• Contents
• Pre-departure holiday checklist 2 - 3
• Travel related information 4
• On the road in France 5 - 9
• Your holiday villa 10 - 13
• Security on holiday 14
• Have a safe and healthy holiday 15 - 17
• Down on the beach 17
• General information on France 19 - 22
• A to Z Corsica 23 - 25
• A to Z Dordogne 26 - 25

We do our best to maintain this guide and keep it up to date however it is for information purposes only and is not subject to the terms and conditions of your holiday contract with us.

Print what you need from this guide

This guide is intended for you to cherry pick what you need. That way we avoid wastefully printing information which is not entirely relevant to you. So just print the pages you want and take them with you. Press control and click on any of the highlighted links you require.

Pre-departure holiday check list

Take the time to look through this check list to ensure that you are fully prepared for your holiday.

1)    Holiday documentation/items

a)     Travel tickets, flight, ferry or train. Double check these to make sure all dates and timings are correct. Also check that names on tickets correspond with those on the passports of those travelling.

b)     Hire car voucher (if appropriate). Remember you will need a credit card and a valid driving license when you pick up the car.

c)     Accommodation voucher for your villa and any overnight stop hotels. Double check these to make sure all dates are correct.

d)     Maps and or satellite navigation system as well as local directions to the villa / hotels. Check your route on mappy to make sure you are happy with your timings.

e)     Make sure your mobile phone enabled for international calls and message service in case you need to call the key holder of the villa.

f)       Satellite navigation system. Many people are using these on holiday nowadays.

2)    Passports / visas

a) Ensure that you have a full passport which is valid until after your return from holiday. Should your passport require renewal give yourself plenty of time as delays can build up unexpectedly. You can make passport applications on line.

b) Children who are not on parent’s passport and newly born babies require their own passports.

c) Visas are not required for travellers holding EU passports except for stays exceeding 90 days. All other persons should contact the French Consulate for details.

3)    Holiday insurance

If you haven’t already obtained Travel Insurance (which you should have as it is a condition of booking that you hold Travel Insurance at least equivalent to that which we offer) then we suggest you click on the Holiday insurance link above (hold down your control key at the same time).

It is also a good idea to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive healthcare which will often allow you to recoup excess insurance charges. This is the equivalent to the old E1-11 form.

4)    Medicines

Check you have adequate supplies of any prescribed medicine which you intend taking with you.

5)    Money

Ensure you have adequate money available and pay particular attention to any cash deposits which may need to be paid on arrival at the villa. Major credit cards are accepted all over the world and are a good way to limit the amount of cash you carry around. Cash machines are also readily available. Do take care with your money and what you carry particularly on the south coast of France and in busy places like stations and airports.

6)    Glasses

It’s worth taking a spare pair of glasses just in case, particularly if you are the main driver.

7)    Permits

If you are intending hiring a boat or similar which require qualification certificates then do remember to check they are up to date and take them with you.

8)    Your own house

Let the neighbours know you are going and give them your mobile number, make sure someone local has a key, cancel your milk and newspapers, set the timer lights, set the alarm, put valuables out of sight and do all you can do to make sure your home is safe whilst your away.

Travel related information

1)    The airport

You should aim to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure.

2)    The port or train terminal

Eurotunnel request that you arrive between thirty minutes and two hours of departure and

car ferry operators request that you arrive up to one hour before departure. There are cut price shopping facilities at the ports so you may wish to add time to allow you to take advantage of them.

Should you miss your crossing then your ticket should remain valid for the next available crossing. Contact the company’s ticket office to change your ticket for the new crossing time and pay any supplements if applicable. It is possible you will be placed on stand by for the next available space.

You will be directed to loading zones from where you may leave the car and use the port facilities. Do keep an eye on the departure screens and listen out for announcements regarding your crossing once through the check-in zone. Marshalls or crew hands will direct you on board. Once on board park with the vehicle in gear and the hand break on. Take what you need out of the car as you will not be allowed back for ferry crossings although with Eurotunnel you stay with your car throughout the journey.

If you have booked on board accommodation then go to the check-in desk or pursers office where you will receive instructions. Sometimes you can book on board although the overnight crossings are usually full with advanced bookings.

