Jeff Steiner's Americans in France.
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Subject: Burgundy or Loire Valley?

Question: My husband and I would like to go on a self-guided bike tour around either Burgundy or the Loire Valley and we just can't decide which region would be the most interesting for us. I've tried to research what are the differences and what each has to offer, but I'm not getting a clear picture of either one -- they sound very similar to me. We've been to Province and absolutely love it. I also know northern France pretty well. Do you know of any links where we can get an unbiased overview of the pros and cons of or "cheat sheet" description of each region? We're looking for good food, wine, small uncrowned charming towns relatively close together, beautiful scenery for a bike tour and a little culture. Can you help point us in the right direction? Many thanks!

Answer: I have asked around and here is what I can tell you about Burgundy and the Loire Valley. Burgundy will have great wine and food, in general better than the Loire Valley. The Loire Valley between Angers and Tours will have a Châteaux every few miles and be not as hot as Burgundy. Burgundy will have no where near the number of Châteaux’s that the Loire Valley will have. In general Burgundy will have less tourist than the Loire Valley. You might be able to find out of the way villages easer in Burgundy than the Loire Valley. The Loire Valley it is also very flat and that makes it very nice for bike riding.

I have been told by a French friend of mine and my French wife, born in Burgundy, that the Loire Valley is more beautiful in general and makes a nicer visit than Burgundy. For the French the Loire Valley is where France was born, they call it the “cradle of France.” My feeling is that either one will make a nice vacation.

If you do go to Burgundy here is my list of places to visit. All centered around Tournus, Châteaux de Cormatin, town of Cluny(Had at one time the largest church in the world.), route du vin and Châteaux de Brancon. If you need a B & B my sister in law has one in the town of Bissy-sous-Uxelles and if you are into wine tasting my brother in law has a winery, Domaine de l’Echelette(www.domaine-echelette.com) near the town La Chapelle sous Brancion, if you make it there check out the church, it is where I got married. Also near by is the town of Chardonnay, I thought it was kind of cool going to the town where Chardonnay wines get their name.

If you want to do wine tasting, look for signs with the word “Dégustation”, your being invited in to taste wine. Also look for “Caves”, they are wine stores that will have lots of different local wines with a good selection.

Related Link:
www.americansinfrance.net/TravelPlanner/
One of my sponsors, Viator has guided tours in the Burgundy cities of Dijon and Auxerre and the Loire Valley.

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