Any reccommendations for a wonderful place to stay near Epernay or Reims? Will be the final night of a week of chateaux and castle stays in France...want it to be charming, romantic, special.

We had lunch at Les Crayeres in Reims and it was magnificent. We wished we had been able to stay the night since the place was so gorgeous. I wouldn't imagine it is cheap but they do have a website where you can check it out. http://www.gerardboyer.com/<BR>

In 1998 we toured the Champagne region while staying for two nights in Chalons en Champagne at Hotel D'Angleterre. This is about 20 minutes from Epernay. This is a VERY nice place, but I will say the rooms are quite contemporary - our room had black lacquer furniture. (We'd had two weeks in castles and country inns, too). The real draw is not only the town and location, but the hotel's restaurant - Restaurant Jacky Michel. It was one of the most fabulous meals we had in all of France. It was filled with local businessmen and women - in many cases it appeared they were entertaining clients. My husband's mouth still waters over the thought of the appetizer he had -- oysters in champagne and shallot sauce. The whole experience in the Champagne region was very memorable. <BR><BR>Along with the Champagne houses, try not to miss the school in Reims where Eisenhower operated during the last 6 months of WWII if you have any interested in WWII history. It's been preserved as a small museum, just as they left it after the signing of the surrender there. <BR><BR>If you happen to be leaving from Charles de Gaulle airport once you leave the Champagne region, let me know . I can give you the name of a wonderfully romantic inn only 12 miles from CDG. It's the perfect spot for a last night in France, and very easy to get to the airport the next morning.<BR><BR>Have a wonderful time, wherever you end up staying!

We stayed at a chambre de hotes near Fismes (20 km from Rheims) and they served dinner also. The food was scrumptious and the hosts were charming. Probably not romantic ( big old farmhouse) but definetly special. We booked through www.stopoverconnections.com , use the interactive map to get the location you want.

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We spent two glorious relaxing days at Royal Champagne in Champillon which is 6 km. from Epernay. The hotel is a joy and the dining room is excellent. Unfortunately the Champagne area in general is not terribly pretty and most of the house require reservations and an entire tour, not just tasting. Reims Cathedral was super---the coronation site of all French kings. From there we drove farther into Alsace which was the real highlight of our trip. But, if you want to stay in Champagne, do investigate the Royal Champagne---out among the vineyards.

MJ,<BR><BR>Can you tell me the name of the inn that is 12 miles from CDG airport? I am doing some long-range planning for a trip to France which will include Paris and I will need a place to stay near the airport. I was thinking either stay in Paris itself the night before departure of closer to the airport.<BR><BR>I appreciate your assistance.<BR><BR>DJ

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DJ;<BR><BR>The inn is called Plaisance and is located about 20 km northeast of CDG in a little town called Othis. It's recommended in the Karen Brown books. The owner/hostess speaks little English, but if you know a little French, it all works out. She misses not a detail in the accommodations; probably a carryover from her career at Maxim's in Paris. I'd stay there again in a minute!<BR><BR>Good luck.

Everything I have read about Boyer Les Crayeres has been wonderful. They are listed as one of the top 100 hotels in the world. In fact we have booked 5 nights in May 2003 for the start of our 3 week stay in France. It is not cheap but then you get what you pay for. Check out their website www.jpmoser.com/crayeres.html looks pretty nice. e mail [email protected] <BR><BR>Good luck Shar