Just spent 3 weeks in Paris and Provence. If anyone is interested in any details/information for their upcoming trips, I'd be happy to provide some tips for hotels, restaurants, places to see, etc. This is my fourth time to France, I am not fluent in French, I travel alone each time, and this time I even rented a car to get through Provence. Happy New Year to everyone. My email is [email protected]. I'd be happy to answer specific questions you may have on both areas.

Happy New Year to you Elizabeth! I tried your e-mail and it was returned. I'd like to know where you stayed in Paris and do you have any restaurant faves? I'm traveling to Paris alone in Feb. Many thanks! Peg

Elizabeth, <BR> <BR>My wife and I are planning to be in Avignon for 8 days in September. Can you give us some decent restaurants in the area? Also, can you estimate the cost of a reasonable dinner for with a nice Cotes du Rhone or Chateauneuf du Pape? <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>Tom

Hi Elizabeth- <BR> <BR>I also tried to email you and it was returned. Is that [email protected] or [email protected]? Perhaps I'm putting in the wrong letter. <BR> <BR>Thanks. Can't wait to hear about your trip!

Hi. Thanks for the nice New Year's wishes - same to everybody else as well. My email address is L D S A N T @YAHOO.COM. Sorry, I usually don't use the capital letters, but seems as though it makes it easier to read. <BR> <BR>Quick responses: <BR> <BR>1. Avignon for 8 days - wow! I spent 1.5 days there and it was enough. Perhaps you're just planning on making it your base for other places in Provence? There was a nice and cheap hotel that looks right out onto the plaza of the Palace of the Pope. I stayed at the Hotel St Louis and really wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for "charm." It was kind of expensive, the rooms are clean, but they're very "modern" i.e., no carpeting, just modern tiles but there is a shower/bath in each room. The place is run by Clarion and I really wasn't that impressed. Also, some of the staff was not exactly the most helpful/friendly. However, I did have a wonderful meal in Avignon one night. The other thing I would make sure you do is that you rent a car but don't pick it up until you're done seeing everything in Avignon - otherwise you have a car in a place where you don't need it plus you have to pay for extra days. The car rental place is right by the train station. The tourist office in Avignon was VERY helpful and had a lot of brochures, etc. They also had a computer for internet connection/email which was convenient. <BR> <BR>I then spent and stayed four nights in St. Remy. I loved the hotel I stayed at, there were several antiquities museums that I saw in and around St. Remy. I stayed at the Hotel Villagues which was absolutely fantastic. The staff could not have been more wonderful. I also had the best meal of any meal I've had in France there. It was a bit pricey, but worth every penny. <BR> <BR>I drove to Arles, Orange (SKIP THIS TOWN!!!!), Nimes, Les Baux de Provence, Isle Ste-Marie (the Mediterranean Sea), explored La Camargue (huge wildlife/undeveloped land), and La Sorgue. I stopped in other "towns" along the way as well just to see what they were like. I did stop in Chateau Neuf de Pape but most of the town was closed due to some street repairs. I also did a "wine route" for half a day as well because I like wine tasting. I know that people who have gone to Provence have done more, but I prefer to take my time, look at things, etc. <BR> <BR>Sorry this is a bit of a long post. I have more detailed information, but I haven't finished unpacking, so if anybody is interested, please email me with your ?s directly. Hopefully my address now works.

Dear Elizabeth (this is really for Peg, I guess): Just about my favorite restaurant of all in France has been Hiely-Lucullus in Avignon (5 rue de Republique). It's superb. Enjoy. Joan

I was in Avignon last summer and agree 8 days is too much - unless using it as a base - most of Provence is great little small towns. Gordes is a perched village that is very nice with a 12th C abbey nearby with the most fanatastic lavender fields (in July). It's less than an hour from Avignon. On the way is another town Isle sur la Sorge which is also nice, different from surrounding area in that it's very green - has river and canals and water wheel. Wonderful flea market on Sundays. St. Remy and Les Baux are also very worthwhile day trips from Avignon - both can be done in one day. My favorite city was Aix-en-Provence. It's about two hours from Avignon so it could be a day trip but I stayed there and definitely preferred it to Avignon - much more lively atmosphere, much nicer looking place to just wander - lots of foundtains, hidden alleyways - all those kinds of things.

Dear Ann, <BR> <BR>My fiance and I are looking into spending some time in Aix en Provence this June. Can you recommend some hotels, restaurants and site to see maybe off the beaten path? <BR> <BR>Thanks! Erin