France

Guidebook corrections:

Please note: The following corrections were submitted by readers and have not yet been confirmed by Rick. Check updates from Rick for the latest.

On Carcassonne France The France 2008 guide book has all the information on Carcassonne wrong. You no longer can follow the guidebooks guided tour as you now must pay to enter and need to do this in the courtyard in front of the castle entrance. The walls and the castle close at 6pm and are cleared at 5:30 so there is no longer any reason to stay overnight in Carcassonne as you cannot walk the walls or the castle at night as written in the guide book. It now costs 7.50 euros for adults those under 18 are free. We were there on July 9th of 2008

In Arles according to the France 2008 book you can have your bags watched by a man named Patrick who works at the VAS I think it was written. We tried to have our bags watched here but unfortunately they are under renovation and are closed. We were there on July 8th of 2008.

Mike in Normal, il USA 07/14/2008

Nice: Bus #15 no longer exists. To get to Chagall and Matisse museums, take bus #22. And you don't have to backtrack down to place Messena to catch it, as listed in the guidebook. We stayed near the train station. There are bus stops for #22 lots closer. The shuttle between the two museums no longer exists, as well.

Sheila in Albuquerque, NM USA 07/14/2008

Versailles: Tickets at the TI: 13.50 euro palace only tickets were not for sale here on June 24. They do sell the 20 euro palace/gardens ticket. Garden was free this day, so we didn't want to spend the extra, so we went to the main ticket office near the palace. The guidebook was right about Tuesdays being extremely crowded. Our wait to get in was about 2 hours!

Chris McNally in Everett, WA USA 07/10/2008

Yes. On page 352 of Rick Steves' France, with regard to the canoe trip on the Dordogne, you incorrectly state that " remember that the downstream current is fastest along the shoreline." Since water is subjected to the friction of the shoreline, the water is slowed down, producing eddies, swirls going in the opposite direction of the main current. Pour ketchup out of the bottle and you can see the same laws of physics being demonstrated. Sailors in a light wind use this to go against a strong river current, Check it out!!!

David Weitzman in Berkeley, CA USA 06/25/2008

see an addition below

K Mohn in Bluffton, SC USA 05/29/2008

see above

CAthy graves in galena, il USA 05/25/2008

When describing the champagne tours in Reims, please advise readers to go early in the day, especially on Saturdays. We saved the champagne tours until after lunch and found that all afternoon tours (both English and French) were already booked. While it was a Saturday in May, it was not a holiday weekend. We were disappointed to miss this experience.

Kitty in Centennial, CO USA 05/19/2008

I used your tour book pages, Best of Paris in 7 days, 2008, as a sort of guideline since we were going to be in Paris on those same days. I chose Thursday, May 1 as the day we were to visit the Louvre since that is the day your tour group was going to be there. Imagine my frustration when we learned that May 1 was a holiday, the Louvre and all museums in Paris were closed that day. That was the only day we had to go to the Louvre since we were leaving Paris the next morning. So, we didn't get to see it! I really wish your tour information had been correct. The Louvre was my premier destination in Paris.

Suzanne Hannus in Bothell, WA USA 05/17/2008

Hotel Le Cheval Blanc in Honfleur refused to give free breakfast stating that the Rick Steves organization had not contacted them this year.

Hotel Leveque in Paris does not turn on their advertised air conditioning until June. When we were there it was warm and our room had an unpleast odor but no A/C. Bathroom was clean and odor free but it was only 1 meter by 3 meters and required that you step around the toilet to enter. However, the hotel did have a good location!

Bob Peck in Irvine, CA USA 05/14/2008

P.262 FRANCE 2008 "Hotel de la Tour de l'Horloge" (5 Rue de la Chaux, 22100 Dinan) has been redecorated in gorgeous vibrant colors in the public areas and lovely restful colors in the rooms; all new furniture and rugs. One outstanding room decorated like a maharaja's palace - very romantic. No longer can it be describd as "little personality," due to the personality, talent, and hard work of the owner's wife, Fatima. Lovely owners: Christophe and Fatima Portail. hotel.pbdelatour@orange.fr

Virginia Dolan in Seattle, WA USA 05/13/2008

Rue St. Jean in Bayeux is not traffic free anymore.

travelfan in Washington, DC USA 05/10/2008

There is NOT an auto rental location in downtown Amboise. The nearest one is a Renault dealer on the way to Tours. It is a LONG walk.

Mike Mitchell in Salt Lake City, UT USA 05/09/2008

The Marmottan museum, listed as opening at 10:00, now doesn't open until 11:00.

