Renting a car

A friend and I are spending 3 full days in the loire valley and heard that renting a car is the best way to tour around. We where thinking of either coming into Blois, renting a car and staying in Amboise, or coming into Tours, renting a car and staying there. Any tips or ideas on where and from whome we should rent from? Price is a factor, we would like it as low as possible.

|||

1. How to rent a car **********

I could give you a complete list of all of the rental car companies operating from Tours and St. Pierre des Corps (TGV station) but why not do what I and thousands of frequent travelers to France do, contact Autoeurope. For many years they have been the price and service leaders in the rental car market to France

www.autoeurope.com

2. Where to stay **********

Many of us who have had a relationship with the Loire Valley for many years have not been overjoyed with what has happen to Amboise (now a tourist ghetto) or to Tours (unfortunate victim of urban sprawl).

Accordingly I have compiled a list of excellent locations from which to base one%26#39;s self when touring the valley. Tours is included but avoid anywhere except the old center of town.

1. The Cheval Blanc in the small village of Bléré, between Chenonceau and Tours. Bléré is much quieter and less touristy than Amboise. This hotel/restaurant changed hands in early 2008 with the long-time owners retiring. Under the new owners, (Hélène et Fabrice Tavernier) the service is reportedly much more efficient but their culinary reputation is yet to be established. During the week (Tuesday to Friday) two courses (entrée and main dish) are €22 with a €7 supplement for dessert. Despite a change of owners, I still find this location worth considering as a place to base oneself.

www.lechevalblancblere.com

2. Personally I enjoy staying in the center of Tours, it%26#39;s central to all of the châteaux of the valley and there are plenty of restaurants, cafés, museums, and shopping for everyone%26#39;s taste. There are a number of chambres d%26#39;hotes (B%26amp;Bs) in Tours as well as outside of town.

For a complete list of area%26#39;s lodging possibilities, check here:

http://www.ligeris.com/

My favorite hotel in Tours is (with free parking):

Hotel du Manoir :

2, rue Traversière

http://site.voila.fr/hotel.manoir.tours

3. Between Blois and Tours

Auberge de Launay

in a beautiful setting and a wonderful restaurant

http://www.aubergedelaunay.com/

4. Hostel du Roy

in Chenonceaux

http://www.hostelduroy.com/

5. la Ferme des Berthiers

just south of Tours in a very homey setting

http://www.lafermedesberthiers.fr/

6 Near Chenonceaux:

Le Bon Laboureur

http://www.bonlaboureur.com/