I looked at the France website but cannot tell when the world cup games in Paris end. Anyone have any idea of the date of the finals? I hear hotel rooms will be hard to get until this is over.

Dear Mike: This will be my second attempt to get through to you. My latest copy of Conde Nast TRAVEL arrived today and reports on the very questions you asked. The matches will take place in ten cities across France between early June and mid-July, concluding in Paris where--as you already suspect--hotel rooms will be EXCEPTIONALLY scarce and pricey (Europeans are VERY SERIOUS about the World Cup.) If you don't already have a booking I'd say choose another destination. Sorry. Joan

go into www.eurotrip.com. On the homepage is a weblink to get lots of info on the World cup. You can't miss it- there is a picture of a soccer ball.

Thanks. Looks like the final is July 12th so anyone booking a room after that date should be ok.

July 12th is correct. My wife and I are arriving in Paris on the 13th, and I had no trouble at all with reservations. Hopefully fortuitous, arriving right after the World Cup puts you in Paris on Bastille Day. It should be a great stay! Hope yours is as well.

Take Care,
Jay