Our dates are Oct 3-15. We have reservations in Paris for the 1st 4 nights and also reservations in Venice for the next 2. The remainder of the trip we want to go to the Loire Valley and maybe Provence, but we don't know how long we may want to stay in each place. Would we be crazy to wing it?
With the latest Michelin guide and a cell phone, you can ring hotels from your car early in the day for that very night. In October, I don't think it would be a problem. The holidays start on the 25th.
We did that in the mid-90's this was before internet and cellphone use. We used the "I" info centers in a town to find hotels, etc. It just meant that we had to start looking early. It should be much easier now especially off season NO RESERVATIONS sounds like a good name for a TV show! Another thought, not having to be anywhere at any specific time makes a more enjoyable trip.
Daniel and Priscilla in Fort Lauderdale
Posts: 634 | Location: South Florida | Registered: 25 July 2001
In the smaller French towns, especially out of season, you should do fine. One idea might be to check out the "chambre des hôtes" lodgings, the french version of bed and breakfasts, where you can often lodge and eat very well moine chere.
Some of the most enjoyable travel we have done has been without reservations. But you should not count on just happening upon great places by chance. Get one or two good guide books with phone numbers, addresses, and maps (maybe pictures?).Keep it with you. Then allow for the occasional serendipidy.
Two quick examples. Last year on the way from the Dordogne to Italy, we planned to go through the tunnel at Frejus. Turned out it was closed after a fire, so off we went into unknown territory. About 5 or 6 o'clock we saw a sign for a Logis de France hotel just ahead. Pulled in, yes..a room and dinner for 65 euros a couple. We had a view of Mont Balnc, home cooking, cozy beds, friendly people, a great walk after dinner along the moutainside.
On the way back though, some friends had told us about another hotel that they had loved and we went a little out of our way to try it. It too was excellent, right on the banks of a stream and across the stream from the place where Beaufort cheese was made. Great room, uibelievable fondue dinner (We could eat about half), and the sound of the stream all night.
See? No reservations, but a little local knowledge about Logis de France hotels being good places and advice from friends.The only time this strategy did not work was near Paris the third week in June when we went from hotel to hotel until after midnight searching for a room. Turns out that is the busy week of the year for hotels. Who knew?
In October in small towns? They will greet you with open arms and hearts.
Dennis
Posts: 196 | Location: Tacoma/France | Registered: 24 February 2005
Here is an excerpt of something I wrote once about the serendipity of finding a place in the Burgundy reagion without a reservation:
Soon we were on our way to the next town when we decided we had better book a place for the night. Thankful for mobile phones, I started calling every little motel I could find in my tour book and found that they were all booked, so I decided I had better start calling the more expensive places and finally found a place with a room called Château de Vault-de-Lagny located between the two towns of Avallon and Vazelay. I was so happy, since I had imagined spending the night in the car at the side of the road somewhere. We went on to Avallon, another really interesting town still shielded behind some ancient ramparts and with a lovely church. Then, we decided to go check into the Chateau. Driving along a winding country road through green hills and cherry orchards we found it: a 16th century château circled by a moat. We entered the gates and the château stood across the wide expanse of grass which are called grounds because they look, and are, so luxurious. Peacocks and exotic chickens strolled about. An 11th century tower left from ancient times stood next to a beautiful building. They just don't make buildings like they used to, in my opinion, and it's a shame. There is so much charm in steps that curve up to a grand wooden door, with worn indentations from centuries of others climbing in just the same way as we did that day. The interior had high carved ceilings and a wonderful fireplace. Our room was comfortable and luxurious and looked out over the grounds spreading out green in the setting sun. We stayed there that evening for dinner out in front of the chateau with part of the entertainment being two hot air balloons being filled and then launched over our heads as we ate. We had a great meal with local wine and a regional beef stew. www.lindamathieu.com
Another vote here for Logis de France - we've always had good stays in the small hotels we've tried from that group. Also, there is (or used to be) a similar group for hotels/B&Bs build in old water or windmills. I wasn't able to put my hands on the association info quickly, but this UK site lists some examples of that type of hotel/B&B. I remember a wonderful stay in one not too far from Vezelay, that we strayed into unplanned and were very happy with, but that was many years ago, and I don't have contact info for it. But yes, with some 'on the road' planning, a cell phone, and an adventurous spirit, you are likely to have a wonderful time travelling this way in October. The Loire is wonderful - enjoy!
Seconding David's recommendation. The Rivage-Payot "Guide de Charme" series is excellent. We've used it often on vacation travel, with very good results. There currently is a "Maison de Hotes" guide, as well as a "Hotels et Auberges" guide for France.
When we drive around Europe we usually don't have reservations. And like other posters above, we have found some of the neatest places just by chance. I am not a France expert, but you are traveling 'out of season' so I don't think you will have much problem outside of Paris. Remember, Paris has all kinds of trade shows that fill up the hotels!!
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