The Guide to Lodging in France's Monastaries

Library Journal

Travel writer Barish adds a third volume (along with Spain and Italy) to her series on unique and inexpensive accommodations in monasteries, convents, and religious guest houses, many of which are located in some of the most beautiful towns and villages in France. Travelers can stay, for example, in a 16th-century building just a few feet from Chartres Cathedral or in a former castle in village of Moulins-les-Metz in Lorraine. Most of the more than 150 institutions profiled accept guests without any religious obligation, but some of them offer only spiritual retreats. Each entry includes information on the number of rooms, amenities, cost, availability of meals, any special rules, directions and contact information, and two to four pages on local tourist attractions. The average cost per person per night is $30 (meals may add $5 to the cost) and some monasteries ask only for a donation. Barish has also included a reservation form letter in English and French. This is a worthwhile addition to any travel collection and will intrigue travelers on a strict budget and those who want a holiday with a twist.-Linda M. Kaufmann, Massachusetts Coll. of Liberal Arts Lib., North Adams Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.