I have just joined, having found kaydee's posts on Provence (both here and at fodors) so very useful.

I've slowtraveled in Italy before, but now it's time for France.

This summer, my husband, my 4-year-old son, and I will visit Provence and Burgundy with my 75-year-old mother. We have been to Europe togther before, about 2 years ago.

After our 3 wekks are over, we'll split up in Paris -- where my husband and son fly home -- and then the next phase of the trip begins: a week in Paris with my mom and sisters.

As you can see, I have a lot of planning to do. As I can see, I've come to the right place!

And no, phyllis stein (=philistine) is not my real name.

Welcome Phyllis--that sounds like quite a plan! I hope when you are finished, you will post a report of your multi-generational travel experience! Auntyk

Welcome, Phyllis. I'm sure you'll get lots more info from the helpful and friendly people on this board.

But I have a question. What is a gite? Is that French for something? I'm out of the loop so often that it might be something quite evident that I just haven't noticed.

Hi Earline,

A gite is a rental house or cottage or apartment -- it is a French term.

We're renting three different ones -- two through the official gites-de-france program, and one directly from an owner. Unfortunately, I haven't seen reviews of any of the properties anywhere, so the lodging for this trip will be one leap of faith after another. I'll post reviews on my return, though.

Welcome! Sounds like a wonderful trip and you will find lots of answers here.

We were in Burgundy and Provence last fall with a child who just turned 6 ( in Paris) and had a fantastic time.

I really would not have thought of Burgundy as a great place for a child, but she loved it and even came along to most of our tastings and wine caves. They sometimes gave her little kids "wine" too and she still likes to do wine tastings in her play.

Enjoy!