Hi Catriona,

See my answer to your other query on the same issue.

de-vs-des

Jim

Bonjour Catriona -

I have the same question as you and also did not understand Jim's answer.  Here's another explanation that may help.  Or at least, it enabled me to justify the difference (right or wrong). ;-)

https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/de-vs-du-de-la-des-quantity/

Based on that article, des nombreux restaurants implies that they ate at many restaurants specific to their vacation.  It is

 de bâtiments  implies that the number of buildings is nonspecific.

Hi White,

Noting that you were unclear about my post for Catriona, I wonder if there is a misunderstanding?

"Des nombreux restaurants" refers to the "restaurants", not the location.

My reference to a previous answer of mine may help you further if you would like to have a look --  the point revolves around definite and non-definite articles.

Hope this helps, if not; then post again and I will see what I can do to help out.

Jim