After 14 days in France and stays in Paris (8days) Chartres, Normandy (2 nights) and now Burgundy (4 nights) I thought I would share some great places to think about if you are coming this way.
In Paris I stayed in a GREAT Airbnb which we loved. ( This is not a post to debate the pros and cons of Airbnb so please hold any of those comments) Our host was wonderful and it was perfectly located and at only a little over $700 for 8 days a good deal for Paris considering it had a Washer and all the amenities of home. Definitely give AirBnb a shot of you are coming to Paris.
In Chartres I stayed at the Hotel St Yves which is just steps from the Cathedral and right in the center of town in the pedestrian zone (never fear drivers you can get your car in and it’s easy) This hotel was an old monastery with very good rooms, comfy beds and a great breakfast all for the 75E per night.
GO to Chartres and see the Som et Lumiere at the Cathedral (9:45 PM) it is the most jaw dropping amazing use of light and art and architecture you will ever see.
Next came Normandy for a look at the DDay Landing sites and Museums. I highly recommend this if you are coming here.
We stayed in an utterly charming small hotel with a good restaurant and bar called the Hotel du Normandie right on the waterfront at Arromanches. It was a great base to see all of the sights. The rooms are typical and cozy but clean and modern and the hotel itself was dripping with old charm. Again very comfy beds and a bargain at 65 Euros per night. It is a very easygoing place with a great staff of friendly people.
Now we are in Burgundy at a small B&B called the Hotel Les Gageres in Puligny Montrachet. We have a huge room with an amazing bathroom, exposed beams, Persian carpet, wood floors and again amazingly comfy beds and a view of the vineyards. Breakfast is included and is served in a glassed in room overlooking the vineyards and the town of Meursault in the distance. Breakfast consists of Cheeses, meats, fresh strawberries, melon, Croissants, breads,Jams, sweet rolls, fresh juices and a huge pot of coffee. There is free parking and all of this for 75 Euros per night breakfast included. The Lady running it is a wonder of smiles and good cheer and helpfulness. The Food at breakfast just kept coming out and we ate way too much.
We have more stops to make in France coming up at Vezelay, a small town called Montreal and back to Paris for our train to Italy. (Yes I know about the strike and have fingers crossed, it seems most international trains are running) I will post again about those places in the coming days.
If you are coming this way consider these places. We have had a great experience in them and have loved our time at them all.