I know this probably sounds silly but I went to Provence a few years back and stayed at a beautiful resort called Villa Gallici. I had the most gorgeous room done in red and white toile. It just dripped French Country charm. So, this year we are going to Paris (I've never been before) so I wondered if there was a charming hotel like Villa Gallici in Paris? You know..decorated in French Country like Villa Gallici.......<BR><BR><BR><BR>

I like the Hotel du Champ de Mars. It's decorated mostly in yellow and blue with a very Provincial feel. It's an inexpensive hotel (about $70 for a double with private bath), so not what most people on this board are looking for. The rooms and bathrooms are very small but very clean and some have views of the Eiffel tower. The staff and owners are not warmest folk, but this place is an excellent value. I will stay here again. <BR>http://www.hotel-du-champ-de-mars.com/

Monique,<BR><BR>Thank you so much for such a quick response. I should have made my original request a little more specific. Yes, we are looking for something a little nicer. We are 4 women who met in college 28 years ago and we go away together each year for about 5 days. Kind of a reunion type of thing. We typically treat ourselves to a 5 star hotel but we'd certainly consider a 4 star (which I think Villa Gallici is). <BR><BR>Thank you again!

We recently stayed at the Hotel du Pantheon, hoteldupantheon.com. It is, obviously, right next to the Pantheon and about two minutes from the Luxembourg Gardens. The interior was a more provincial style and very warm. The rooms were spacious and well decorated, everything was comfortable and we had high beam ceilings. Turns out the same hotel owns a sister property next door which is Napoleonic decor, but was glad we chose this one as it's more our taste. It was $158 for a double room for the night, including everything-booked it on hoteldiscounts.com and I highly recommend it. I believe they list as a four star property but that's due to lack of amenities, which is the European system. Based on the American system it's easily a four star.

Whoops-meant to say I believe they list as a three-star.

We loved Hotel St. Regis in the 8th. It is a small, elegant, very French boutique hotel. Expensive and wonderful. The staff was exceptional.

The hotel rating system in France is 4* top of the line. There is no such thing as a 5* in Paris FYI. How about Hotel D Aubbison {sp?} PJ

The standard double room at D'Aubusson is not dripping in French Country charm. I don't know about the more expensive rooms, but the one we were in was very plain. Definitely not the rooms they show on the web site.

Kathy,<BR><BR>I'm answering this because I'm **bored**, not because I have a first-hand experience w/such a hotel.<BR><BR>However, I have used several hotels in the Relais & Chateaux group, and I know one of their criterion is "charm." <BR><BR>So I spent a few minutes at their website (www.relaischateaux.com) and saw their property in Paris, the Hotel de Vigny. I think it's just what you wanted. Although they say the public areas are done in Art Deco, the photo of the bedroom is utterly charming, in yellow fabrics with a fleur-de-lis print. The rate starts at 350E.<BR><BR>I took a look at some other websites, like the Romantik (none in Paris), Leading Hotels of the World (bedrooms done in period antiques) and Small Luxury Hotels (ditto period antiques), but couldn't see any others with French Country charm.<BR><BR>Another possibility would be to stay in the outskirts of Paris -- there are two or three of the Relais & Chateaux places there.<BR><BR>Anyway, I ought to thank you for the entertaining diversion! Good luck!<BR><BR>s

Kathy,<BR><BR>I oughtta know by now to be more patient.<BR><BR>I just remembered the Karen Brown website (www.karenbrown.com), with a few more choices. From the photos, it looks like you might like Au Manoir St. Germain (168E) & Relais St. Germain (270E). <BR><BR>Karen Brown also has the Hotel de Vigny, and from her photos it looks like the bedroom's fabrics are in toile, not fleur-de-lis. Either way, they are just charming.<BR><BR>If you want to try the outskirts of Paris, the hotel I was thinking of is "Cazaudehore w/ La Forestiere" -- I believe the chef is named Cazaudehore. This is in St Germaine-en-Laye, a suburb of Paris. There's also a charming hotel in Barbizon, but I think that's farther away.<BR><BR>Anyway, have fun hunting.<BR><BR>s

Thanks for the heads up on Hotel de Vigny. If I go back to Paris and if I have the money I'll stay there. It looks fabulous.

Check out www.parisby.com for great, charming hotels in all price ranges. Have a wonderful trip.<BR><BR>Shelly

Check out a book called "Charming Hotels in Paris" it gives a description of the furnishings so you can see if any catch your fancy. I also found the parishotels.com website to be useful for booking info.

Hi; Kathy I have been to Paris many times and here are a few suggestions:Relais St. Germain;Relais Christine;L'Hotel;and the Lancaster off the Champs-Elys'ees.It's just my feeling but I think the Relais St. Germain would do it for you it's just dripping in beautiful fabric and it's in a great location as are all of these hotels. In the 6th& 8th arrondissments. The Lancaster is top of the line you can view it on parisby.com under 4 star hotels you will most likely find almost all of these on Parisby.com or Karenbrown. I know she features several of these hotels. You would not go wrong with any of them if you need more info. email me.<BR>Viva La France<BR>p.s.I have not been there but the hotel de Vigny I've heard is fab! Although probably a bit more expensive.<BR>Good luck

Kathy - we just got back about a month ago from a stay in Paris at the Relais St. Germain, after having visited Provence. I don't know if it was just our room, but the fabrics were on the dark side and definitely did NOT remind me of Provence. I was disappointed in RSG, b/c there had been quite a number of rec. from people on this Forum. The male staff were pleasant, but the 2 ladies that alternated on the reception desk were not very friendly. As I said maybe we had the only room that did NOT have French Country charm. However, the locations was good.