A group of 4 is planning a trip to France in mid June. We will spend 4 days in the Normandy/Brittany area and the same amount in the Avignon area. Any recommendations for a charming place to stay, central to each area, so that we can take daily car trips and return home each evening? Also what are the "don't miss" and "don't bother" attractions for each? Any fabulous local restaurants to share? Also, when taking the TGV train to Avignon, is the station at GARE TGV Mediterrane the correct one to arrive at for the car rental??? All comments will be most appreciated!!!

In Normany, a "don't miss" is Honfleur, a little harbor village. If you get up before dawn, you'll be able to enjoy the soft light rippling over the waters of the harbor ... and realize where the Impressionists got their inspiration.

There's only one TGV station in Avignon, so you don't have any chance to go wrong there! I stayed at Hotel de l'Europe last summer and found it to be a very nice place.

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my inquiry. I appreciate your advice.

Just to point out - while there is only one "TGV Station" in Avignon, the TGV from Paris can confusingly also arrive at the "Gare Centrale" in Avignon. So just make sure when you book your rental car that you are picking up at the same train station where your TGV arrives.

-Kevin

A charming bed and breakfast inn in Honfleur is the Cour Ste. Catherine:

http://www.giaglis.com/

Thank you for the recommendation. We will take the speed train from Avignon to Paris for the return. Any suggestions for time allowances and the easiest method to do this?

Suggest you buy the small Karen Brown book. We used it all through Normandy, Brittany, etc. etc. We also have all the books for England and Italy. I am a big fan of hers and only found bad advice once in Florence. But, usually, her advice is "right on". The book contains maps, etc. etc. Also, you'll find restaurants. You will love the food in Normandy!.

We used this site a few years ago and found some great places to stay (Sully in Normandy).
http://www.chateauxhotels.com/sully
I highly recommend the Caen Memorial Peace Museum, Ponte De Hoc and American Cemetary. very interesting and moving sights.

And for B&Bs. This is very good

http://www.specialplacestostay.com/se...

I have to recommend Chateau de Lignerolles near Bayeux. It's central, very charming, very resonably priced, and has the nicest hosts. The rooms were beautifully decorated, and included drinks in the living room, a stocked refridgerator, and a nice breakfast. In addition if you choose, Roel does D-Day tours, my husband and father can't say enough good things about his tours. The site is victorytours.com for both the Chateau and or the tours.

You might want to check out Hotels and Country Inns of Character and Charm in France or Bed and Breakfasts of Character and Charm in France at the bookstore or their website http://www.guidesdecharme.com

Hi

I often use Logis de France. It is the central booking agency for over 3000 small privately owned hotels in France.

You can read about them here : http://www.the-languedoc-page.com/to...-de-france.htm

Peter

Two hotels recommendations for you...

First, in Petit Andelys, which is between Giverny and Rouen, the very nice hotel/restaurant La Chaîne d'or. It's right on the bank of the Seine, and rear bedrooms have lovely biews--as do the tables in the charming restaurant.

Second, in Honfleur: the hotel L'Ecrin, about 2 blocks from the port and with its own walled parking.

Hello Dieeat: You may wish to consider la Cheneviere, a rural hotel near Port en Bessim, which is listed in the SLH of the world. We spent a week there and had a wonderful time. It is well located for tours, especially with Roel, mentioned above, who picked us up there for a great day. Best. Gradyghost

Thank you! It is great people take the time to advise!