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Getting There

We leave from New Hampshire - usually using Frequent Flyer miles. For a fool proof trip from here ... try limiting your trip to Chicago.

Weather ... connections ... sleep? - It can be a nightmare just to get there. This is what we've learned so far:

• Entree to Europe, France in particular usually goes through Paris Charles DeGualle Airport. Some Airlines will continue to Nice or Marsaille. We have also gotten there through Zurich, Frankfort, and London. We have never tried the Icelandic route, but we will someday - if you have, let me know. (Icelandic has a greqat airline, but they require an overnight in Rychivic - which we hear is rather nice, actually.
• We have departed the US from Boston, New York, Chicago and Washington D.C.
• We have gotten to Provence via Nice, Marsaille and driving - train from Paris is a reasonable alternative, but adds about $100 or so per person - you may find a deal so don't be afraid to look - Carol has posted links on the home page.

The Guidebooks do a good job of laying out the basics - if you have not been to France, gat a guide book or two - I've listed our favorites on the right. I've used everyone of these - I'll try to give you a candid review. Some people love the excitement of anticipation ... if that's you, get a lot of guides. They all cover the basics - some are focused on economy, others on class - it helps to know where you are going so you don't miss out - get a guide.

That paragraph was for the planners - most of us don't. I'm trying to keep it simple here. Your best bet - painfully slow, sometimes - is to call the airlines to "shop" for connections and prices. If you're paying cash, be sure to call Air France. The French really do "Hospitality" right - And they are often very competitive.

Getting to Provence is not so easy. Fly to de Gaulle, switch to NIce or Marseille - either way will likely add 6 or mor hours to the trip. trains are very convenient i France. There's a RAR and TGV station at deGaulle Airport. Changing is not too bad, even with all your luggage - not cheap, but less hassle than driving and probably quicker than flying. Either way is an experience.

Airport Rules

• Bring a book - lay overs can get long
• Read about money to get and trim your cash.
• "Duty Free" shops charge more - you save maybe half the tax. They keep the other half. It's still a savings.
• European airports have free luggage carts; US airports don't.
• Load your things on a cart and walk to Duonne - customs. There will be a line for "nothing to declare" - go there.
• If you get stuck, the airlines are always bilingual. This is not the time to practice French, unless you are just chatting - if you need help, use whatever language suits you ... once beyond the airport, the rules change. Sorry.

Bonne Chance