Sarah in Leonardtown, MD USA 05/08/2008

Correction to the 2008 France guidebook, page 733, under the heading "Sleeping in Kaysersberg". The websit for the Hotel a L'Arbre Vert has changed.

1 USA 05/02/2008

No

Harold Erath in New Orleans, LA USA 04/23/2008

No.

Barbara Ricciardi in Denville, NJ USA 04/21/2008

All available information was accurate. In Avignon, however, it might be good to mroe strongly stress the difference between the two train stations and how to jostle between the two. It's easy to get the hang of once you go through that first aggratating experience of finding the TGV bus.

Elizabeth in San Francisco, CA USA 04/16/2008

FRANCE 2008 : pg 130: Hotel Ibis is no longer in the www.ibishotel.com chain. It is now part of the all-seasons-hotels.com or the Accor Group of hotels and is called All Seasons Republique. Address still 9 rue Leon Jouhaux.

L.B. in Seattle, WA USA 04/14/2008

None except tell people to self cater for breakfast and lunch (don't eat in restaurants...too expensive). I was able to buy some delightful pain au chocolat from a roadside stand...however they don't serve hot coffee. I ended up getting it from McDonalds!

Elaine Cheng in Downers Grove, IL USA 04/05/2008

France

Dennis Simpson in Redmond, WA USA 03/30/2008

No

Whit in Wilkerson, NC USA 03/26/2008

Font de Guame was open in March. The guide book stated that it opened in May. Some of the closing times of the churchs, museums, etc were inacurate. Some of these places were actually opened later than expected. Maybe because it was Holy Week.

Yvonne Jahnke in Oconomowoc, WI USA 03/24/2008

The Metro in Paris accepts credit cards. Both the airport RER and some Metro stations have vending machines for ticket purchases that also accept credit cards.

John Tallman in Park Ridge, IL USA 03/18/2008

Airport CDG map (p.157) lists Hotel Campanile/Kyraid Prestige but not directions. Only on airport hotels are listed.

Jon T. Haugen in VANCOUVER, WA USA 03/06/2008

The Taittinger tour in Reims is now 10 euro per person. (See more comments, below....)

Erika in Santa Barbara, CA USA 02/18/2008

P.211 -- correct email for La Cour Ste. Catherine in Honfleur is: coursaintecatherine@orange.fr p.220 -- correct email for Hotel d'Argouges in Bayeux is: dargouges@aol.com

Lydia Carroll-Libbey in Bellevue, WA USA 01/19/2008

No.

Quentin Kenney in Germantown, TN USA 11/10/2007

I loved Hallstatt, but in driving from Vienna, we became lost. The offramp "Talgau" (and I am spelling it incorrectly). Then you take 158 toward St. Gilgens and to Bad Ishl. Once you are off the autoroute, the village is easy to find.

Susan Gibb in Santa Ana, CA USA 11/02/2007

On page 742, you suggested that the 'easier hike' from Kayserberg to Riquewihr is easy to find. I got to the TI in Kaysersberg just as it closed for lunch, so tried to find the route on my own. I took the bikepath easily to Kientzheim, but I was never able to find the trail you claim is marked 'Sentier Viticole' to Riquewihr. I was able to follow the bike path route, and with a lot of luck and guessing, made it to Riquewihr without major difficulty, but, mostly I was walking along roads, not the path that you suggested existed.

in Cambridge, MA USA 10/29/2007

France 2007; pgs 210 and 211. Text says "...at the square in front of Notre Dame...walk...west...to the plague cemetrary and...east..to the Joan of Arc Church." Map is exactly the opposite. Huh??

L & D in Edmonds, WA USA 10/20/2007

I suppose there is no controlling Rick's puns? No, no corrections at all. Rick was right on about the Ancient Theatre in Arles: "look through the fence".

David Rohlader in Eagar, AZ USA 10/18/2007

St. Jean-de-Luz: The TI is now located 4 blocks east of place Louis XIV, just past Les Halles market, on blvd. Victor Hugo.

Ronald Turner in Wheelersburg, OH USA 10/09/2007

Hotel du Saint Michel (Chambord) restaurant was surprisingly good and you should mention that in your description of Chambord area.

Laurie McCulley in Winter Park, FL USA 10/05/2007

One thing I think should be more greatly emphasized is the amount of walking required even if you are using the public transportation system. We are Americans living in Bratislava, and use public transportation, don't own a car. So we were shocked when our feet and legs were killing us in Paris after the first day.

