We want to take our kids to France for a graduation trip (one high school, one college). We don't have much international travel experience. Any recommendations on where to stay (comfortable, but not too pricey)? We're OK with train. Also, any other advice for first-timers? Traveling late May/early June.

novice_traveler,

What a wonderful graduation gift! You will find all sorts of people on this board who are knowledgeable about France. I would suggest, first, that you do a search on the board, mentioning the city(ies) you plan to visit. You will find a number of hotel reviews, as well as sites that list hotels. Many of your questions will be answered. Then, come back with more specific questions.

For instance, what is your point of origin?

Good searching.

Hi NT,

Mind giving us a hint as to where you might like to go once you get to France?

Sorry. In my haste I guess I forgot to give the most important information. Paris! And possibly the Avignon area.

I just bought mine at the metro stop as I was going to get on. It just seemed to be easy.

Browse your way through ww.logis-de-france.fr

Best wishes,

Rex

crefloors,

Bought what???

Hi N,

We are making progress.

How long in Paris and how long in the South?

Rex, thank you -- I think logis-de-france is what I needed to help me get started.

How long are you planning on being there? You might be interested in looking up apartment info, if you are planning on Paris for 4+ days...especially with 4 travelers. Also, you might want to consider getting a car once you get to the Avignon area so you can really "see" it.

For a step up from Logis de France, go to:

www.chateauxhotels.com

Train schedules and map:

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

http://downloads.raileurope.com/map_...pe/france.html

For Paris I suggest getting the Paris Mapguide. Inexpensive, very useful. Amazon or...

Paris, neighborhood info once you have a potential address [particularly useful for apartments]:

http://www35.ratp.info/Proxi/proxi.php?

http://wfd.pagesjaunes.fr/pj.cgi?lang=en

We usually travel late may beginning of june with our family, try pricing up eurocamp, keycamp if you are travelling by car.special offers 3 weeks for price of 2.

We have done this with our children and it is just a tremendous TREAT.
I would recommend you arrive CDG and take the TGV to Avignon. BUT rent a car there. You really can't see Provence adequately without one, and particularly for 4 people.
The Logis recommendation is good. In Paris you will be able to find many possibilities for your group.
I am not one to recommend an apartment, particularly for 4 days. Two hotel rooms plus the advantage of having someone at the desk to help you with planning or calling for reservations, taxi for return to CDG (definitely a taxi!!)
For the TGV, begin shopping early for the best fares--a prem fare. Someone can come along and explain that to you better than I can.
Avignon would be a good place to base in Provence to sightsee from.
Terrific.

I find www.venere.com to be a good starting point when looking for hotels in both Paris and Provence (Avignon area). The site is user frinedly with pictures and reviews from former guests.

However, I love staying in apartments in Paris and would consider a gite rental in Provence for a family of four adults. So much more room and more economical in many cases.