If you had to go in August
 

where in Europe would you go? We prefer country to city, love art and architecture, love great old hotels. Ideas?

The Alps!

Ivy:
...late summer can be unbearable in many parts of the continent...but if you have to, I would suggest taking a good look at Scandinavia. The only, and I mean only, time we traveled in summer, was in 2002, and we did so with a plan in mind..that was, to visit Norway, Sweden and Denmark when the weather would be most comfortable, and it was....we had also booked three nights on the Hurtigruten, combined with auto travel as far north as Tromso...worked out well...wasn't a day where we didn't wear sweaters and jackets (here are some selected pics of Norway at that time). I'm afraid I don't have any further summer suggestions. We just re-visited Switzerland in October, and the weather was delightful...but I don't know how summers would be. Many Fodorites can tell you this.(both Schuler and gruezi are living in Switzerland year round,,and there may be others.

http://picasaweb.google.com/stuartto...uHk6iIgbSEgAE#

stu tower

We went to Belgium and the Netherlands in August this year. The weather was pretty nice. There were a few days where we had rain, but for the most part it was fairly clear and nice temperatures. Our trip was spent mostly in Brussels and Amsterdam, but there is some great countryside in that area. You could spend some time in the Ardennes mountains, go to the Belgian sea coast, visit some of the smaller towns in Belgium and the Netherlands. We spent a few days in Bruges, which is a neat place. During the day it was busy, but in the evenings it was wonderful.

For coolest weather agree to either the Alps (Swiss, German or Italian) or Scandinavia. All have very pretty countryside and some unique architecture. And a lot of great old hotels. Unfortunately, neither area is much of a bargain - but hotel rates in SCandinavia can be lower in August - since business people are typically on vacation - usually somewhere further south or at country cottages.

Every destination north of the Alps will be recommendable.

>>>We prefer country to city, love art and architecture, love great old hotels.<<<

My god, there are hundreds of choices which meet your criteria. Here just a few thoughts:

France:
- Brittany.
- Champagne.
- Loire Valley.
- Cote d'Argent.

Spain:
- Cantabria.
- Basque country.

England
Scotland
Ireland

Germany

Austria

Czech Republic

BeNeLux

Denmark

Norway

Sweden

Iceland

Russia

Please specify your criteria, then we can give you better help.

Scandinavia is a good choice, aside from the expense. Weather is temperate (though sometimes rainy), days are long, and everything should be open and in full swing. Remember that Scandinavia traditionally takes vacation in July, not August, so there are plenty of locals around and you shouldn't run into significant closures as a result.

North of the alps is the clue, south is just too hot and or humid. This can also include Bordeaux but if you get up into the hills even this far south it gets ok.