http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19624 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19624 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19617
There are buses to take you to the chateaus from Tours Gare and cost around 49 euros per person for a full-day tour- you'll visit Chenonceau, Amboise then Chambord which is quite a lot in one day.

While I would recommend a full day for each of these attractions, if you haven't the time it's a great day for the whole family and no need to drive or hire a car. Lunch is usually at Amboise which has lovely cafes, nothing really really gastronomic but good for lunch.

You can probably organise tickets for the chateaux pick-up via SNCF (gare) or www.tourevasion.com for more Loire Valley activities]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19617 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19072 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19072 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18002 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18002 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18000 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18000 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16479
Stand with your back to the station and head down the road on the left, to the corner. Look for a green metal gate down the side of the rather imposing stone building. It leads into a small ornamental park with a great kids’ playground, and public toilets and baby change on the far side of the park.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16479 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16395 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16395 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16378
After they get thirsty head to Angelina's (Angélina 226, rue de Rivoli) for chocolat chaud. Do this before the crowds arrive here and at the Louvre.

Another tip for children is to head to Sacre Coeur for the farmers' market on top of the hill on weekends, jugglers on the church steps and the carousel at the bottom.

Need a new children's shirt to replace the one covered in hot chocolate? There are some good bargain department stores on your way back to the Metro station.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16378 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16312
It's a great swimming complex with pools and hot-tubs, wave-machines, water-sprays, flumes you go down in inflatable boats, mini-golf, a "beach", and poolside cafes where you sit in your bathing-suit ... outdoor swimming is lovely and so are the outdoor hot tubs. It was the hit of our holiday.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16312 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16306 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16306 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16294 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16294 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16268
There were also free activities for the kids, the best bit being that they had period costumes the kids could dress up in and then a large frame you could take photos of them in, all in a French aristocratic style.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16268 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16263 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16263 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16208
There are two new excellent cinemas with bookstores/DVD/cds. Also, you can walk along the Canal and head towards La Vilette science and tech exhibition and the famous Cite de la Musique.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16208 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15800 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15800 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15743
Just ask. This service normally costs £10. I didn't know until someone pointed it out to me as I had so much luggage I had to ask for help.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15743 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15736
Even better, it's free in the winter, and one Euro in the summer - a bargain for 70p!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15736 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15660
One tip is if you're travelling to Paris via Eurostar - if you have a small child you can jump the taxi queue at Gard du Nord. People with infants can go straight to the front of the line.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15660 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15594 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15594 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15588
There are some fantastic adventure playgrounds that will keep kids of all ages amused for hours. It's fully secured allowing you time to relax before leaving Paris.

With any luck, the kids will tire themselves out too, making for an easier journey home!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15588