Martha Brice in Bratislava, Slovakia 09/20/2007

I have never found a serious error or bad recommendation in one of Rick's guides. They are the only ones we use.

Russell Smart in Greenville, SC USA 09/11/2007

The guidebook says that the d'Orsay opens at 9:00 am in one place, and 9:30 at another place. The correct time is 9:30.

Jennifer Larsen in Falcon Heights, MN USA 08/23/2007

We were in Paris this summer for eight days. We looked everywhere for Rick's recommended Pariscope in English. We found it in French, but never in English.

Sharon & Leo Marty in Olympia, WA USA 08/21/2007

I am planning a trip to France for my 60th birthday in 2009. I have been reading mnay books and watching many videos. I read in your book on France 2007 edition that the Chateau Chenonceau has the original door with Francois I well known emblem of a salamander. I cannot find any other source that tells me that Francois I had anything to do with this castle. I am aware that he did help "build" the Chateau Chambord.

Kathleen Hatfield in fishers, In USA 08/16/2007

Not yet -- but we have only scratched the surface in France so far. We are taking the train down to Paris for a long weekend and have just downloaded Rick's museum tours into the IPod.

Carol Emmett in Windermere, FL USA 08/13/2007

Versaille-I want to ditto the comments on the one day pass. There is no longer an express line and you can't use your pass to use the little train to take to MA Domaine. Long lines for everyone these days!

Anne in Auburn, WA USA 08/09/2007

On a recent tour, Best of Europe in 14 Days, one of our stops was in Beaune, France. We were given a list of Rick Steves recommended restaurants but we were on our own for dinner. We decided to walk in the pouring rain to La Ciboulette, knowing that it was quite a distant but hoping it was "well worth the walk" as stated in the guidebook. When we arrived (dripping wet) we were turned away because we didn't have reservations (not noted in the book), even though the place was empty!!! I recommend instead Le Grande Blu which welcomed us and served us a great meal.

Kay Hokans in Waukesha, WI USA 08/06/2007

The Paris guidebook recommends going to the top of the Arc de Triomphe after dark for the best view. When we were in Paris in June, we followed that advice. We didn't have a Museum Pass, so we paid full price. Trouble is, with a 2-hour fast time in France, it doesn't get dark until about 10:30. They took our money, let us go to the top, and then came around within about 5 minutes telling us we had to go down because the Arc closes at 10:30. We think there was a sign at the ticket booth that closing time is 11:00. The guidebook might have mentioned that closing time can limit the time available for enjoying the night view.

Ken Juell in Wichita, KS USA 07/24/2007

Avignon - The bus from Avignon to Pont Du Gard to Nimes no longer runs (I believe it was 169 in the guidebook). The only bus is Avignon to Pont Du Gard to Uzes.

There was considerable construction at Versailles and St. Chappelle - the Passion windows weren't viewable.

Avignon - I found the description of how to get to "best view in Avignon" to be confusing. You should specifically refer to the name of the park.

Arles - The description of the walk from the train station to town was not clear.

Heather Wills in Dallas, TX USA 07/18/2007

For Carcassone, as of July, 2007, there are two updates that made our arrival by train a little more difficult. The sketched map in the book is very hard to follow because the roads are so twisty. The first square Rick describes (Carnot? This is from memory, I am on the trip!)I didn't think was so charming- the tangle of cafes and cars just added to the confusion. The other big square sketched and described as the place to catch the shuttle bus is completely fenced off to make a parking lot, and the resulting barriers of the entire block made it unsafe to wander around looking for the right bus stop. We finally found it- look for "the dome" stop, not where the rest of the buses are. In fact, we walked the whole way, over the old bridge, back to the train station from the heart of the old walled city when leaving and it was a lot easier (at least in good weather!)than dealing with that shuttle bus; which also doesn't start running until 10:00 and takes a very long lunch break! We never saw the electric ones in the new town.

Sara Glass in Tumwater, WA USA 07/17/2007

Even with the Paris museum pass, there is no longer an entrance to Versailles for quick entry. You have to stand in line like everyone else. The museum pass doesn't even have this updated information printed on it yet. Also, if you skip the gardens during the fountain times, you've missed the best part. My husband and I just returned last week. We used the 2006 guidebook, and it was awesome. Saw 3 people in Paris with it, and another American at the Eiffel tower came to ask me when the ticket office opened when he saw the book. He said, "Oh yeah, everyone has that book. Mine's in my hotel room." We called it "The Ricky". Also, Rick is right-Andorra isn't worth the drive.

