Hôtel Arvor and Ferme Savigny in France

On our trip to western FRANCE in May ’06, we stayed in two places that were especially noteworthy.

• Located in a quiet part of medieval Dinan in Bretagne is Hôtel Arvor (5 rue A. Pavie, Dinan 22100, France; phone 33 [0] 2 96 39 21 22, fax 83 09 or visit www.hotel-arvor-dinan.com). The hotel is within walking distance of the town’s primary attractions, and there is free parking.

The staff was very friendly and helpful. Room rates were very reasonable: €50-€70 ($64-$90) per person including breakfast. We stayed in the very large room No. 31 on the top floor, which is serviced by an elevator.

Dinan is within an easy drive of Saint Malo, Mont-Saint-Michel, Combourg and the Armour Coast.

• Located near Omaha Beach in Normandy is Ferme Savigny (La Cambe, Calvados 14230, France; phone 33 [0] 2 31 21 12 33 or e-mail ledevin@libertysurf.fr). It is a member of the Gîtes de France (Paris; phone 01 49 70 75 75 or visit www.gites-de-france.fr).

Once a fortified farm, the original part of Ferme Savigny is almost 500 years old. Régine Ledevin is the owner/manager and is a delightful and helpful hostess. She and her husband, a veterinarian, inherited the farm from his parents.

The rooms are large and furnished with great antiques. All have private baths. A large mini-suite cost €45 ($58) for two including a generous breakfast. Large single rooms cost €35 ($45).

DAN SCHIPPER
Lakeside, MT