Ellen - -there are definitely ways to visit and STAY in France without spending an arm and a leg. I love being in the country. You can rent a gite, house or an apartment for so much less than staying in Paris and visit surrounding towns. Many of my more memorable meals have been in restaurants in the country. Many are family owned, don't have incredible overhead and diners are made to feel welcome and even part of the "family."
I like staying in a place that's on the train line so that if I want to go to Paris form the day, I am able to do so!
Wonderful rental in Burgundy
If anyone, like us, has taken to the idea of renting a gite, cottage or apartment for a week or so, and taking day trips from there....we had a wonderful experience at the Maison Chaudenay (http://maisonchaudenay.com). Three separate rentals in two 17th century buildings, along with manor house inhabited by the charming New Zealanders who own it, Anne and Bruce Leonard. The location is superb: just outside of Chagny, a less-than-charming village, which can however provide the necessities; (divine rabbit terrine at the nearby Intermarche...how can I readjust to Stop & Shop?) 15 or so kilometers from Beaune, 50 from Dijon, and right up the N74, villages with very familiar names (Montrachet, Meursault, Pommard, St.Emilion, Pommard, etc.). Two hours of beautiful driving to Vezelay, with a stop in Avallon on the way, and very close to the Burgundy Canal and Voie Verte.
The accommodation was superb...our unit was two bedrooms and baths, a large open stone-walled and floored room on the first room containing the kitchen, and a large private patio out back. Absolute calm and quiet; 550 Euros for the week..it could easily be shared by two couples, or a family of four.
While we ate in most nights...our host recommended Le Chassagne in Chassagne-Montrachet, where we enjoyed the equivalent of a Michelin one-star meal for 26 Euros.
And a concert in the nearby Chateau Meursault...and a buvette Bastille Day eve in the Meursault church square, complete with a band playing the Marseillaise and great fireworks...an unforgettable and thoroughly French experience.
The accommodation was superb...our unit was two bedrooms and baths, a large open stone-walled and floored room on the first room containing the kitchen, and a large private patio out back. Absolute calm and quiet; 550 Euros for the week..it could easily be shared by two couples, or a family of four.
While we ate in most nights...our host recommended Le Chassagne in Chassagne-Montrachet, where we enjoyed the equivalent of a Michelin one-star meal for 26 Euros.
And a concert in the nearby Chateau Meursault...and a buvette Bastille Day eve in the Meursault church square, complete with a band playing the Marseillaise and great fireworks...an unforgettable and thoroughly French experience.