Mary Wright in Chandler, AZ USA 07/11/2007

The Versailles one-day pass does not cover the little shuttle from the main palace out into the gardens; nor does it provide expedited entrance. I made thorough inquiries at Versailles in my functional French and was assured that the pass did not include those things. So we waited in a long hot line to get in; and we later skipped the gardens, Marie Antoinette's domaine, etc. rather than parboil on the garden paths or shell out even more euros for the shuttle (you're right, we'll go early in the morning next time). Your book was otherwise very helpful and reliable-- we had a great trip. Thanks!

Lisa in Albany, CA USA 07/10/2007

I've been trying to use Rick Steves France 2007 to book B&B's and hotels in Normandy and Brittany for this summer, but many of the rates in the book are much lower than the rates I'm receiving back. Hotel Ibis in Dinan wants 140 euros vs the 100 euros quoted for a Quad. Hotel d'Argouges in Bayeux quoted me 280 euros when I requested the family suite listed at 130 euros in Rick's guide. When I asked him to double-check, I was told the best rate he had was 184 euros. Hotel le Bayeux wanted 121 euros vs the 80 euros quoted for a Quad; when pushed about why his rate was higher, he said the room was 93 euros and he had to charge an additional 7 per person for breakfast, though he said nothing about breakfast being included in the original rate quote. So be aware that either rates have suddenly gone up or hoteliers are trying to gouge with higher rates, at least initially.

Eric Stout in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA USA 07/09/2007

I loved the France guidebook and had my nose in it for any information that I needed. I found it, too!

madeline hanrath in gretna, la USA 06/29/2007

You could consider adding Basilique Saint-Remi in Reims - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - very old with many highlights and Le Bar a Huitres in Reims - an oyster bar with great food and agreeable service.

Lynda Pyzer in Kenora, ON Canada 06/21/2007

There is a green line bus that runs from Bayeux to the Canadian landing beaches (Juno beach). A must see for all Canadians

Julie Nelson in Calgary, AB Canada 06/17/2007

Carolyn & Daniel Manrique in Tucson, AZ USA 06/17/2007

I have to disagree with Judy L. from Oklahoma City about taking ROISSYBUS from CDG to Opera and then on to Rue Cler area. I took Metro Line 8 from Opera to Ecole Militaire (Rue Cler)a few times last week. Perhaps there was a temporary service interruption?

Peter in Hamilton, NJ USA 05/29/2007

You may want to either remove or put a word of caution about the Hotel du Champ de Mars (Rue Cler). We've had a reservation (or so we thought...) since the 23rd of February and now, with our trip 17 days away, just received an e-mail from Stephane saying that our reservation is invalid. All this after supplying every bit of information and credit card close to four months ago!

Arthur Kuebel in Ellensburg, Wa USA 05/23/2007

When coming from DeGaulle on RoissyBus, you cannot get onto Metro Line 8 at Opera to get to Rue Cler neighborhood.

Judy L. in Oklahoma City, OK USA 05/17/2007

Many price increases.

Judy A. Vosburgh in Atascadero, CA United States 05/15/2007

In the Provence guidebook it says that the TI office in Arles will be open on Saturday morning, it is not. The guidebook also says that there will not be taxis at the train station, but there is a stand and taxis were there on Saturday morning.

Sharon Basile in Foster City, CA USA 05/14/2007

The guidebook suggests that Vaux-le-Vicomte at candlelight is best seen after dark. We followed that advice and would disagree. The Chateau is lovely, but it would be better viewed at dusk. We were there in pitch black and couldn't see the gardens at all. Taxis are not easy to come by at the train station, and we waited about 30 minutes until one arrived. After rushing through the chauteau, we could not find someone to call a cab for us, but fortunately I was able to finally get my cell to work. Also, by going so late, the train ride back to Paris got a little rough. About 12 teenagers were in our car rough-housing each other. At a subsequent stop, the police swarmed our car and searched each one of them right in front of us. Vaux-le-Vicomte is a great place to visit, but since we were limited to public transportation I would probably recommend something else. (Now I understand why the tours from Paris cost 180 Euros!)

Melissa in Maryville, TN USA 05/10/2007

The American Museum at Giverny no longer has paintings by the American impressionist Mary Cassatt. The museum has not had any for a few years. The 2006 version of the guidebook indicates a small Cassatt section. Very disappointing as I specifically visited the museum to see the Cassatts.

Bryan Brasseur USA 05/06/2007

France 2007 says Avis in Beaune is open on Saturday. Not according to Avis web site. I tried to rent a car from June 2 (Saturday) to June 9 (Saturday) and Avis web site tells me: "The Rental Location selected is closed on the date requested."

