Does anyone know of a good tourist guidebook to france (either complete or a series by region) - ie places to visit, things to do etc I know there are lots of things online (but we prefer an actual book) as easier to take with us
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I rely on the relevant Rough Guide wherever I go. It's honest. Entertaining. Says if something is or isn't worth the 4 hour drive down a dirt track. Some prefer Lonely Planet, but I find it just says what's there is, no more.
Get the most recent version - check a library copy first, in case it doesn't suit you. But RG has helped me in New Zealand, Czech Republic, Chile and yes, France.
Michelin Green Guides split France into regions, but they do concentrate on culture and architecture. WH Smiths usually have a couple in stock to have look at.
We too like the green Michelin Guides - now available for most regions in France in English, but go to your local library and take out all the French guides you can get your hands on, read forums, research yourself through sites like 'Les Plus Beaux Villages'.
But there is so much of rural France which is beautiful, that wherever you are, and whatever guide book you have, you won't beat personal experience.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Many thanks for all the recommendations - we've done some investigations and seem to like the Rough Guides the most. I know everyone have their favorites, but the Rough guide series seemed to fit with us.
We recently have started to use trip advisor as it gives up to date reviews of places to visit in the surrounding areas where you are staying.
It is also good for 'interesting places to visit' and brings up quite a few surprises once you have got there.
You can pick up really cheap secondhand books on Amazon. I always have a green Michelin guide for the area we are visiting and anything else I can get my hands on. There are lots of websites worth a visit and some have downloadable brochures. I also make and print out my own guide with information from here, Trip Advisor, etc.
If you take a laptop, tablet or Kindle with you on holiday you can download a huge range of travel guides which are sometimes cheaper than the printed versions. The main benefit though is that the saving in weight and space (leaving room for more wine :-) ).
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
When you get there, visit the local tourist office where you will find lots of leaflets about the area and its attractions. This usually included a free tourist map too. You can then recycle them when you move on if you don't want to carry extra "stuff".
------------- Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.
We just drive to where we're going, pick up a few leaflets in the campsite shop or motorway services, chuck a few out and maybe go to one or two of them.
France is beautifully sorted for tourism. There are castles and stately homes all over. If there's a half decent river there will be canoeing. Every 5 miles or so there's some kind of low key kids' activity. If you're into something really specific, lawnmowers, fountain pens, whatever you might have to do some up front research but if you just want a nice time and to see some sights it's really hard to fail.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: France
