MAPS AND GETTING AROUND: France has a good system of signage, but a good map will help you get around more directly and without getting lost. Our favorite is the Michelin Provence Camargue Zoom Map, #113. It has all of the local roads, and includes Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon. It can be purchased on Amazon through our Links page, or at local stores in Uzès.

Via Michelin is convenient for getting maps, even of small villages, but the directions tend toward major roads, often with much greater distances than using local roads.

When driving, note that some roads are narrow; stay to your side on curves, and be prepared for cars to pass you at any opportunity.

MONEY: It is wise to have some euros on hand when arriving in France. Most shops, stores and restaurants accept Visa and MasterCard, but American Express and Discover may not be accepted. Some shops and restaurants do not take any credit cards, and venders in the markets rarely do.

US credit cards are not accepted in some automated machines, such as unattended gas stations and public telephones. European cards have a microchip embedded in them, while most US cards do not. Automated toll booths do take US cards, as do the parking garages we have used.

It is easy to get cash from ATMs at a reasonable exchange rate; remember your password. It is also possible to exchange currency at banks. However, French banks are not as easy to deal with, and English is rarely spoken. We recommend that you exchange some of what you will need at home, and if you need more, use an ATM.

In doing currency exchange, make sure you understand the transaction. Rates are very variable and include a margin of profit and, usually, any fees. Check around before you buy.

TRANSFERS OF MONEY: When transferring money, for instance to our account for paying for your booking, it is important that the funds be exchanged for Euros BEFORE transferring. If you transfer other currency to a French bank, the bank will convert to Euros using their own exchange rate - which will inevitably not be to your advantage, and your payment will be short. You can only be sure of sending the correct amount if the conversion to Euros is made first, and the transfer is in Euros.

COMMUNICATIONS: We recommend staying in touch via the internet, if you travel with a laptop. The wireless broadband in the house will allow you to access your email, and Skype, for free computer-to-computer calls, and low cost calls to ordinary phones.

If you do not bring along a laptop, there are some internet shops in Uzès, and they are inexpensive. There is a telephone in the house, but free calls are limited to calls within France.

French phone numbers are ten digits, the first two being the area code. When calling overseas from the United States to your France cellular phone, callers will need to dial 011 followed by the country code 33 and then your France cell phone number, omitting the first 0 (zero). To call abroad from a phone in France simply dial 00 followed by the country code and phone number.

For your reference, the emergency numbers while in France are: 17 for Police, 15 for Ambulance, 18 for Fire.

French pay phones do not usually take coins or US credit cards.

BUSINESS HOURS: Most stores and businesses are open Monday through Saturday, and the hours vary. However, most close between 12 and 2 for lunch. This can be true even if you have been waiting in line. Lunch is served in restaurants during the same hours, and dinner is usually served starting at 6 PM. Less formal restaurants are more flexible. Schedules are usually listed in 24 hour (military) time, so lunch would be served between 12-14 hours.

Public parking is usually free during lunch.

LANGUAGE: English is not widely spoken in Languedoc, except in places which cater to tourists. Patience and courtesy, as well as a few French words, will make things easier. Saying "Bonjour" when entering a shop, and "Au revoir" when leaving, will make a good impression. If you have a problem, email us, call our representatives for help, or stop in at the Tourist Office in Uzès.

GETTING THERE: From the USA, there are several ways to get to La Trouvaille. We have found it convenient to take a flight to Paris, arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in the morning, then taking the TGV from CDG (there is a station, 'gare' in French, in the airport) to Avignon or Nîmes. Car rental is available at the TGV stations (except in Nîmes on Sunday).
Flights are also available to Montpellier Airport, which is about an hour away by car.

WALKING TOURS: Free maps and walking tours are available from the Tourist Office in most cities and large villages. Uzès has a wonderful walking tour of the historic sights of the village, including ancient Greek ruins and the source of the water for the Roman aqueduct. Bookstores and tabacs also have a selection of maps and guide books in French and other languages.

GASOLINE: Buying fuel is not difficult, but there are a few things to know. The large supermarkets often have the best prices. Do not use automated, unattended pumps, as they do not accept US credit cards. Gazole is diesel fuel. Remember that fuel is sold in liters, aboout a quater of a gallon. Multiply the price by four to get the cost per gallon, and be thankful for the higher miles per gallon most European cars are capable of.

MYTHS, FACTS & CUSTOMS:

The idea that the French hate Americans is not true. In general, Americans are welcomed wherever they go.

Also, the idea that the French are rude is false. The French are more formal in their social inteactions than Americans, and that can be mistaken for rudeness. French people expect to be greeted with 'Bonjour' when approached, and they expect to be addressed as "Monsieur" or "Madam", with the last name. "S'il vous plait", "Merci" and "Pardon" should be used as appropriate. When leaving a store or ending a conversation, "Au revoir" or "À Bientôt" ('Until later') is expected. English is not widely spoken, but most French will try to understand you.

Many people in Languedoc are very familiar with world events and politics. And not just French politics - many French people will be quite familiar with the current political situation in the US, and may want to share their ideas.

France is expensive - true and false. Most prices for food and grocery items are comparable to those of the US, and French prices include tax (VAT is 19.5%). Wine, however, is much less expensive than in the US. Clothing can be more expensive. The exchange rate between the Euro and other currencies affects cost more than anything other factor.

There are fast food restaurants in France. In the cities and along some motorways, and in Provence, there is the occasional McDonalds or KFC, but not in the villages of Languedoc.

In restaurants, look for the "Plat du Jour" or the set menus for the best prices, and often the best dishes. Expect to have to ask for your check; the waiter will not want to appear to rush you by bringing it without a request. "L'addition, s'il vous plait" will get you your check.