France - interesting bits in the middle?

[zico]

We're taking the car over to France at the weekend, and planning to spend about 3 weeks abroad.
Initially, we're going west to explore Normandy and Brittany, but if the weather breaks, or we get bored with coastline, we might head eastwards, and in any case, we're planning to come home via Reims (champagne shopping!).

Just wondering if people have any ideas for interesting routes and places from the north-west coast through the centre of France.
One option is up the Loire valley, but would prefer something a bit further south and lesser-known (unless of course, it's lesser-known because it's really dull). We previously visited the Auvergne region, which is good with its extinct volcanoes, so would like to go somewhere new.

Also, is the coastline south of Brittany worth exploring?

[pje16]

If you're into seeing the chateaus
Tours is good base for a couple of days of good sightseeing
Did it many years ago but remember it as being very enjoyable

[DrFfybes]

Agree - Tours is a good base to explore the Loire, Saumur has a few Caves of large producers, Ackerman Royal Rouge is an interesting taste (also in several supermarkets), Loche is interesting but small and quiet (and often closed), Bourges is handier for Sancerre and Pouilly Fume.

I found the Brittany Coast like a warmer Cornwall, which was dull when you lived in Devon La Rochelle is very touristy, Fonteney only notable for my sister living there.
Depending on how far South you want to go, Cognac can be an interesting place to spend a day, as is Angouleme.

If you are in Reims, make an effort to visit the old race circuit buildings. Amazing bit of history that is now being restored. You should pass it if you follow the tourist Champagne route.

Paul

[pje16]

When we stayed at Tours, we stayed at an IBIS
They are a better chain over there than here (or maybe we got lucky)
The staff at the desk would put a 5 star concierge to shame
They got out a file with directions to all the chateuas that started with "turn right (or left) out of the car park..."
This was the days before sat navs

[PhaseThree]

We're taking the car over to France at the weekend, and planning to spend about 3 weeks abroad.
Initially, we're going west to explore Normandy and Brittany, but if the weather breaks, or we get bored with coastline, we might head eastwards, and in any case, we're planning to come home via Reims (champagne shopping!).

Just wondering if people have any ideas for interesting routes and places from the north-west coast through the centre of France.
One option is up the Loire valley, but would prefer something a bit further south and lesser-known (unless of course, it's lesser-known because it's really dull). We previously visited the Auvergne region, which is good with its extinct volcanoes, so would like to go somewhere new.

Also, is the coastline south of Brittany worth exploring?

I used to live in Alsace in the far east of France. It is a stunningly beautiful part of the world and almost unknown in the UK.
Head across France to Mulhouse and follow the wine routes up through the Vosges Mountains towards Strasbourg before looping back towards Reims.
You can easily spend a week exploring this area, more if you want to head over the Rhine for a day or so in the Black Forest.
Let me know if you want more detailed recommendations for this area.

[Lootman]

If you're into seeing the chateaus
Tours is good base for a couple of days of good sightseeing
Did it many years ago but remember it as being very enjoyable

Yes, Chateau d'Amboise a little east of Tours and on the Loire is a perfect spot, with a great deal of history:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_d%27Amboise

[bungeejumper]

Our home-from-home destination is Aubrac and Aveyron, a couple of hours south of the Auvergne and the over-Englished Dordogne. It's not really in the guide books because it doesn't have any major cities, but it's proper France profonde, green and ancient and superb for hill-walking or simply for chilling by the river. Roman or romanesque architecture everywhere, and a glorious southern climate which the rainy old Auvergne doesn't always deliver.

It's where the volcanic soil of the centre gives way to the white limestone of the south. You get as far as Norman Foster's Millau viaduct, and suddenly the roofs turn to red tile and the Mediterranean light hits you. (Although in fact you're still 50 miles inland.) The Lot valley, and the Tarn gorges (unmissable), and Montpellier a bit further down. Wish we were there now.

That said, Burgundy is glorious in its own way. And it's a hell of a big and varied place, from the gentle undulations of the champagne district to the Morvan forests, which are also great for walking. Whatever you decide, have fun.

BJ