We will be driving from Alès, France (north of Nîmes) to St. Gilgen, Austria (near Salzburg) on June 20-21 and have two days for the 12-hour drive. The last time we did a similar drive, we spent the night in the small village of Cully on Lake Geneva. This time we wanted to sample a different area.

I've sent off some inquiries to small hotels in Berne and Gruyères. (I realize these would be two very different experiences!) These travel notes on Gruyères were especially helpful, and I did write to the farm mentioned in the notes.

I wondered if anyone has any input about Berne or Gruyères-- or another overnight stop in the general area. And if anyone has a specific recommendation for an interesting and economical small hotel or B&B, that would be great too.

Kathy

We visited Gruyères last June and enjoyed it.

The weather was pretty warm and there was a pervading "cow smell" in the air.

I personally love the 'cow smell', so Gruyères sounds wonderful - I'll be in that area too, this summer(can't wait!)

Having lived in Thun, which is not far from Berne, I also love that area. Berne is an interesting place to walk around for a day. A very long time ago I stayed in a small hotel but I can't even remember the name. Expect to pay a good dollar though, and for what you get in Canada or the US for a hotel room, it will be different there (but charming of course!! :-)