We are driving from England to Provence in July with our kids (8 and 11) and would like to stop overnight along the way. We're thinking of Beaune as a good stopover spot. I have reservations at two hotels -- Hostellerie de Bretonniere in Beaune, and the Chateau de Chorey-les-Beaune just outside. I've seen several positive reviews on the latter in this forum; any other comments on either of these spots as somewhere to take a breather and stretch our legs? Or other suggestions on how/where to break the drive?

Beaune is a lovely little walled town where one can easily spend a day. Interesting sites include the charity "hospital" built by the Dukes of Burgandy and which now comprises dozens of charitable hospitals. Wine tasting and some nice homes and historic buildings.<BR><BR>There are a numnber of very good hotels and restaurants.<BR><BR>We stayed at the Athenor Hotel Tulip. A great location and very good value.<BR><BR>US

Is it possible to drive from England to Provence? I'm confused...

Yes, it is possible to drive from England to Provence...or, at any rate, to drive to Folkestone, load the car onto some sort of conveyor, shoot through the chunnel, emerge at Calais, and drive on to Provence. So the Eurotunnel website tells me, anyway. Am I missing something?

You're just fine. The info about the Eurotunnel is correct. And I'll add one more suggestion for Beaune, inside the city walls and close to the town square: Hotel Le Cep, nice place.

Hotel le Terminus on the Ave. de 8 Septembre was also nice, big room, en suite, and a single (with a big bed) was maybe 70 euros including breakfast and I had a nightcap with a BIG slice of yummy chocolate gateau - put it on the bill, still only 70 euros. I am sure they had family sized rooms. (or even two rooms, for that price.)<BR><BR>there was also a big terrace/balcony which I think would be good for a dinner al fresco. or just a nice place to lounge in the evening with a book and a glass of wine.<BR><BR>I really liked this little town. a lot of strolling to be had - there is also a museum of wine which appeared quite nice (it was closed by the time I got into town and I left at midday the next day).<BR><BR>where in Provence are you going? I was just there last month, there are so many lovely places to stop.<BR><BR>Beth

Here's my recommendation—<BR>There's a wonderful little hotel in Avallon, right on the river: Hostellerie Moulin des Ruats.<BR>http://www.moulin-des-ruats.com/<BR>A friend of mine and her family stayed there, and they loved it. She said --and this was confirmed by another couple who went there, too -- that the food at this hotel was the best they had in France.<BR><BR>Situated in one of the most attractive regions of Burgundy, Avallon is roughly a two hour drive from both Paris and Lyon. <BR><BR>Avallon Tourist Office Site<BR>http://www.avallonnais-tourisme.com<BR><BR><BR>

Thanks for all the good advice. Le Cep and Athanor in Beaune are fully booked; but after much pondering of the map, we've decided to look into stopping before Beaune -- and so are checking out your suggestion, Athena, of Moulin des Ruats. It looks lovely, and the website is very welcoming of kids. Thanks!<BR><BR>Beth -- we're renting a house with friends near the village of Bedoin, about half an hour from Avignon. We've been to Provence before -- Arles, Avignon, Les Baux, St Remy, etc -- but without kids, and our friends have not been. So a whole new experience. Any special spots you'd highlight? <BR><BR>How about the Gorge du Verdun -- how long a trip from the Avignon area, and is it worth it? Moustiers de STe Marie (not sure I'm spelling it correctly)?<BR><BR>So many questions, so little time! Thanks for all ideas.<BR>