Readers Recommend

France: La Barauderie, c/o Karen Kennedy, 41400 Pontlevoy; telephone/fax 011-33-254-325-944. “Four farmhouses for rent in the Loire Valley. Ours was a charming 200-year-old stone house with two bedrooms (one in a loft) and local Sauvignon waiting for us in the refrigerator. Owners are expats with tons of ideas on where to go and what to see.” Rates: $700-$850 per week, double occupancy.

--Linda Morin

Santa Rosa

*

Laos: Settha Palace Hotel, 6 Pang Kham St. (P.O. Box 1618), Vientiane, Lao PDR; 011-856-21-217-5812, fax 011-856-21-217-583, www.setthapalace.com. “Beautifully restored hotel with wonderful food and gracious hosts. Within walking distance of temples, Mekong River and wonderful shops, including Carol Cassidy Lao Textiles. We wish we had more time to enjoy the hotel’s gorgeous pool and garden.” Rates: from $120 double, with Internet specials starting at $88.

--Erin and Tom Lamb

Los Angeles