We have an extra week on our itinerary.<BR><BR>Decisions! Rent a villa in France (outside Paris) or a cottage in England (Lake District)!<BR><BR>Any suggestions? Opinions on which to choose?

I shouldn't post because I am not a France fan. But I am a huge fan of the Lake District. It's my favorite part of Europe.<BR><BR>I can't see a comparison. Try http://www.monkhousehill.co.uk/families.htm (I stayed in Raven Howe) and here http://www.cartmel.com/ (I stayed in the Coach House). There are, as I'm sure you know, some spectacular cottages available in the Lakes.<BR><BR>Or rent the cottage in the Lakes and one night you can overpay for dinner, be rude to one another and pretend you are in France! Viola!! Sorry. I couldn't help myself.

Thanks Snoopy.<BR><BR>Never been to France. Have been to England, but didn't explore the Lake District. I am a big fan of fine cuisine, but then again, they speak English in England.<BR><BR>Ah, the decisions!

Another vote for England! I love the people and the countryside is so beautiful, so many historic places to visit (abbeys, cathedrals, and such not too far away not to mention the charming little villages). Have fun!

Someone had to be the first disssenter...my vote is for France. So many lovely places in the Ile de France area surrounding Paris, so much &quot;savoir faire&quot; in amenities and cuisine! <BR><BR>Have visited England, but to a much lesser extent, but have to admit that in generalising (Ben Haines -if I remember correctly being a Brit- and certain company excepted) I find the English to be a quite staid and placid people. Not that that is bad, I just personally don't mind &quot;a little attitude&quot; and welcome a definite change. <BR><BR>Should you want to look more into this French region around Paris you could log onto www.chateauxandcountry.com. You could also do a search here as st.cirq and Rex have frequently responded to posts similar to yours.<BR><BR>Wish I had an extra week...

Biscuit - either one would be terrific. But there is more we need to know before we can give the best advice. When are you going? Do you speak French? Have you been to either country before?<BR><BR>Probably the most important is WHEN? The Lakes is primarily for outdoorsy things, scenery, and a LOT of walking/hiking. Probably not the very best choice for mid winter. A villa in inland France would be great for seeing major &quot;sites&quot; like Chateaux, etc. Probably not the best idea for Mid-August due to the weather and crowds.

Why not spend 3 1/2 days in both cities? The best of both worlds. We usually take long weekend jaunts a couple times of year to each city and it's nice to find the &quot;local&quot; spots to enjoy the culture after you've &quot;been there, done that&quot; with the typical touristy stuff.

It's a choice between steak and lobster. Which do you like better? Which is in season?

RufusTfirefly does have an idea for the indecisive: How 'bout surf and turf?

France, definitely! Of course, politically, you might be better received in England! My heart says France... my head leans toward England! Whatever your decision...Enjoy!