Travelling to France and the Loire Valley by train is a very good option, both for your sanity and the planet ! With more and more scheduled air flights worldwide it is worth considering the facts; while an aeroplane can emit up to 23 kilograms of CO2 per 100 passenger kilometres, a lot of carbon dioxide, cars do a little better at just less than 18 kilograms trains outdo them both at under five kilograms of CO2 per 100 passenger kilometres. Not a difficult choice we think!. Add to this the not having to negotiate a route out of, or through Paris and it becomes very attractive.
Here is some information on trains to the Loire Valley from.........
If you are flying into France, you will most probably arrive at Roissy Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly airport, from there you can continue your journey onto the Loire Valley, either by standard commuter train or by using the high-speed TGV. Whichever method you chose you can be assured of a comfortable and efficient journey to your destination of choice. If you intend to start off your holiday with a stay Paris you have the same choice of trains to get you out of the city to the Loire Valley. The TGV trains leave from Montpanasse station (gare) and standard trains from Austerlitz station.
Les Balcons
in Le Grand Pressigny is
a substantial 3 bedroom house ( sleeps 6)over two floors
with a delightful raised balcony offering lovely views to give you a
countryside feel but with all the village amenities.
Le Bourg is a lovely riverside barn conversion with separate 'petite maison' (sleeps 6+). The house is in the village of Barrou, 7k from Le Grand Pressigny and as the name suggests is located in the centre
of the village. Its situation means you have the benefits of experiencing a small French village but you are also ideally placed to visit all the major attractions of the Loire valley plus some of the highlights of the neighbouring department of 'Vienne.
Remember when you take a train in France you must always stamp (composter ) your ticket at the small stamping machines on the platforms, before you get on the train. This validates your ticket and prints the date of travel, if this is not done you are effectively travelling with an invalid ticket if caught you will be fined.
