Travelling back from Beaune in July, which area do you think would be more appealing? Our flight leaves from Lyon. But would you concentrate on the Alps region, or the Lyon area? We will already have been to Paris, Loire, and Burgundy. <BR>

Hi, wren,<BR><BR>We decided for our trip last September to go to Lake Annecy rather than to Lyon,and we absolutely loved it. Stayed in Talloires, did a boat ride on the lake (there's also a ferry available 4 times a day, I think, between Talloires and Annecy). Annecy has a wonderful canal, lots of flowers, a waterfront park, good shopping and is just very pleasant. If you are looking for gastronomy as well, Talloires has L'Auberge du Pere Bise as well (www.perebise.com).<BR><BR>The only issue I can't address is how crowded this area is in summer and how that might change your experience. But, it was fantastic in mid- to late-September.<BR><BR>Happy travels.<BR><BR>John H.

I vote for Annecy. Been there three times and loved it everytime. Hard to find a prettier little town than Annecy old town area with the river and lake.<BR><BR>Larry J

Hey Wren. The Rhone Valley is great - and Old Lyon itself is lovely too, by the way - but since you'll already have hit a couple of French wine regions, I'd head for the mountains. I agree with the other posters that Annecy is beautiful - I was just there this weekend, and it's really charming. Depending on how late in July, it could be a little crowded, as many Parisians and Genevans head there starting mid-month. But early July should be fine (and the Lake should be warm enough to swim in by then). Another option is to head just a bit farther into the Alps and visit Chamonix or Megeve. Both are nice villages, although Chamonix has more going on. And a trip up the Aiguille du Midi to the top of Mont Blanc - the rooftop of Europe - is pretty jaw-dropping. Enjoy!

Thanks to you all. We will be there in early July. I have read about Annecy and it sounded quite appealing. Great that you all agree on that! Any suggestions as to accomodations? Probably in the $100/night range.

The only place I've stayed in Annecy is the Imperial Palais, which tends to run a lot more. There are a couple of hotels in the pedestrian part of the Old Town that look cute, and I suspect they're in the right range. (Probably can find names on here somewhere by searching for Annecy).

We just got back from a trip through the French Alps a couple weeks ago. Spent two days in Annecy and wished we'd had a week or two - it was spectacular. Stayed at the Hotel Palais de L'Isle, which has a fantastic location in the pedestrian zone across the canal from the old prison. Not fancy, but nice enough, and was in your price range, at least in what might be considered a shoulder season.

I would definitely recommend Chamonix. the train ride itself from St. Gervais to Chamonix is awesome! and the ride to the Aiguille du Midi is intense! we stayed at Hotel de l'Arve and &quot;splurged&quot; for the room with the view of Mont Blanc for about 60 euros. this was late June of last year. the rates may be higher in July. we ate our breakfast each morning on our terrace overlooking the mountains and right on the river. very memorable! FYI - the room service breakfast is the same price as the buffet.