Hi, everybody, really pleased to have come across this forum

[Johnmac]

Hi everybody,
I’m really pleased to have come across this forum as my wife and I have booked a flat in Sainte Maxime, South of France, over Christmas and New Year and will be travelling there by car over a two day period.
Although we enjoy Christmas, we thought for once that this year we would break with the tradition of the usually family thing, as now our children have their own screaming priorities and arrange something different which we could really look forward to rather than same old festive hassle!
Plans to date, placed deposit on flat, return Eurotunnel booked on 19ih Dec and 4th Jan.09, saving towards holiday nil!
Have travelled by car to France several times so familiar with legal regulations etc.
Whilst there, we like to enjoy and see as much as possible, eat at restaurants and drink at bars where the local go, visit Christmas markets etc etc.
Planning to travel on main motorway toll routes stopping overnight possibly around Dijon area, any advice on overnight budget Hotels/B&B’s?
Would greatly appreciate your experience, guidance and advice from all who have made a similar journey and or spent the Festive season within the area.
Many thanks, Regards, Johnmac [/color]

[Jenny]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I don't know the Saint Maxime area but hopefully someone else on here will be able to help.

[Johnmac]

Hi Jenny, many thank for the welcome.

[Marcus]

Welcome there...

You're so lucky having someting on Ste Maxime... I've enjoyed many summers there (near a restaurant called Le dauphin close to casino. Unfortunately, i've always found it rather 'fresh' during winter as there's not so much visitors at this period, and many stores are closed.
Nevertheless, you may have up to 18/20° if you're lucky.

I've no idea of any enjoying destination near Dijon, as i don't live far enough to get somewhere to sleep. But it's a beautifull city, you can easily discover if you've enough time.

Enjoy your trip... and be welcome here.
_________________
Semper Fidelem

[Johnmac]

Hi Marcus,
Thank you for your comments.
Last time we were in Ste Maxime was about 25 years ago when our children were very young. We stayed in a rented mobile home near by and spent nearly ever night enjoying a few drinks and listening to live music at the bars. I guess it properly changed from what I can remember but so looking forward to returning. Yes, don’t expect a heat wave at that time of year but 18-20c is going to be a great deal better than England’s weather and as long as there’s a few restaurants open, OK and bar as well and locals tolerant of my broken spoken French, I sure we have a great time. Planning to travel around a bit to get to know the area again and to relive some of bygone memories.
Good to hear from you and hope to catch you again soon.
Kind Regards, Johnmac.