My sister-in-law and I will be going to France in late March. We want to visit the caves in Dordogne. Can anyone recommend a charming place to stay that is open that time of year? We will also be in Avignon for two days. Can anyone recommend a comfortable, but not outrageously expensive hotel. We will be arriving by train and not have a car until the second day.

The Hotel Esplanade in Domme is very charming and open in March. Stay in the main building, not the annex. Try to get a room with valley views. We loved it there. Also, their dining room was lovely & the food was great. <BR>We were in Avignon in March a few years ago and were pleased with the Hotel Europa. Our rate was $125 a night and the guide books had it much higher.

I can finally respond! I recommend a chateau - Chateau d'Arnac. Their web-site is www.chateau.mcmail.co.uk. It is a very comfortable place with huge rooms - not palacial (or too fancy). The food was great - english breakfast (the owners are English) and the Table d'hote was wonderful. Jill is a very good French cook. It is located about 20 - 30 minutes south of Brive. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip. We were there last March and were lucky to have very warm weather. I was in the Dordogne area in December and am still jealous thinking about the area.

Hi, Carla, <BR>Recommend the Chateau at Lalinde - right on the river, very charming, close to the caves. Check out http://www.chateauxethotels.com/index2_us.htm - the property is no. 205. <BR>Keep an eye on river levels in the Dordogne area in March - there have been some flooding problems in recent years. <BR>In Avignon we've stayed at the Mercure Cite des Papes - it's a chain but quite comfortable and well located. <BR>http://www.mercure.com/HOTELWEB/m_gindex.htm

In the Dordogne we've stayed at La Belle Etoile in La Roque Gageac -a charming and comfortable hotel right on the river in a gem of a town. In 6/98 a double was $50. <BR>In Avignon, the Hotel Blauvac - and I just realized I don't have the details with me. It, too, is a charming place, in the historic district, with prettily decorated spacious rooms. <BR>Let me know if you'd like the details.

Le Four a Sel is a charming bed and breakfast just 10 minutes from Lascaux caves. (www.lefourasel.com).The English owners are warm and hospitable, very helpful , giving hints and tips for places to see/eat etc..They are open all year and serve a generous breakfast.