Do be careful if you decide to take bicycles or other high equipment as these will need to be pre-booked so your vehicle can be allocated over height space on board.

Note – Eurotunnel do not permit LPG or CNG powered cars.

3)    Rental cars

Usually cars come with a full tank and you are asked to return it full. Be careful as if you don’t the top up charge is usually very expensive. Check the arrangement at the time of pick up. It’s also worth double checking what insurance cover and excess waiver you have on your rental contract as you may well be asked if you want additional cover.

When you return your car you should park as instructed and remember in busy periods you may need to get to the airport that bit earlier in order to park as some of the smaller airports such as Ciampino in Rome have limited space for hire cars.

4)    Flight confirmations

In some instances, usually charters, it is necessary to call the operator to confirm the flight a day or so before departure. Check your flight details to be sure.

On the road in France

a)     In order to drive a car legally in France you must be over 21 and have held a full UK driving licence for more than a year.

Traffic rules are, in fact, almost the same as in Britain with the difference being that in France you drive on the right and not on the left ("serrez à droite" means keep to the right). Beware not to forget momentarily that you should be driving on the right, for instance after using a one-way street, a refueling stop or at a T-junction.

Under the United Nations Conference Treaty on Road Traffic 1968 (which France ratified in May 1977), if a car satisfies the construction and uses regulations in its own country, it is acceptable in the country of the signatories.

An international distinguishing sign plate or sticker should be displayed as near as is reasonable to the national registration plate at the rear of the vehicle.

You must carry with you the original of the vehicle's registration document, a full valid national driving licence and a current insurance certificate (plus a letter of authorisation from the owner, if the vehicle is not registered in your name).

Before taking to the road in France, make sure you know the French highway code well. You will find the official text of the Highway Code at the website www.legifrance.gouv.fr

CUSTOMS FORMALITIES

Private motor vehicles, motorcycles (with or without side-cars), motorised cycles and mopeds, may be imported temporarily into France, without customs documents on condition they are not registered in France.

DRIVING IN WINTER

Even in the mountains, winter motoring is not severely restricted.
Snow chains must be fitted to vehicles using snow-covered roads in compliance with the relevant road signs. Fines may be imposed for non-compliance. Snow chains can be hired from most tyre specialist garages in France (see Michelin red guide). Cheaper still, you can buy them from Hypermarkets, especially in mountain areas.

Studded tyres may be used from early November - end of March on vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tonnes. In bad weather conditions this period may be extended. Speed is limited to 90 km/h (56 mph). During the thaw temporary "thaw barriers" are erected on some roads, this is to prevent damage to the road surface especially by heavy vehicles.

For information on road conditions: Centre National d'Information Routière (CNIR)
www.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr

INSURANCE FOR MOTORISTS GOING TO FRANCE

Vehicles registered in Great Britain are not obliged to show an international insurance certificate or green card, (article R211-27/ code des assurances), but proof of insurance may need to be shown when stopped by the police or at customs. Though a green card is no longer compulsory, it is advisable as it will provide fully comprehensive cover. Your British insurance will give you the minimum legal cover required in France: Third party (however third party in France is less than that in the UK).
If a car is rented in GB, the driver must make sure that he has informed the care hire company that the car will be exported to France, as some companies do not extend the insurance outside GB. He might be requested to show to the French police the rental agreement proving that the car is insured whilst on French territory.

If stopped by the police you only need to prove that the car is either yours or a company car, and not a rented car:

"Ma voiture n'est pas une voiture de location, et par conséquent n'a pas besoin de la carte internationale d'assurance".

Or if it is a rented car, please show the rental agreement:

"Ma voiture est une voiture de location. Voici le contrat de location qui prouve que je suis assuré en France".

The AA and RAC have special schemes for members, and the AA also has a scheme for non-members.
Special motor breakdown and travel insurance policies from Europ Assistance www.europ-assistance.co.uk

MOTORCYCLES AND MOPEDS

Generally, you should follow the same rules as for cars (The Vienna Convention also covers motorcycles, and customs rules are the same as those explained above).

