Just returned from Paris/Loire Valley trip. We did this trip about ten years ago and have been to Paris alone three other times in the interim. This time we went with friends to show them the sights of Paris and Loire Valley.

Here was my itinerary and notes on what worked and what didn't

1. Continental from Vegas to Newark; Newark to Paris. I like Continental and I like breaking my trip up in halves with a two hour lay over to get something to eat and walk around. Recommended.

2. Paris Shuttle. We used Paris Shuttle from the airport to our first hotel. The fleet of vans is starting to show its age. Airport Connection might be a little better and they look like they work at it just a little bit harder. Recommend Airport Connection.

3. Best Western Villa Des Artistes (Montparnasse area). On a quiet street near Vavin. Good room, good staff. Rooms were a little small for my liking, but the quiet location is a good trade off. The staff, lounge and great breakfast make this a recommended location.

4. National (Citer) rental car for four days. A little bit of a hastle and staff were a little aloof. I speak the language so got through it pretty well, but observed another American really having problems. I think I would recommend Eurocar as it was well staffed out of Montparnasse Gare. National is okay for experienced travelers who are used to driving in France.

5. Angers. Nice town. Under appreciated. Chateau is very interesting and has a great history. Recommended as part of an overall Loire Valley Tour. Skip half of the little Chateaus and make this part of your tour recommended.

6. Hotel de France, Angers. A little "dorm" feeling, but very friendly staff and large bathrooms. Easy to find by the Gare. Recommended.

7. Chenonceau. A must see for its gardens and interesting span that runs across the river. Great history. Recommended.

8. Chambort. A must, must, must, must see. How does Versailles get all the attention when this chateau has all the real history? Versailles is a brick compared to this beauty. Designed by Da Vinci and lived in by Francois 1st. Need I say more. Double Helix staircase is amazing. This is the real deal. Recommended.

9. Sully-sur-Loire. Okay, the chateau is not much to see, but the town is so unique that you have to at least see it. Recommended (as a drive through)

10. St. Benoit Cathedral. This is a must see just because it dates back to ancient history and is still standing. Recommended (as a quick stop)

11. Orleans Mercure Hotel. Great hotel. Big rooms. Big bathrooms. Good location and easy access. Recommended.

12. Orleans Cathedral. A lot of this is under rennovation, but still worth a stop. My favorite -- even over Notre Dame, but remodling is hiding too much to make it recommended right now. Recommended (in 2007).

13. Novotel Ury (Fontainbleau) Part of Mercure chain. Very solid hotel. Highly recommended.

14. Fontainbleau Chateau. The worlds greatest Chateau on display with real furniture and real history. Check out that library -- WOW. Highly recommended.

15. Versailles. Love the gardens. The chateau is sooooo overrated. Nice to look at from outside. Inside is a rip off. Hall of mirrors is being rennovated so save your Euros and tour the gardens. Recommended (Gardens and exterior only).

16. Chartres. Nice cathedral. Not thrilled about the city. Recommended (as a quick stop)

17. Hotel Floride Etoile. Good hotel in the business district just south of Arc de Triumph. Big rooms. Big bathrooms. Quiet street and near grocery store. Staff is a little aloof, but still: Recommended.

And the sights in Paris? The usual. I highly recommend a walk from Arc de Triumph to the Louvre. Also the war museum now has a WWII exhibit that scores very high with me.

Stay out of the restaurants in the Latin Quartier as they are all over priced, but do shell out for a Gyro and Coke.

I wish I could have spent more time at the Louvre and kicking back in the Latin Quartier, but alas, I was with friends who wanted to see it all and there was not enough time.

Shopping: I don't like high priced Gallaries Lafeyette. Instead, I think C&A (almost like Sears) has great buys of quality stuff. Especially the clothing is much better built and at C&A you can find real value.

Enjoy your trip. I enjoyed mine!