hoodlims

Hello. I have an opportunity to travel with my husband to France for business mixed in with a bit of pleasure at the beginning of May - one month from now. We are just now starting to plan (bad, I know).

Here is what we have so far:

Fly into Geneva - May 1st, drive to Annecy and stay for 2-3 days.
Business in Saint Jeoire (40 min north of Annecy) for 2-3 days.
Drive to the Burgundy region and spend another 2 days, 1 night before returning to Geneva.

Questions/Concerns:
1) Need recommendations on accommodations and dining in Annecy. Want to be within walking distance to attractions. Budget: $100-$150 US.
2) Where to go in Burgundy? Thinking of Beaune or Dijon, is it necessary to see both? Will one suffice over the other? Any better option? We are short on time.
3) Need recommendations on accommodations and dining in either Beaune or Dijon. Budget: $100-$150 US.
4) What French language book do you recommend?
5) Is it possible to buy a SIM card or have use of a temporary cell phone while there?

Thank you!

hoodlims

Hmmm, as we just realized I am pregnant, maybe Dijon will be best so I am not tempted to drinking too much! Let's plan on Dijon, any recommendations for 1 night?

cocofromdijon

2) I'm afraid you won't have time to see Dijon AND Beaune since you'll be arriving in the afternoon and will leave in the morning I suppose.
Hotel du Nord http://www.hotel-nord.fr/ in Dijon (place Darcy) is in your price range and they also have a restaurant and a wine bar (for your hubby). There is a public car park next to it.
Le Jura hotel near the train station has special offers and a paying car park http://www.oceaniahotels.com/hotel-lejura-dijon?lg=UK
A cheap one (50€) with car park is hotel Victor Hugo http://hotelvictorhugo-dijon.com/index.html

With such a short time you NEED the owl's trail brochure to see the main sites in Dijon. Follow the steps (brass triangles) and read about what you see, at your own pace.
http://www.visitdijon.com/en/dijon-v...s_chouette.htm and http://www.travelsignposts.com/Franc...jon-owls-trail
I'm sure you'll want to come back for a longer stay!
coco

grandmere

We stayed at the Hotel du Palais de L'Isle in Annecy; it's a bit quirky the way the rooms are laid out, but it's in a wonderful location in the old town along the canal with a view of the lake. I'd recommend it.
http://www.palaisannecy.com/

Echnaton

Driving time from Saint Jeoire to Bourgogne will be about three hours, so you will have just one afternoon to see this pretty large area.

Given this timeframe, I would visit Hotel-Dieu in Beaune which is a spectacular and unique medieval hospital which has been turned into a very attractive museum. Before or after the visit you may drive a bit the route de vin to get an idea of the region - I recommend seeing Clos Vougeot.

For hotel search use www.hrs.com or any of the other usual suspects.

We usually stay at Chateau de Saulon near Gevrey-Chambertin which is romantic, reasonably priced and has a fantastic restaurant.

www.chateau-saulon.com

hoodlims

Thank you guys! I have been looking into the Hotel du Palais de L'Isle - not too concerned with the rooms as location is everything and I plan on being out a lot! Coco - I am really looking forward to the owl trail, thanks for the hotel recs. As for the driving - is it a difficult, rugged drive? I get carsick pretty easily.

Any recs for language books? Thanks.

grandmere

I think location of Palais de l'Isle can't be topped!

hoodlims

Grandmere - we are renting a car. Is parking a problem at the Hotel du Palais?

Underhill

What kind of language book? If you want one with basic phrases and vocabulary for travel, the pocket-sized Berlitz book if helpful.