I just found out we have to leave for our European vacation 2 days EARLY, flying into Paris. I'd like to stay at a B&B, or Chateau, or castle within 2 hours of Paris for 2 days in early June (midweek).Any suggetions? We love wine and horses, but are happy with anything good! Thanks!

We stayed in a great place near Caen last summer. It may have been more than your two hours required, but it was a nice place to use to explore Normandy. If interested, just email me.

There's a château in the Chantilly Forest, about 20 minutes from the airport (but also a good base for getting into Paris itself as well as seeing some of the outlying areas of interest) called the Château de Montvillargenne (e-mail: [email protected]). Set in a 6-hectare park in the heart of the forest. Rooms are 645-1095F per night. It might be too close to Paris for you, but then again, you say you love horses, and the stables and races of Chantilly are justifiably famous.

Here, try this one (though I have never been there) - - http://www.chateaudejonvilliers.com/ - - it's a place high on my "next time I get a chance" list. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

kAT <BR>For the French Association of B&B try www.fleurs-soleil.tm.fr The rates are so reasonable, you can't believe that the accommodation is as exquisite as it is. We stayed in one in Burgundy and it was the best B&B out of anywhere we stayed in either France or Italy. Another site to check out is www.chotel.com for country inns, mannor houses and restaurants throughout France. <BR>Bon Voyage, <BR>Dr. B.