My wife and I will be renting a car in Caen, France and driving to Saint Malo, France. We will be returning the car in Saint Malo. We have about 4 days to explore the region. We know virtually nothing about the region but have a guide that gives driving tours of Normandy and Brittany. We would like to visit Mont Saint Michel, but have heard it is better to stay off the Mount. Any tips or suggestions for the region would be greatly appreciatied. We like staying in Chateaux or other places with character and would like to spend about $100- $125 U.S. per night on lodging. Thanks for your help.

We stayed at a wonderful B&B last spring in Caumont-l'Evente, which is centrally located between Mont St. Michel (go, but take a coat), Bayeux (see the Tapestry), and the battlefields on the Normandy Coast (the American Cemetary may bring tears to your eyes- even young people seem to enjoy the WWII bunkers atop the bluffs nearby). The name is Le Relais, and only the wife, Mme Boullot, speaks English. Each bedroom is romantic, the food (dinner can be arranged) is wonderful--all fresh meat and vegetables, there is a swimming pool, and it is very inexpensive (around 300ff per night in '96). Each bedroom has its own private bathroom. Call 31-77-47-85. It is a little difficult to find, but well worth it. Tell them Lou from Atlanta recommended them very highly.

Normandy is a great choice for a romantic get-away. My husband and I loved staying on Mont St. Michel - possibly one of the most romantic spots to stay in France. The Hotel Saint Pierre was quite nice and reasonable priced.

Another lovely place we found was in Houlgate, on the coast north east of Caen called Auberge des Aulnettes. Double room with large bath was 265 FF. The truly fabulous dinner was a surprise and we were the only Americans.

The local cheeses in Normandy are superb, but unless you have a very strong constitution go easy on the cider. Hope you enjoy your trip.

Pack picnics for lunch--all towns have charcuteries and pastry shops, bakeries, wine shops etc. It takes a while to put together, but it sure is romantic in the middle of Normandy!! Pack a tablecloth or something to sit on and bring it with you. We especially loved Le Ferme (the farm), a small and romantic hotel outside of the charming fishing town of Honfleur. It's convenient to the battlegrounds and cemeteries but quaint and the food at the hotel is wonderful!! Bonne chance!!

I will be in France in Aprill '99 and would like to visit Chateau Thierry, my family's ancestral home. So far, I've had no luck finding any information on the net. <BR> <BR>Can anyone out there help? <BR>

My husband & I drove from Calais to the Normandy Region. We were actually looking to tour the D-Day beaches. The drive by the coast was absolutely breathtaking and we had the opportunity to se many beautiful small french towns (amazing pastry shops!). I remember as a very romantic spot a town called Deauville. It is a resort town with a strong association with fashion and art; Coco Chanel had her first small store on this town. It was very beautiful with a nice sidewalk by the ocean. Another nice stop; Trouville. <BR> <BR>The truth is you can't go wrong with Normandy if you are looking for a nice, romantic escape....