dave

My wife and I would like to see the Normandy area and possibly Loire Valley. We will have a car and 3-4 days. Need ideas re hotels and places that we shouldn't miss - ie. beaches at Normandy and a castle or two, wineries. Accommodations should be somewhat comfortable but we don't need much (but a bathroom..). We usually stat at B&B's in US when we travel so might enjoy something similar. Heard everything is very expensive so any suggestions there would be appreciated. Thinking of spending $100/night on room...is that reasonable? We will be cominig from Paris so if you have ideas as to where to stay in Paris we could use that too....can see we are just beginning. My wife speaks French so that should help. Thanks.

Tom Holec

I can share some of my limited experience.
In Paris, I stayed @ the Normandy Hotel and it was fantastic. The rate was not too much and the food was outstanding.

For Normandy, I was there last fall and I only gave myself 1 day to see all of the beaches and significant monuments. I'd highly recommend the Pointe du Hoc.

From there, I drove through the countryside to Mont St Michel. I wish I had known in advance they had hotels w/i the castle as it's an unbelievable location.

Ed

Hi Dave: Have been to France many times. Most
recently rented a car and drove to Loire Valley
to visit Chambord. Stayed in new Holiday Inn in
Blois, very inexpensive. In Blois there is nice
tourist office with wineries listed. I visited a
few about 30 mi. S. of Blois. Couple years ago
visited battlefields at Normandy and stayed at one
of the Best Western Hotels in Mt. St. Michel. Very
nice. In Paris I stay at IBIS Hotel #2 Rue Cambronne. Metro stop right outside hotel and 20 minute walk from Eifell Tower. There are many IBIS
hotels in Paris but I like this one for location.
rate is about 80 USD. Have visited Paris about a
dozens times and like this area about as well as
any. Regards, Ed

Sarah

While you're in the Normandy region, you shouldn't miss the sleepy little harbor town on St. Malo (on the English Channel). Of all the places I toured on a Loire Valley tour package, this was my favorite. We stayed at a quaint and inexpensive hotel named after the town's famous poet, Chateaubriand. The views of the channel and coast from the ramparted walls which surround the city are magnificent. The cobblestone streets are filled with dozens of various stores (shoes, clothing, foods, pottery, i.e.) and a peaceful little park is nestled in the center of town. If the town grows too confining, the concierge will be glad to make arrangements for many other leisure activities nearby.

Barbara Hastings

I traveled along the Loire Valley over 30 years ago and was absolute fascinated with the splendor of the chateaux I visited. My husband and I have just booked a vacation for November to visit the Loire valley, Mont St. Michel, and Paris. Let me reiterate, the Loire Valley is a must when visiting France. Enjoy!