After being in London and Paris we'll be needing some countryside. We have 5 days not yet planned. From Paris, where would you go for some walking? Or should we just rent a car? Will be taking Ryanair back to London via Italy, Ireland, France, or Scotland. Also is 125euros to much for Hotel du lys in Paris?

There are lots of options. If you wanted to stay in close proximity of Paris, take the TGV down to the Loire valley. Base yourself in Amboise or Blois and explore some of the countryside and chateau. Or head down to Provence and explore some of the smaller towns. there are some nice routes that you can walk. Then there are the Alps, if you're talking about more strenous walking/hiking (Chamonix, Annecy).

Thanks. Will we need a car?

You don't need a car but the opinion of most seems to be that a car is the best method of transport in Provence and the Loire Valley, it is the most efficient and allows you to stay in the country at smaller B and B's or chateaux which can be cheaper.<BR>In the Loire valley bicycle tours are popular. The terrain is flat and the sites are relatively close, 15 to 20 km, some less.<BR>Walking in Provence is wonderful but you can't travel much distance. You could base youself in a medium sized city ( Arles, Avignon etc), walk in the city and take a trip or two by train to nearby locations. <BR>Have a fun vacation.

If you want more info about Provence check out:<BR>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/provence<BR>John