ga

I would like to start planning a trip to France - First time and can use loads of help<BR><BR>We would most likely go for 14 days not including traveling days. We will have 2 children with us who will be 7 and 10 at the time of the trip. They are great travelers and can handle a lot. We went to Italy for 16 days in 2001 and they loved it and did extremely well with the moving around. We like to stay at least 3 nights in one spot at a time more where needed<BR><BR>I would love to hear about your favorite places to visit and stay at least a 3* would prefer a 4* hotel. We would be going in the summer months, either July or August or start at the end of June into July<BR><BR>I am interested in a few days in Paris, they have requested to see DisneyLand Paris so probably 1 day there. <BR><BR>My husband is a chef and a wine affectionado, so visiting one of the wine areas is a must. Where else would you recommend?<BR><BR>I would love to hear all of your ideas and opinions.<BR>Thanks

ga

I forgot to add that we would like to keep our accomodation budget to under $300 a night.

Fred

I would stay in Paris longer than a few days - at least a week would be more like it. Just so much to see and do. Then you could take the TGV to Avignon, pick up a car and do Provence for a few days, then head north up through Burgundy for the wine lover. More than that I wouldn't suggest. You need some time to see these places. For more Paris information go to www.anamericaninparis.com

ga

Thanks Fred,<BR><BR>I would definitely stay in Paris 5 days or even 7. Thanks<BR>

lynn

Don't know whether you like to make your travels an educational experience for the children; if so, you might want to include several days in Normandy or the Meuse-Argonne so they might learn some WWII or WWI history, respectively. I enjoyed the cuisine of the latter, as well as Alsatian wines (that was for your husband's benefit).<BR> <BR>It's all a matter of what interests you. The chateaux of the Loire might be interesting, especially if you're into the glitz and glitter of the aristocracy, e.g., Chambord. I'd suggest at least five days in Paris, anyway, there's so much to see. The kids will like going up in the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, I imagine, and the Musee de l'Armee is another good educational experience.

Ira

Agree that you should plan on a week in Paris.

StCirq

ga:<BR><BR>I would spend 4-5 days in Paris, then head straight for the Dordogne. There's no kid on earth who won't have a great time there exploring the castles and bastide towns, canoeing down the rivers, seeing prehistoric caves, and hanging out at some of the best markets in the country, in some of the most lovely scenery. And you could easily halve that accommodations budget, as there are castles and inns galore where you could get two enormous rooms or a suite for $150 or less.

John

I lost my post in space, but I also suggest the Dordogne, but also Alsace, for a few days each. The kids will adore the rural villages in each area, and many foodies regard these as the premier regions for ingesting the best food and wine (and don't forget the beer with the choucroute.)<BR><BR>Check out http://www.chateauxhotels.com/ for great independent hotel/chateaux lodging possibilities - we've stayed at several and have never been disappointed.

John

Meant to add, go earlier rather than later in the summer, in order to avoid the domestic French touring hordes.

ttt

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Michael

I second the Dordogne, with a stop to see some of the chateaux in the Loire area. There are also wines caves to be visited in the Loire valley.

msa

I have to 2nd the idea of going to Normandy. Our children were 7 and 9 when we went and they really got into it. There is a memorial in Caen that is a great place to start. Have a wondeful trip!

peggi

I must disagree with Fred (sorry) - depends on the kids but our 2 (now ages 11 &amp; 12) have been to England, Italy, and France and they simply do not do as well with the big cities. We actually only spent 2 days with them in Paris. Think about a tour guide (recommendations on this site) - my kids were much happier following Scott Emerson around than they would have been following me. He did a great 2 1/2 hour highlights tour of the Louvre, then Les Invalides, Arc de Triomphe, Rodin Museum, etc. Do suggest going to the top of the Eiffel Tower at night (after early dinner) - beautiful! Agree with other posters that Normandy and Alsace have much to interest kids. I'd also consider staying in a gite instead of a hotel with the kids. Hotel Mercure is a reliable chain with children. In Alsace, don't miss the castle - Haut Konigsburg. Your wine/foodie husband will be very happy in Alsace.

ga

Thanks so much for the wonderful responses.<BR>

jack

In reading the replies to ga's message, I noted 2 terms which are not familiar to us in Australia. They are:<BR>1. &quot;wine cave&quot; and <BR>2. &quot;gite&quot;.<BR>Obviously they are American expressions. Could someone please enlighten me?

xxx

www.gites-de-france.fr/eng/index.htm

Christina

No, they aren't. Gite is a French word. It's a term for home accommodation rentals to tourists. It used to originally mean rural accommodations or shelter (farmhouse, etc), I believe, but now the French &quot;agency&quot; for gite rentals uses that term for anything, just about. For example, a family that has an extra apartment or room with private entrance in their house, even if very modern, can list that for rental to tourists as a &quot;gite&quot;. It really has a circonflex over the i, not sure if that shows up on here: g&icirc;te. <BR>I don't know the origins of that word.<BR><BR>The term &quot;cave&quot; is also French, in this sense. It refers to a cellar area. Often, you hear of champagne &quot;caves&quot; (which you can tour around Epernay) which are the champagne producers, and certain dance/night spots in Paris are referred to as &quot;caves&quot;, also, as they are underground (basement areas, basically, below ground floor).

John B.

For more info about France and web sites to check, visit the recent four part postings on going to France and the archives at:<BR><BR>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/provence

carol

If your children stay up well in the pm, I would recommend looking into a sound and light show, &quot;Son et Lumieres&quot;.<BR>Various chateaux, ie Le Lude in the Loire Valley, Les Invalides in Paris, etc have them. Some are in English, but even those that aren't are great due to the pageantry and history lessons re-enacted before their very eyes.