The minimum age for mopeds up to 50cc built not to exceed 45 km/h is 14, no license is required but riders aged between 14 and 16 years must pass a road safety test in order to be allowed to use mopeds. They must be covered by insurance and crash helmets must be worn. Cycle paths must be used when indicated by an additional panel on the sign for the cycle path. They are forbidden on motorways.

Hire of motorcycles 125cc, 50cc, mopeds, cycles and scooters in Paris
SEJEM
Tel:(0033)144930403
Fax:0033144930603
E-mail contact@sejem.com

Passengers: Passengers must wear crash helmets. Only one passenger may be carried on motorised cycles or bicycles (but not on the frame). Children under 5 years of age must be fastened in a special seat. All passengers must be covered by insurance.

MOTORWAYS

The road network is very well developed in France: nearly a million kilometers, of which almost 8,000 kilometers are motorways. There is usually a toll for motorways (autoroutes à péage). Because of their private financing, prices per km can vary. The toll from Calais to Menton (1,260 kms) is 90€ (there are special exit booths for vehicles with accounts: télépéage automatique).

You will find orange emergency telephones every 2 km, parking and resting areas every 10 or 20 km. 24-hour petrol stations offer a basic maintenance service, and are located approximately every 40 km. Credit cards (Eurocard, MasterCard, Visa, Carte Bleue) are accepted as payment for tolls and at service stations.

The charges for assistance on a motorway are fixed by the Government. Since October 2005 the tariff for breakdown service and towing is 97€, for vehicles under 1.8 tonnes on motorways or express roads equipped with emergency telephones. This covers the cost of repairing the vehicle on the spot (up to 30 mins) or of towing it up to 5km beyond the next motorway exit.

A 50% supplement is added for assistance at night (from 6pm to 8am), at week-ends and bank holidays.

Motorists can only call the police or the official breakdown service operating in that area, and cannot request assistance from their own company if they break down on a motorway. The same applies on the Paris périphérique. On the Paris périphérique panels indicate the time needed to reach the next exit (Porte) taking traffic jams into account.

To find out everything about toll charges, service stations, rest areas, restaurants, filling stations, and hotels along your route, and for details of your journey, consult the website www.autoroutes.fr.

PENALTIES

Drink and Drive: DON'T! The limit is 0.05% alcohol.

Random breath tests are frequent.

· 0.8mg/litre blood: you will have to go to court; maximum fine: 4.500€.
· 0.25mg/l blood: standard fine: 135€.

Speeding fines

50km/h: you will have to go to court; maximum fine 1.500€

40km/h: you will have to go to court; maximum fine 750€

30km/h: you will have to go to court; maximum fine 135€

A new category of offence has been created in the penal code for drivers who "deliberately put the lives of others in danger". This applies when a third person has been put in direct danger of injury or death through the driver's disregard for safety precautions: 15.250€ for causing slight injuries and suspension of driving license for a maximum of three years.

PETROL

LPG gas (Gepel/GPL). There are approximately 1.700 stations selling LPG in France, especially on motorways. www.gpl.fr

There are some 24 hours automatic petrol pumps operated by credit cards. These do not always accept international credit cards. A sign on the petrol pump usually stipulates this.

SPEED LIMITS

Unless otherwise signposted and on dry roads;

- 130km/h on dual carriageways and motorways

- 110km/h on dual carriageways and motorways without tolls

- 90km/h on other roads

- 50km/h in towns. Town name starts the limit, a bar through the town name is the deristriction sign.

On wet roads;

- 110km/hr on toll motorways

- 100km/h on dual carriageways and motorways without tolls

- 80 km/h on other roads

Speed limit of 50km/h;

· On motorways in foggy conditions, when visibility is less than 50 m.

Cars towing a caravan: if the weight of the trailer exceeds that of the car, the speed limits are lower: 65 km/h if the excess is less than 30%, or 45km/h if the excess is more than 30%.

Please note: 1. During the first 3 years after passing your test, you must not exceed: · 80 km/h on roads · 100 km/h on urban motorways · 110 km/h on motorways. 2. On motorways there is a minimum speed limit of 80 km/h (or 50 mph) for vehicles travelling in the left lane (ie outside lane).

For details of speeding fines: see penalties section.

PRIORITÉ À DROITE AND OTHER ROAD SIGNS

In built-up areas, the priorité still applies and you must give way to anybody coming out of a side-turning on the right.

