Provence/Paris honeymoon
 

For our honeymoon, we will be cruising the Mediterranean, ending up in Nice. We would like to spend two days in Provence before heading to Paris for another two days. We were planning on travelling by train. I am looking for a romantic, scenic villa in Provence and a recommendation for a hotel in Paris. Appreciate your advice.

What kind of price range are you looking into in Paris ?

Under or around $300/night would be nice, but we're kind of flexible.

You may want to consider Avignon as your destination in Provence - if you are traveling by train - and look for a hotel in town. <BR> <BR>Avignon has TGV access to Paris (which is a 1/2 day trip even on TGV). <BR> <BR>There are a number of good hotels in Avignon from 3-5 stars and at least one days worth of walking and, of course, eating. <BR> <BR>Trying to do much more then that in 2 days will be difficult. <BR> <BR>I can recommend a very nice country hotel about 45 minutes outside of Avignon - the Mas de Cur Bourse. Very tranquil, surrounded by sun flower fields and has a gastronomique menu with meals served on a wonderful back patio. I believe it is 3 stars and fairly reasonable for the money. <BR> <BR>Have a good trip.

There are so many exquisite and romantic towns in Provence to choose from! For a good-sized town, my pick for most romantic is Aix-en-Provence. For a tiny village-Eze, right on the sea, near Nice.

You might consider the Relais Christine, rue Christine 75006 Paris, an XVIIth Century palace in the Latin Quarter, but very cosy and quiet ; or, to go to something more hip and modern (but small and cosy as well), Hôtel Costes, 239 , rue Saint-Honoré,tél. 01 42 44 50 00 (fax ending by 01).

Hi - we made a similar journey last fall and stayed at three delightful hotels, 2 in the Provence region and one in Paris. We started in Paris and stayed at the Pavillon de la Reine Hotel on the beautiful Place des Vosges. It was a lucky pick, chosen because it was so highly rated in guidebooks. Very atmospheric, friendly, lovely neighborhood a little off the beaten track and near the Musee Picasso. Not cheap but worth every penny. From Paris we took the TGV to Avignon, picked up a car and headed for a Relais and Chateau property recommended by a friend. It is called Le Mas des Herbes Blanches in a tiny town called Joucas near Gordes. Definitely need a car in this area and it is quiet countryside, but within short drive to the many charming hilltowns of Provence. FANTASTIC farmhouse hotel built of stones, luxurious rooms with sweeping views, a lovely swimming pool and superb restaurant. I doubt it could be topped for exploring rural Provence and a quiet relaxing stay. If you prefer a little more action, consider our third stop in the exquisite town of St. Paul de Vence, not far from Nice. Here we stayed at another Relais and Chateau property, Le St. Paul. One of few (the only?) luxury hotel within the walls of this car-free village, it was also delightful in every way, although perhaps not quite as luxurious as Le Mas. I would recommend St. Paul if you prefer more activity, museums, etc. than rural relaxation. At any rate, both Relais and Chateau properties can be viewed on their web site (altho the pictures dont do justice to the reality!) The Pavillon de la Reine can be booked through Prima Hotels in the US. Whatever you choose, have a wonderful honeymoon!

Auberge de Noves, located just outside Avignon, is also a Relais & Chateaux property. We enjoyed our stay there last fall. <BR> <BR>

Linda,Sounds like a terrific honeymoon.As one replier wrote, don't miss eze village high up over the sea.We stayed at Le Chateau Chevre D'or.The restaurant is excellent.The view from our room looked out over the terrace pool that was surrounded by flowering plants and just beyond that the huge hillside,(Cliff?,reaching all the way down to the sea.At about 10 am when the kitchen at the hotel starts making the days sauces,the entire alley smells of terragon. Very Romantic. <BR>The Domain d'St.Martin in St.Paul D'Vence is also remarkable but a bit more inland.The Chateau Rochegaud in Rochegaud near Avignon Was a very nice experience.3 stars and less expensive than some other hotels of similar charm. We enjoyed our stay at Hotel Mansart in Paris.Very reasonable around $280 a night.Adjacent to Place Vendome behind the Ritz Hotel