Location info on Avis site says: 4 Bis Rue Jules Ferry - BE5 Beaune, 21200 , France (33) 03 80 24 96 46 Sun Closed; Mon-Fri 08:30AM-12:00PM 02:00PM-05:30PM; Sat Closed

Calvin Hilton in Jacksonville, FJ USA 04/29/2007

The bus to Chenonceaux departs Amboise at 9:49 and returns from Chenonceaux at 12:27. The fare is €1.50. The ride takes about 25 minutes.

Chang in San Francisco, CA USA 04/27/2007

Minitrain to Cote du Grace from Honfleur port ceased operations indifinitely in August 2006. Marine Museum in Honfleur is closed from noon until 2:00 pm (your guide says it's open from noon until 1:00 pm).

Richard Frank in Toronto, On Canada 04/26/2007

The section on Sarlat says that Sarlat is "a pedestrian-filled banquet of a town" and "seductive tangle of traffic-free, golden cobblestone alleys." Three sentences later the guidebook says that Sarlat "struggles to keep its head above the...irritating automobile traffic." Is old town Sarlat pedestrian friendly or filled with auto traffic? This may determine whether I stay in Sarlat vs. Beynac or La Roque Gageac.

Doug Heatwole in Pensacola, FL USA 04/25/2007

We had a really bad experience in the Paris Metro. We read in the guidebook to discard Metro tickets after use as they are useless. DO NOT THROW THEM AWAY UNTIL AFTER YOU LEAVE THE METRO! We were changing lines in Paris and met some people in olice uniforms who were checking to make sure people had tickets. My wife and daughter had thrown theirs away, and we were fined 35 Euros each because we did not have 3 valid tickets. Traveler Beware!

Richard Druckenbrod in Durham, NC USA 04/24/2007

France 2007, email for email for Claire and Etienne Brossellet's bed and breakfast has changed to: claire.etienne.brossellet@gmail.com p.481. They are wondrously welcoming, with a warm home and good stories.

Carl Scheider in Woodbury, MN USA 04/06/2007

1) In Reims, the internet case Clique et Croque has moved around the corner to 19, rue Chanzy (which is beside the Boite a Piles and across from the museum entrance). 2) The Reims Notre Dame cathedral is being renovated outside and has scaffolding up (as does the main Versailles chateau). 3) In Paris, the Arc de Triomphe now seems to be included in the Paris Museum Pass.

Mary B. White in Alexandria, VA USA 04/06/2007

The Matisse Museum in Nice is now scheduled to reopen on 1 June 2007, not March.

Jon Johnsen in Richmond, CA USA 03/17/2007

The TI in Amboise opens at 10:00 in the off-season, not 9:30 as listed. This is significant, because the bus to one of the chateaus (I believe it was Chambord) leaves at 9:50 in the morning. We missed the bus and had to rearrange our plans because of this error.

Seth Resler in Providence, RI USA 02/25/2007

France 2006 edition (p. 588): Florent's website has changed to http://www.detours-in-france.com

Deirdre McAnally in Lyon, France 02/19/2007

France 2006 guidebook, p. 509:

If you have a car and are staying a few nights, consider drive up to Eze-le-Village--or better, across to Cap Ferrat's plage de Passable for a dinner you won't soon forget (recommendations listed under each destination below

Problem: I was uable to find later reference to this unforgettable dining experience. If it's there, I recommend you clarify reference to it. [unless plage de Passable is the name of restaurant, which I don't think it is]

[Editor's Note: Sorry, the information on Cap Ferrat was edited out of our France 2006 book and moved to our Provence/Riviera book. You can find our current text on plage de Passable and its no-name restaurant starting at the bottom of p. 306 of our Provence/Riviera 2007 book.]

Marshall Korschun in Atlanta, GA USA 01/16/2007

Re. sleeping accommodations in the Dordogne, specifically in the Beynac - Castelnaud area: the directions in your book to the Chateau Nineyrol are seriously misleading. Rather than being located "...at the foot of the bridge leading to Castelnaud..." the Chateau is located on the D703 about 50 yards past the intersection with the road that, one-half mile later, crosses the river into Castelnaud. It's a very significant difference. We just returned and can highly recommend the Chateau Nineyrol.

Roger McClurg in Portland, OR USA 12/03/2006

The small restaurant across the bridge from Amboise is closed.

