Provence! Hints and Tips.....

After a couple of weeks of exploring, there are things it would have been really useful to know.

..... Yes, we all know to drive on the left... OOPS I mean right..... yes, we all know the signs are in French and yes (!) we have a map but what about the bits???

Listen very carefully, I shall say this only once...

1) Carry lots of change in a variety of denominations - necessary for just about every car park, road toll and even an occasional public toilette... Trust me, there will be times you need to make use but, ladies, be sure to remember what your Mum taught you!!

2) Nobody French follows the speed limits - don't be so foolish as to think the same applies to you!

3) The ban on smoking in public places doesn't actually mean 'no smoking in public places' or at least, not apparently in Provence....

4) The streets are narrow - only a foolish man or naive woman hires a large car - that said, many RV's navigate some very small spaces, occasionally even retaining their wing mirrors intact!

5) The French are masters at not understanding - just TRY to speak a bit of French, even a little effort will reap rewards. We witnessed many people simply walk up to people and just start speaking, in English, without so much as a "bonjour or parlez-vous Anglais" - not surprisingly and perfectly reasonably, this resulted in a shrug of shoulders, confused looks and an outpouring of very fast French. This from people we had heard speak perfectly good Anglais only minutes earlier, even as we muttered, stuttered and stumbled our way through our own few words of French. Splash out on a little translator if you don't have time to learn in advance!!

6) The French make the best wine, accept this and if necessary, the small glasses it is served in for a most enjoyable holiday!

6a) Memorise one or all of the following phrases, depending on personal preference:

a) Vous pouvez me recommander un bon vin rouge?
b) Vous pouvez me recommander un bon rose?
c) Vous pouvez me recommander un bon vin blanc?

7) Make good use of the many roundabouts - a good place to calm your nerves as your navigator checks out the map! Again!!!  Two to three turns usually does the trick, more can result in a feeling of slight dizziness and besides, you can be certain another roundabout will be along sometime soon.  Often, you will find you are not the only vehicle doing the rounds!

7a) Be nice to your navigator at all times!!

8) Don't be afraid to admit you are wrong (it won't be the fault of your navigator) - turn around when you miss your turn and rest assured you will see plenty of other cars doing exactly the same!

8a) Continue to be nice to your navigator!!

9) Look in all directions - beautiful views will also be behind you! And of course beside you (ref your navigator).......

10) Don't bother trying to shop between 12 and 3, it is lunchtime - eat, drink and relax!

10a) Talking of drinking... A popular pastime.... If you lean to the white, try the rose.... Le blanc of the region isn't the best of French.....

11) Take plenty of must-haves - spare everything: corkscrew, power adaptors, camera batteries (you will soon wear out one if not two) and storage for your many many photos. AND! Don't forget good walking shoes!!!

12) Diet before you get here.... You will be checking in extra weight on your return flight, guaranteed! And it won't be hidden in your suitcase!