Okay, time to pull the details together. Have been "dream planning" but time to put the plan in action. <BR>I have a good idea of where I'm going to try to book in Paris. I need suggestions for South of France (Provence or Riveria). <BR>My vacation will be a few days shorter than I wanted, so a weekly rental in a Provence villa is out of the question now. Requesting suggestions for small inn, charming, pool would be nice, not ostentatious but a treat, with English speaking hosts/ innkeepers. <BR>Flexible on location. I still want to do the rental car while in the south. I've driven in Ireland, England, and Scotland, and just like the flexibility of having my own car. <BR>Suggestions, please

Best match to your posting of places I've stayed lately is Auberge la Tourmaline in Grasse (Plascassier) - - you can find it on the www.logis-de-france.fr website. <BR> <BR>Only negative I have to say about it is a rather bold pink neon sign (but it helps you find the place if you arriving there after dark!) - - and besides, shouldn't any evaluation of lodging reflect how it looks from the inside out? Great hilltop view, sorry though, no pool. If that's essential to you, you can do a search on the logis site - - 20 properties popped up in the department of Alpes-Maritimes (06) alone - - must be plenty others in 04, 05, 83, and 84. <BR> <BR>I love to yack about the south of France so feel free to write me for more - - or post here further. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR> <BR>

http://www.chateauxethotels.com/

Sorry, Laura, <BR>Locked in the Fodor's nowyouseeit nowyoudont zone. Check out that website, though, for lots of good locations all over the country. We've stayed or eaten at several, pretty reliable.

Hi Laura-- <BR>I have a great suggestion for you. My wife and I stayed at Hotel Les Orangers a short walk from St. Paul de Vence. The hotelier is a M. Franklin whose English is very good. He runs a first-rate hotel. (I believe there's a write-up in Fodor's) One thing that makes it special is the orange grove right outside your room and the wonderful fragrance you awaken to. St Paul, of course, has the stupendous Gallerie Maeght, which is not to be missed. The famous Colombe d'Or hotel and restaurant also are in St. Paul and it's worth it to eat there or at least wander its grounds. Another great restaurant in St. Paul is Le Couleur Porple. W ehad a most memorable meal there. E-mail me for more details if you like. We spent five days in Provence, so there;s more to tell. <BR>Dan