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The Best Hotel Bargains
La Reserve (Albi, Languedoc-Roussillon; tel. 05-63-60-80-80; www.reliaschateaux.fr/reservealbi): La Reserve's design approximates a mas provencal, the kind of dignified farmhouse usually surrounded by scrublands, vineyards, olive groves, and cypresses. It's less expensive than many luxurious hideaways along the nearby Cote d'Azur and has the added benefit of lying just outside the center of one of our favorite fortified sites in Europe, the medieval town of Albi.
Hotel Renaissance (Castres, Languedoc-Roussillon; tel. 05-63-59-30-42; www.hotel-renaissance.fr): In the quaint town of Castres, with its celebrated Musee Goya, this hotel is a good introduction to the bargains awaiting you in provincial France. Built in the 1600s as a courthouse, it was long ago converted from a dilapidated site into a hotel of discretion and charm -- all at an affordable price, even if you opt for a suite. Some rooms have exposed timbers, and you'll sleep in grand but rustic comfort.
Hotel Le Donjon (Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon; tel. 04-68-11-23-00; www.hotel-donjon.fr): Built into the solid bulwarks of Carcassonne, one of France's most perfectly preserved medieval towns, is this small-scale hotel whose well-appointed furnishings provide a vivid contrast to the crude stone shell that contains them. A stay here allows you personal contact with a site that provoked bloody battles between medieval armies.
Hotel du Palais (Montpellier, Languedoc-Roussillon; tel. 04-67-60-47-38): In the old town, in a labyrinth of narrow streets, this hotel dates from the late 18th century but has been successfully modernized to receive guests today at prices within the range of most travelers' budgets. The rooms are cozily arranged, and the hotel has a special French charm. It's one of the most historic hotels in town, and the bedrooms are relatively large, ideal for a short or even a long visit.
Hotel Danieli (Avignon, Provence; tel. 04-90-86-46-82; www.hoteldanieli-avignon.com): Built during the reign of Napoleon, this 29-room gem is classified as a historic monument. Small and informal, it has Italian flair but Provencal furnishings. The tile floors, chiseled stone, and baronial stone staircase add style in a town where too many budget hotels are bleak.
Hotel d'Arlatan (Arles, Provence; tel. 04-90-93-56-66; www.hotel-arlatan.fr): At reasonable rates, you can stay in one of Provence's most charming cities at the former residence of the comtes d'Arlatan de Beaumont, built in the 15th century on the ruins of an old palace. Near the historic place du Forum, this small hotel has been run by the same family since 1920. The rooms are furnished with Provencal antiques, and the antique tapestries are grace notes.
Hotel Clair Logis (St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Eastern Riviera; tel. 04-93-76-51-81; www.hotel-clair-logis.fr): The real estate surrounding this converted 19th-century villa is among Europe's most expensive; nonetheless, the hotel manages to keep its prices under levels that really hurt. If you opt for one of the pleasant rooms (each named after a flower that thrives in the garden), you'll be among prestigious predecessors: Even General de Gaulle, who knew the value of a centime and sou, selected it for his retreats.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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