to Loire Valley - Summer

Far too much to see in a day, and my trip was in 1992, but my favorite stop in the area was actually at Chinon. The castle there was a real fortress, not a palace, and it's where Joan of Arc led the French army out to attack the English. The castle was interesting, and I really enjoyed the town. I remember eating some ice cream from a little shop near the river in late afternoon as the low sun reflected on the water and feeling very much at peace.

Thanks this is helpful and definitely gives us a lot to think about.

Now I’m wondering if we should give up a day/night in Paris to get over that way. Curious if anyone has any opinions, as we’ve never been to Paris before. I know there’s a lot to do, but is 6 days in just Paris too much? That’s why we were considering the day trip.

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Now I’m wondering if we should give up a day/night in Paris to get over that way. Curious if anyone has any opinions, as we’ve never been to Paris before. I know there’s a lot to do, but is 6 days in just Paris too much?

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6 days in Paris is a lot if you want to see France. Once you leave Paris it’s beautiful countryside. We book ended our France trip with Paris. Traveled to Normandy and the Loire Valley in between (by car).

Our highlights. I’m not sure you can do this without a car.
-We stayed at a chateau on the Loire River called Le Prieure. It has beautiful views and has a Michelin star restaurant. Also has an awesome bar with a view of the river. I don’t remember anything being crazy expensive.
Le Prieure
-We arrived too late to eat at the hotel so they recommended a restaurant down the road that serves a local menu. I’m so glad we visited this place! It is a restaurant located deep in a limestone cave. They grow their own mushrooms in the cave. The best I could describe the food/restaurant is brick oven pizza mixed with hot pockets. You fill freshly baked wraps with steaming hot mushrooms, meat and veggies. It was a very cool experience!
La Cave aux Moines
-Chateau and Gardens of Villandry. Unforgettable experience. Huge gardens. Something out of Alice and Wonderland.
Villandry
-Chateau if Chenonceau. Chateau built over a river. Looks like a Disney fairytale.
Chenonceau

FYI, once you leave Paris and are out in the countryside English speakers are hard to come by.

There were small wineries and vineyards everywhere. Would love to go back but we were with my father-in-law and brother-in-law who could care less about wine.