Sally Griffin in Chevy Chase, MD USA 11/21/2006

gare de l'est in paris does NOT have lockers

natalie in epernay, france 11/21/2006

Lyon:Sights: Vieux Lyon: St. Jean Cathedral. The church also contains an interesting astronomical clock, similar, but less spectacular, than the one in Prague. It chimes and dances several times a day. The 14:30 tours from the TI is timed to arrive to hear the clock chime. The tour guide claimed that the clock dates back more than 700 years, although it has been restored several times.

Lyon:Sleeping: Near the Opera: Youth Hostel. It is quite a hike from the Vieux Lyon metro station upto the hostel - especially with a 35 lb back pack and a 15 lb brief case. I judge the climb to be about 200 feet in less than a half mile. After that trip, I found the better route is to take the funicular to Minimes and walking downhill about 200 yards. Make a hard left on exiting the funicular station and follow the station wall down hill to Montee du Chemin. Continue downhill to the hostel. An unfortunate side effect of taking the funicular is that on every trip I found myself thinking that the second station should really be named Dr. Evils rather than St. Just.

The Youth Hostel has a few coin lockers (2 - 1 euro coins required). I was able to store my laptop there each day.

Reservations for the Lyon Youth Hostel may also be made online at the Hosteling International website.

The hostel common area is noisy, but the rooms are away from the commons and are quiet except for traffic noise.

Lyon: Beaujoalis Wine Route: Being from northern California the visit to Hameau du Vin was interesting mostly for the glimpse of what a Disney winery theme park might look like. Still the wine was good, the cafe very pleasant, and the people friendly. You might note that Romanche-Thorns is served by about 6 trains a day from Lyon on the line to Macon. It is definitely possible to make a morning, afternoon, or all day visit to Hameau du Vin via train. Most trains depart and return from Parrache and Vaise stations. One pair from Part Dieu. The train arrives at the Romanche-Thorins station that is part of the winery theme park. The 13 euro entry is now 16 except for the low season.

I drove up, but never found Route D68. The road paralleling A6 is now numbered N6. I believe this is the road intended. I suspect the tourist info in Villefranche and Macon have winery maps which would be very useful. I only saw one Route de Beaujolas sign, but I saw many fingerboards pointing to Caves. The Hameau du Vin sign was prominent in N6 just north of Belleville.

Gary Johnson in Livermore, CA USA 10/21/2006

2006 edition page 37: Card for cyberposte costs EUR 7 for one hour of use, can be reloaded at EUR 4 for each succeeding hour

2006 edition page 571: the launderette is not the only one in Beaune. There is another inside the city walls at the north end of town -- I neglected to note the street name. The listed launderette's machines are badly maintained: two washers had ineffective spin cycles, and one dryer had a door that did not close completely.

Peter Calingaert in Chapel Hill, NC USA 10/17/2006

In the 06 book, page 226: Getting to the Caen Museum:If you get of the tram @St. Pierre stop DON'T get on bus #2. You now must walk west of that stop to get to stop "Tour Leroy" (50 yards) get #2 ls folie Memorial

Carl/Diann Anderson in Temple, TX USA 10/16/2006

We ran into a few glitches with directionality and availability of attractions and services, but overall, the information was accurate to an amazingly high degree. Both the Paris and France guidebooks were invaluable tools for two first-time visitors to France, and never left our hands. We ran into many other happy travellers with Rick's books in hand. It was a fun "secret society" and opened many conversational opportunites with folks from around the world.

Hal and Karen Phillips in Edgewood, WA USA 10/13/2006

La Petite Tonnelle in Beynac was in the 2005 France book, but omitted in the 2006 edition, and we are puzzled why. As it was the only restaurant open in Beynac in early October (more about that below) we ate there both evenings of our stay, and enjoyed it very much. Part of our enjoyment was no doubt due to eating on the terrace in the nice weather and getting to know some great RS people and a few British tourists, turning the terrace into a jovial dinner party both nights.

Ron in DeWitt, MI USA 10/13/2006

Be aware the Louvre is doing some work in the Denon wing. Venus de Milo has moves to a different room. She is in a room 2 rooms behind Winged Victory. There are signs directing you to her.

LAURIE MEIER in ST. LOUIS, MO USA 09/27/2006

Hotel Muguet - breakfast a rip off.

Jane in North Mankato, MN USA 09/03/2006

Used France 2006. Great book. A few corrections to help readers: 1. Time from Amboise to Beaune is underestimated. We drive fast and usually beat estimated times but this took us close to 1/2 hour longer than book's estimate. 2. In Puligny Montrachet, the degustestation is called Caveau de Puligny Montrachet, not Caves.

