Dee, this isn't going to help you at all but I just want to counteract some of the negative response to the Relais & Chateaux properties. I agree that they do vary but some at least are truly suberb. We stayed at Le Bretagne in Questembert, Brittany and it could not be faulted - a beautiful room and excellent service.

Ann, <BR> <BR>I'm sure there are some lovely Relais & Chateau properties. The problem is we chose our inns based on photos in the Relais & Chateau book and when we got to our various destinations we were very disappointed. It was frustrating for us because we paid top dollar for all of the Relais & Chateau properties and therefore we expected nice places, helpful service and an updated room. Unfortutely we didn't get that. <BR> <BR>I didn't mean to infer that ALL Relais & Chateau properties are over-rated, but given my previous experience,..."once bitten, twice shy". <BR> <BR>Hopefully on this trip we'll be stay at some gorgeous Relais & Chateau properties and I'll be eating my words!

Dee, <BR> <BR>Seems to me that a couple of things are going on here: <BR> <BR>1. You must have way too much $$$ <BR> <BR>2. It's good that you do, because you will probably never be satisfied. <BR> <BR>3. Referring back to number 1. If you have all that $$$ and it's not an object...why aren't you just letting one of your servants take care of it for you instead of playing out this silly little thread? <BR> <BR>Have a nice day!

If money was no object for me, I'd probably choose one of the two places in the spectacular perched village of Eze: Château Eza, or Le Château de la Chčvre d'Or. <BR> <BR>http://www.provenceweb.fr/e/alpmarit/eze/eze.htm

another beautiful place we stayed was THE BASTIDE DE MOUSTIERS in Moustiers. You drive up to a beautiful Black iron gate and announce yourself through a speaker. It is one of famed chef, Alan Ducasse's holdings.

Wow, sounds like you have way too little of $$$, or you wouldn't be such sour grapes. You sound very envious. I pity you and your pathetic attitude.

Thank you Rupert...you were much kinder than I planned to be. <BR> <BR>Wow..you should really get a life! <BR>

Dee and Rupert, <BR> <BR>Got a life thanks, and enough money! <BR> <BR>Just get annoyed with self absorbed twits like Dee who couldn't even figure out that St. Paul was in Provence. <BR> <BR>Guess she was too consumed with the fact that "money was no object." <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>

Having money doesn't necessarily equate to a knowledge of geography. Is it supposed to? <BR> <BR>As far as money being no object for some people, we have no idea how or why that is. People may be wealthy, or perhaps not wealthy but have just saved for years for a special trip. <BR> <BR> <BR>

There you go again, Wow, you naughty thing! You just can't help yourself, can you? <BR> <BR>Please don't concern yourself with us wealthy, high-living, self-absorbed twits -- and please go elsewhere on this forum. Leave us to wallow in our decadence!

Whether we are wealthy or not I'm sure no one cares...although Wow must because he keeps bringing it up. <BR> <BR>You won't admit it Wow but I can tell you're green...very green! It's okay, I can't say that I blame you!

Has anyone stayed at the Chateau de la Chevre d'or in Eze recently? I read a few reviews that indicated it was a bit run down.

Dee- Check out this website for hotels and reviews of the hotels by people who were there. http://digital.france.com/hotels/Hot...vence&stars=4L <BR>I am staying in St. Remy at

I've just remembered that there is another small luxury hotel not far from Menerbes called the Bastide de Marie (I think that's the name). I'll look through my files and post the information later when I find it. <BR>It's supposed to be exquisite... and very pricey. <BR> <BR>PB

I would buy a RED MICHELIN book, make my choice and find the Site of the Hotel in Internet. In October you can go practically without reservations. Relais et Chateaux can differ enormously and the problem is that they are mostly out in nowwhere. In summer it can be very charming, but I am not so sure about October. This is just a suggestion from Europe.....There is another chain, not bad, called "Relais et Chateaux Indépendents" - have a look at that one too.

My husband and I just returned from an beautiful trip to Provence. I recommend the Vaucluse area over the Riviera (the Riviera is too touristy). Quaint, romantic and stunningly beautiful, we never ate a meal we didn't LOVE. We stayed at Le Mas de Cante-Perdrix. Sean and Laraine (the owners) were wonderful with advice on the best places to visit and eat. They made reservations for us at local restaurants Le Mas de la Bonoty was an especially beautiful place to eat. They dine in true Provincial style, no meal lasted less than 3 hours and the wine flows freely. I recommend this area highly

For PB: The Bastide de Marie is lovely, but last year and this year they were booked.There have been several magazines, the last several months with layouts. I think the last one I saw was in Victoria magazine. The area around Bonniex is beautiful and the hotel is located on the route de Menerbes.

I did try the Bastide and it is indeed booked. I'm not having any luck finding a place at all. We may have to re-think our strategy and go at another time. <BR> <BR>Thank you Tasha for your suggestions, we'll certainly look into them. <BR> <BR>Everyone here has been great. Thank you so much for all your help!!

Comment on Chateau de la Chevre d'Or: We've stayed there twice--both times in their "Superior" rooms. The first visit was in Sept. 1995 and I adored the place. It was right up their in my list of favorite hotels. The second visit was in May 2000. I was very disappointed. The service was NOT up to the previous standards--in fact we had a terrible experience. The first thing that did after checking in was to ask them to clean the room. There was garbage and medical waste (bloody bandages, etc.) in the bathroom. Definitely not what I would expect when paying close to $400/night.

No offense, but if you found Boyer less than brilliant, I fear nothing in France is going to please you.