Expert: Terry Casey - 7/2/2009

Question
Please could you advise me on the quickest and cheapest way to get from Paris to Chateau Chinon (between Nevers and Autun). Is it best to get the train from Paris to Nevers? Thank you in advance of your assistance!

Answer
Hi . . . Waheed from UK!

In looking at the maps, Chateau Chinon is kind "out there" in the middle of nowhere, off of the easiest, fastest routes.

You asked about the quickest and cheapest way to get from Paris to there.  Cheapest and quickest are some conflicting goals in reaching this type of location.  

By train, there are a number of direct Paris Gare Lyon station trips going to Nevers and taking one hour and 54 minutes.  The cost range is $38-51 for second class, depending on your time of day and how far ahead you book.  Then getting a rental car might be the quickest and easiest in getting to this smaller village area.  With a rental car, you have more flexibility to explore nearby areas.  Cheapest is another, different question.

Bus options are very limited with with infrequent service in France.  Below are some notes on car rental, driving directions, rail schedules, etc.

Tell me more about your party, budget, ages, personal and travel interests, past France travel experience, your overall plan, etc.  Then, with more info from you, I can make better, more specific suggestions on what best fits your needs and interests.

Does this start to help a little? What are your reactions and needs for added information?  Be happy to provide additional info and answer other questions after learning more from you.  Be sure to complete the evaluation section so that our "bosses" on this volunteer service know we are working hard to make inquiring minds as happy as possible. ENJOY!  Merci Beaucoup!

Thanks.  Terry Casey in Columbus, Ohio


CAR RENTALS OPTIONS:
We have had excellent success with
www.autoeurope.com
Their phone toll-free is 1-888-223-5555 (North America only).
There are also rail-auto plan options through raileurope.com
Avis has lots and lots of location around France and Europe.
Don’t assume one price will be the THE PRICE, best price.  Make an advanced booking at a good price, but keep check back as different specials will come up, especially in these fast-changing economic times.

WEB-MAPPING FOR FRANCE:
Use this website to get any detailed maps you need. Scroll to the bottom of the page and follow the directions with your details on where are coming from and going to. It will give both graphic maps and written point-by-point instructions.
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/main.adp?country=FR
or
http://www.mapquest.com/directions/europe.adp?do=nw

RAIL SCHEDULES: You can go to this website
http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/point_to_point/triprequest.htm
or
www.raileurope.com
and check all of the various train options, timings and costs on rail travel within Europe through the "schedules" option on their web page.  For some routings, such as Avignon to Barcelona or Nice to Rome, it will not yield results.  You will be need to break it out into separate routings such as Nice to Genoa, then Genoa to Rome.  Great, very useful site!