David in Toronto, ON Canada 09/03/2006

Hotel de la Gare in Dinan has increased their rates Ds-37 euros, Db-45 euros

Bradley Nelson in Renton, WA USA 09/01/2006

Not a correction so much as a confirmation: L'Hostellerie de la Reine Jeanne is alive and very well in Les Baux. Still reasonable, same magical setting, clean rooms, excellent food in the restaurant and nice staff. The first night I was there, I sat in the dark on my balcony and listened to the music from the wedding reception down below. Lovely. The new owners took over in December 2005. The food was as good as it was on my trip in 2002.

Maureen Williams in Mountlake Terrace, WA USA 08/20/2006

I have just booked my room with the Hotel Lorrain in Nice (as recommended in your book). The listed price for a Db in the book is 50. She is charging us 54 per night, despite my reference to the pricing in your book. Thought you would like to know! Also, she has asked for my creidt card number & security code on the back of my credit card for the reservation. Is this normal and safe?

Marci Anderson in Munich, Germany 08/18/2006

Had dinner in Dinan (late June 2006)at the recommended Restaurant Le Saint-Louis on 9 Rue de Lehon. Fantastic meal (appetizer/dessert buffet were both tasty), wonderful ambiance, and great service. I shared the page from the book with the owner (husband/wife team) and she had some updates/corrections. She wrote: "Last dinner seating 21:30. Off season: closed Tuesday night; Wednesday all day. July and August: just closed Wednesday. Fabienne and the chef Philippe." It was one of our most memorable meals in France! Thanks for the recommendation, Rick.

Helen Turner in Pleasant Hill, CA USA 07/13/2006

take cafe soufflet off your list; they've gotten sloppy, surley and poor food quality.

sharon hussey in antioch, ca USA 07/09/2006

Pg. 152--the Chantilly and Auvers-sur-Oise day trips mentioned here are actually not described in this book. Chantilly's chateaux and stables proved to be a pleasant short day trip by car while staying near CDG airport.

Les Share in Miami, FL USA 07/08/2006

The Golden Shuttle from Charles de Gaulle to Paris (any arondissement)costs only $32/two people. Please consider including information about Fontainebleau, a chateau more remarkable than Versailles in some respects.

Bernice in Hecker, WA USA 07/04/2006

Nothing that has not been covered in updates. The books were right on.

Jim in Fort Lauderdale, FL USA 06/26/2006

In the France 2006 book on page 688: It may be helpful to readers if Formule 1 and ETAP hotels were included under "Huge Chain of Hotels: www.accorhotels.com (handles Ibis . . .) since some are listed in the guidebook. Great places if you're just looking to lay your head and rest up for the next day!

Shana Erickson in Circle Pines , MN USA 06/21/2006

In Provence 2006, pg. 323, Inland Riviera section, the hotels for Le Grand Canyon du Verdon (Les Gorges du Verdon), 3 things: 1. Hotel-Restaurant Grand Canyon du Verdon has a website through the city of Aiguines. http://www.aiguines.com/index.html Click on "Hebergements" at the top. Then click on "En savoir plus" under the Hotel's name. There is no pricing but there are pictures. 2. Hotel du Vieux Chateau: Db price is now 100 Euros (not 62) but includes breakfast and dinner. 3. Hotel Altitude: Db rooms range between 46-54 euros per person (not 55-60 euros total), no breakfast. It also has a website through the city of Aiguines. http://www.aiguines.com/index.html Click on "Hebergements" at the top. Then click on "En savoir plus" under the Hotel's name. The words are in French (although you should be able to figure out prices and dates) and there are pictures.

E. House CO USA 06/13/2006

on page 155 - if someone wants to go to Brugge, there is a cheaper train ride via eurostar to lille to Brugge rather than more expensive thalys to brussels - book should point this out...

Catie in Boulder Creek, CA USA 06/11/2006

1. Paris Museum pass no longer sold at any Metro station. 2. In taking R.E.R. train to Charles de Gaulle airport, be sure to pick the correct (of 2 possible) train - look at the 4-letter code on the locomotive. The same is true going from Versailles to Paris - check the 4-letter code. 3. In renting a car, anywhere in France, do 2 things for sure: Check for even minute damage before you drive off and make sure your rental agreement has this damage noted (if not, return to rental agent for correction); when returning the vehicle, make sure the agent verifies the condition of the vehicle. In my case they offered to do neither and I ended up with a charge for windshield damage which I do not believe existed. Also, outside Paris, make provision in your schedule for the 12-14:00 lunch break. Be sure to say "bonjour monsieur [madame]" and "au revoir" - it makes all the difference in the way you are treated. In asking directions, precede your question with "S'il vous plait" [the same goes in London, say "please" before your question].

