Thanks to all the expert advice we received from you Slow Travelers, we had a wonderful three weeks in France. We returned a week ago after spending a week in Normandy in the "manoir" that the Paris Perfect people manage. Then we went to the Languedoc and stayed in Marseillan in the "Port House" right on the harbor. Last, we were in Paris for four nights at the Hotel Henri IV Rive Gauche before flying home.

I'll get around to reviews of the two rental properties next week. I reviewed the hotel last year so I don't know if I should add an update or how to do that.

Dave, we had a really fun lunch at L'ancrage in Honfleur! Thanks for the tip.

I've never before written a trip report but I did keep my journal up to date and since I'm having another knee replaced in two weeks I'll have some time to write a trip report if anyone might be interested.

As of this week, we're already planning two weeks in the Dordogne next September and are anxiously waiting to hear if a property is available. We've found three desirable houses that are already rented for the two weeks we'd like to be there. If anyone knows of a property that has enough space for ten people with at least four bathrooms, I'd love to know about it.

Thanks again, Slow Travelers, for helping us with another memorable vacation!

Linda

I came across a property,www.lesmilandes.com, that looked like it would work well for a large group when I was searching for a rental last winter.

i do not use it for this many but i do use it for 5 here are the best sites in France
http://www.gites-de-france.fr/eng/index.htm

Linda, do you speak French? Enrolling in a continuing education French class will be a big help with your feelings of nostalgia until you can return.

Hi Linda,

I was so glad to hear that you enjoyed your recent trip, and I can't wait to read that trip report with all the details and maybe to see some photos too.

And I'm not surprised to hear that you're already planning your next trip. Dennis Martin recently gave Chris some input about a possible area to base in the Dordogne and this may give you some ideas too. I have a lot of confidence in Dennis' recommendations!!!

Good luck with your upcoming surgery--

Kathy

Thanks, everyone, for the tips. mk, Les Milandes looks like a lovely property but it's a bit more expensive than properties we've rented in the past.

lagatta, I have a friend here in Brevard who is Parisian and we're going to meet several times a week to speak French. I can just "get by" with my two years of college French and listening to Pimsleur tapes.

Kathy, it's always good to hear from you! I read with great interest Dennis' advice. How was your recent trip to Provence?

I'll try to write reviews of our two rentals today.

Thanks again, everyone!

Hi Linda,

Glad to hear you enjoyed your lunch in Honfleur. Good food at l'Ancrage, and that restaurant is exceptional in that - it's clear - the proprietor and wait staff decided some time ago that serving people can be a lot of fun!

Dave

Great to hear you made it back safe and had such a fantastic trip. We are really starting to get excited about our trip next month. I look forward to reading your reviews and trip report!

Hmmm, so you started planning the next trip as soon as you returned? That does not bode well for what I will be doing the rest of the year after we get back!

Take care,
jrmvt

Yes I can identify with your heading, "Back home and missing France.: I have just returned (July) from 15 days in FRance and wish I had known about this sight well before I placed my travel arrangemnets in cement. I miss what I did not see as well as that I did. Positive is that I will definitely not do it again as my next trip to France and in particular the Luberon, will be over a couple of months. I am a big convert to 'slowtravel.'