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Rating: 
Summary: the Cadogan guides are better
Review: I took this book with me on my recent trip to Provence. If your intention is really to drive everyday, and spend each night in a new location, then this book would be valuable. But if you are planning a more leisurely visit, then the Cadogan guides are a lot more fun and more useful, especially regarding cultural information.
Rating: 
Summary: Unkind Guide
Review: We took this book on our first driving trip through Provence, and jettisoned it before the second. While it does contain considerable information, the condescending attitude toward the French is, at best, dispiriting, and, at worst, leads you away from wonderful adventures. In no way does this book encourage the traveler to embrace the uniqueness of French culture and country life. We felt misled by the pretentious put-downs of villages, museums, cafes, restaurants and monuments that we found welcoming, enlightening, warm and delightful. If we had believed that some places were as dreary as the authors painted them, we would have missed our best experiences with hospitable people in beautiful settings. You're better armed with Michelin maps, Cadogan guides and the host of free maps and brochures available at the well-run and helpful Bureau de Tourisme offices located in almost every village, where kindly hosts and hostesses can help you in English if you're not fluent in French. You can also rely on the helpfulness and good advice of people you meet in Provence. Bon voyage!
Rating:
Summary: Unkind Guide
Review: We took this book on our first driving trip through Provence, and jettisoned it before the second. While it does contain considerable information, the condescending attitude toward the French is, at best, dispiriting, and, at worst, leads you away from wonderful adventures. In no way does this book encourage the traveler to embrace the uniqueness of French culture and country life. We felt misled by the pretentious put-downs of villages, museums, cafes, restaurants and monuments that we found welcoming, enlightening, warm and delightful. If we had believed that some places were as dreary as the authors painted them, we would have missed our best experiences with hospitable people in beautiful settings. You're better armed with Michelin maps, Cadogan guides and the host of free maps and brochures available at the well-run and helpful Bureau de Tourisme offices located in almost every village, where kindly hosts and hostesses can help you in English if you're not fluent in French. You can also rely on the helpfulness and good advice of people you meet in Provence. Bon voyage!
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