Duncan Ga;rdiner in Lakewood, OH USA 06/06/2006

In the Burgundy / Beaune section: The number listed saying that you can call if you don't have a room and an operator will find you a hotel day or night is not useful and should be omitted. There is no English speaking operator and we even had a French speaking person try to use this service and they thought it was stupid and really unhelpful. I would recommend you take this info out. It doesn't work. I think the number was 3223?

Kim USA 06/02/2006

Yes, Rick's update on this site says that the SNCF no longer requires the validation of tickets. It is true that if you did not validate your ticket before the train, you can find the conductor immediately and ask to have it validated, but they announce this is imperative. Tickets still say "billet a composter avant l'acces au train", which means it must be validated. They still announce this as well on many of the trains. Perhaps the SNCF has made an official decision to cease requiring validation and informed you of it, but this had not been publicized well, nor are the SNCF workers I've spoken with aware of this change (as of 5/23/06). They have all told me I must validate my ticket. I would highly suggest that travellers err on the side of safety and simply take the step of validating the ticket, since the French will fine tourists without hesitation. I would encourage you to at least post these caveats about better being safe than sorry to prevent any mishaps, since it seems most employees expect validation.

Jenny Lee in Lyon, France 05/23/2006

The website address for Hotel Londres Eiffel in the Rue Cler neighborhood of Paris is incorrect. It should be www.paris-hotel-londres-eiffel.com. Thanks!

Lisa Williams in Seattle, WA USA 05/21/2006

Just returned from France. Wanted to let you know that Café de la Riviere, in Beynac (Dordogne) has been sold and new owners will take over in June 2006. The current owner Hamish told this to us. He is not sure what the new owners' plans are, but thinks that they are going to continue operating in the same fashion.

Matt Macario in Seattle, WA USA 05/19/2006

Not really but you might mention that the French use the term Perigord to describe what we know as the Dordogne region. We got blank stares in Paris when we said we were visiting the Dordogne next.

Derek Gardiner in Lexington,, MA USA 05/13/2006

Museum Pass in Paris is no longer 1 day/3 days/5 days, instead, they offer a 2 day/4 day/6 day passes for 30/45/60 euros. See the following website for more information: www.parismuseumpass.fr

Theresa Huang in Redondo Beach, CA USA 05/12/2006

Is the Hotel le Guitry - Nice still in business? I received a message that my email was undeliverable to the address in your book. I tried calling several times but no one ever answered.

Nancy bloom in Pickerington, OH USA 05/06/2006

Not a correction, just a comment on a previous posting. Ricks suggestion to stay in Senlis prior to flying out of CDG is right-on. The last two times in France we have stayed at the Ibis Hotel in Senlis on our last day. Yes, it is a chain but the rooms are clean, adequately sized, reasonably priced and the hotel serves one of the best breakfasts we had in France. Best yet it is a 20 minute drive straight down the Autoroute to CDG. Another plus is you get to visit a quaint old medieval town with a beautiful cathedral (see it at night) on your last day in France. Senlis is one of the few towns in France where parking is no problem. Way to go Rick!

Robert Gann in Baytown, Tx USA 04/28/2006

We tried to follow your recommendation to stay in Senlis north of CDG before our returnt o the US last week. They accomodations were dreadful...only one 2 star hotel which was dirty as was the other non-rated hotel. Both staff were totally disinterested in even showing us the rooms. We returned to CDG and stayed at the Marriott Courtyard which was wonderful.

B A Schindler in Philadelphia, PA USA 04/15/2006

P 261 The Guidebook says there is an Avis agency in Amboise, tells where it is,phone number, etc, but WE CAN'T FIND IT LISTED UNDER AVIS AS AMBOISE; AVIS CAN'T IDENTIFY IT EVEN WHEN I CALLED THEIR 800 NUMBER. We want to return our car there (getting a Rail/drive pass). If it's like the TGV stations for so many cities that are listed under the nearby small town (ie Tours is St Pierre des corps, etc), or it is listed as something other than Amboise that info should be in the guidebook so that people can find it.

Michele Rinka in Oconomowoc, WI USA 03/24/2006

France 2006. On pg. 183, Rick mentions The Route of the Ancient Abbeys, as described on pg. 184. The correct reference should refer you to top of pg. 192.

Paul Apostoli in Colorado Springs, CO USA 02/28/2006