My wife and I are planning a trip to France next September. We plan on flying into Paris (5 nights), travel by train to Beaune (4 nights), Avignon (4 nights), ending up in Nice (4 nights), then flying home from Nice. We enjoy taking our time, interacting with people and the culture, wine tours, and a relaxed style of travel. I've reviewed the lodging recommendations in the Rick Steves 2012 France guide, but am interested in other viewpoints from those who may have stayed in Beaune, Avignon, and Nice. Any thoughts on lodging in these three locations (in the 100 to 200 euro per night range)? Additionally, are we staying too long in Beaune and Avignon? We do like to relax, interact, and soak in the culture. And a guided wine trip from one of these two locations will also be included. The recommendations and comments provided on this site are invaluable. Thank you.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
Hi Walker, We spent 4 nights in Beaune and it wasn't too long at all for us. Actually wished we had stayed 5 nights. We like to go slow and soak it all up.
We spent one whole day in Beaune itself, loved it. Spent the other two days doing the two scenic drives RS recommends in his France guide, which we enjoyed immensely. Especially loved a lot of the little villages and two chateaux, the highlight being the village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois. We stayed at Hotel le Cep in Beaune and liked it very much. Burgundy is so beautiful and charming, I think you'll really enjoy it.
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga, USA
2023 posts
We stayed at Hotel Remparts in Beaune (3 nights) and Hotel Colbert in Avignon ( 2 nights) and were happy with both hotels-good location, nice rooms, quiet, etc. Both were moderately priced. I think Le Cep in Beaune would be considered higher priced. Four nights in Beaune would have been nice but we were ready to leave Avignon after two nights. Lots of good restaurants in Beaune and there are wine tastings and tours and wonderful antique shops. Biking opportunities in Beaune also.
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, CA
18 posts
Thank you to both Susan's, Ron, and Mike. I appreciate the responses. I believe we are going to enjoy both Beaune and Avignon.
Posted by
southwest, Missouri, U.S.A.
1717 posts
Hello Mr. Walker. Beaune 4 nights, and Avignon 4 nights. I think that is not too long at those places. From Avignon you could go on a day trip toward the east, and a day trip south to Arles.
Posted by
Columbia, MO, USA
249 posts
We stayed 3 nights in Beaune, 4 wouldn't be too many. We loved Les Jardins de Lois which is top-rated by TripAdvisor as well. My review was posted 11/16, send p.m. if you'd like more info.
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
I can highly recommend B & B in Avignon. Le Clos du Rempart. Wonderful owner, Aida will make you very welcome in her lovely home.
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
I recommend the Hotel de la Paix in Beaune and Hotel le Royal in Nice. We had a great room overlooking the Med in Nice.
Posted by
Dallas, Texas, USA
501 posts
Hotel Suisse for me, and as RS stated, get a room with a view.
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2296 posts
Since you say you like to soak up the culture,I am going to make an nate suggestion in the Avignon area. We stayed at a B&B in Tavel called Jardin de Bacchus.You can read the reviews on Trip Advisor and see if it would be something you'd enjoy. It was an easy bus ride in to Avignon. Whatever you decide, 4 days will be wonderful.
Posted by
Collegeville, PA, USA
11 posts
We've stayed at the Hotel Massena and the B4 Nice Park in Nice and enjoyed both of them. For a couple of days, the Massena was great, though our view was of a parking garage. Our room at the B4 Nice Park overlooked the Jardins de Albert 1er with the promenade and the Med just across the street. It was beautiful.
Posted by
Boise, Idaho, USA
1 posts
We stayed at the Hotel Colbert in Avignon, August 2012. It was not a good experience. The owners are charming until you need something they think is too much and then they turn on you with an incredibly unpleasant attitude. One week before our trip I hurt my back. It was too late to change hotels so I asked for help with my bag since we were on the top floor and there is no lift. That request sent the owners over the edge and we were treated like lepers for the rest of our stay. The beds are extremely uncomfortable. The breakfast on the patio is nice. Overall however, it was one of the worst hotel experiences I have had. Stay elsewhere.