Will be in Loire in Spring 2000 and are looking for luxury advice on hotels, inns, & things to do. <BR> <BR>

This list of properties will surely get you started: <BR> <BR>http://www3.integra.fr/relaischateau...ntinent=europe <BR> <BR>although my favorite, Chateau d'Artigny is no longer a member of this elite group. It is NOT to be confused with Mas d'Artigny, which is in Provence and also very elegant. There have been recent references to both on this board. Chateau d'Artigny was the obsession of the late Coty (of the cosmetics and make-up empire). He spent essentially his entire fortune to create it, and you are the present-day beneficiary! If you go there, make sure and sample one of the 2000 (or something like that) cognacs and brandies in their collection. <BR> <BR>And of course, your luxury trip will HAVE to include ballooning! There is a substantial industry of operators of flights in private montgolfieres in the Loire valley and I think that there various companies, possibly going in and out of business as their owners feel like it. I would realy on your hotel to provide you with local advice. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex

we stayed at the hotel fleurey, about 10 miles from amboise out in the country just outside a small town of fleuray (and cangay). the hosts, a british couple, peter and hazel newington, were wonderful, and the house is great. the best, however, was the dinner the first evening we arrived. wonderful french food cooked by hazel and the family. it's not in town, so be prepared for a few miles drive from amboise and about 20-25 miles from blois, but it was a wonderful stay and the best meal we had in france. <BR>don't miss amboise and the chenanceau chateau. and be prepred for a disappointment at chambord, which was certain big, but shabby and dirty inside.

There's a great website on french chateaux with hotel services. It's www.chateaux-france.com.

Point-counterpoint to Carol: <BR> <BR>It appears that many of the same properties on www.chateaux-france.com are also on www.chateauandcountry.com - - while both are interesting resources, they are NOT as discriminating as Relais et chateaux - - I'm pretty sure. <BR> <BR>Indeed one of my favorite places (in the Beaujolais) is on both websites - - and while it is lovely and charming it is NOT in the luxury class of chateau accommodations.