David Sullivan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >Keir writes: >>Does anyone have any thoughts to share about boating in >>France in general and these waterways in particular?
I endorse Dave's suggestions below. A couple of extra comments. >Buy fresh bread every day. Sad to say, village bakeries are much fewer than of yore. However, use them when you find them. In particular, walk or bike into the village good and early, do your best to chat in French with Madame la boulangere (even if the shop isn't yet officially open), and come away with still warm (if somewhat fragile) baguettes and croissantes for breakfast. >Buy lots of wine. Go to a cooperative if you can - huge fun! On some routes, lock keepers will sell you bottles, but the product is not always local! >Buy lots of cheese. If you can buy it from people who make their own, do. Definitely patronise any street markets you come across, which often have marvellous cheese (and pate) stalls. >Speak French if you can, however little you have. Yes. Very important. It is often the difference between a friendly or sullen response from the person you are talking to. Lidl has, this week, a pocket-calculator-size translator (with a qwerty keyboard) on sale for £12. Fits in your pocket, and much easier than fumbling with a dictionary. Worry about grammar on a future trip. >Go to a restaurant every night, if you can. maman/papa ones in small places are often best. Typically no real choice of menu, but good value and often a very friendly atmosphere. >Enjoy! I've done two French canal trips, and enjoyed them hugely. Moi aussi. Adrian Adrian Stott 07956-299966