However the priorité rule no longer applies at roundabouts which means you give way to cars already on the roundabout: watch for signs and exercise great caution.

Traffic on roundabout has priority.

Main road - You do have priority.

Written signs include: gravillons (loose chippings), chaussée déformée (uneven road and temporary surface), nids de poules (potholes), déviation (diversion).

RAPPEL  under a sign means a continuation of the restriction.

To find out about the road signs, you can consult the website www.permisenligne.com.

TACHOGRAPHS

All vehicles constructed and equipped to carry ten people or more, driver included (as specified in the registration certificate), must be fitted with a tachograph; further details from the British Department of Transport.

OTHER USEFULL WEB SITES

www.iti.fr (Route Planner)

www.equipement.gouv.fr (Roads and traffic info)

www.sytadin.tm.fr (Traffic reports around Paris)

Your holiday villa

1) Directions

You will have received directions to the villa approximately two weeks before your occupancy is due to begin. Many clients are using portable satellite navigation systems which are increasingly accurate all over the world. The postal address of the villa is usually provided with the directions and this can be put directly into satallite navigation systems to allow you to organise your own route. If its not ask and we will try to get it for you. For France we recommend use of www.mappy.com which is a French route finder system.

2) Help in resort

With the key directions we also supply the contact phone number of the owner or keyholder and it is to them you should turn if you need anything. In most cases they can resolve issues promptly although you may find communication interesting as they will usually be French. In case of emergency or on going issues you should contact the our local agent who’s number is also provided. They have the local knowledge and experience to deal with most things. Please call our UK office if you feel we could help chasing matters up or for any decisions with financial implications.

3) Arrival times and occupancy

Details of when you should arrive at the villa are detailed on both your key directions and the villa description. This is generally between 16.00 and 19.00. (check the villa description) You need to vacate the villa by 10.00 on the day of departure being careful to coordinate with the keyholder/owner for any deposit refunds and outstanding settlements which may be due.

If you are delayed and anticipate arriving late telephone the keyholder/owner and explain your situation. They will tell you what can and can’t be done in such circumstances. Use the local agents for back up if needs be.

Only the number of adults and children accompanying the named party leader will be allowed to stay in the property. Of course you can have visitors but they mustn’t stay the night.

Generally you can arrive early and drop off bags or use toilet facilities but you will be discouraged from occupying the house until preparations are completed. Best to head for a local café, restaurant, beach or get the shopping done while you wait.

Be careful if you are arriving on a Sunday or a local bank holiday to ensure you have worked out what to do for essential provisions.

4) House keys

There will usually only be one set of keys for the house. Please look after them as they can be hard and expensive to replace, above all don’t take them home with you! Should you loose your keys please inform the keyholder/owner who will inform you of the cost of replacement which you will be required to pay and make the necessary arrangements to issue a new set.

When you leave please remember to put the key in the same place where you picked it up on arrival. Remember you need to vacate the villa by 10.00 on the departure day. The same goes for any safe keys and you should remember to remove all valuables from the safe.

5)     Swimming pools - advice, do’s and don’ts

Pool depths are often indicated in the fact file section of the villa description on the web site along with any other matters of note concerning the pool. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the pool depths especially if you anticipating supporting non swimmers in the water. Avoid swimming after alcohol consumption and do not dive even if there is a diving board.

Please don’t manipulate any of the pool controls which govern the filtration and top up system nor put any chemicals in the water. The pool will be checked and maintained for you.

Should the pool become cloudy so that you can’t see the bottom don’t use it. This can happen with thunderous weather conditions as well as malfunctioning of the pool equipment. Shower before use of the pool is recommended as sun tan lotion can also affect the clarity of the water. Call the keyholder and he/she will address the matter for you should you have a problem.

A net is usually provided for you to fish out any insects, leaves etc. which may find their way into the pool during your say.

Be careful around the side of the pool especially if it is wet as it can easily become slippy. Don’t swim at night or if you are completely on your own. Avoid swimming after alcohol consumption and don’t use anything other than plastic cups by the pool.

Please supervise children at all times. Many pools have fences now but don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security as a determined child could still climb over. Speak to the keyholder about how the alarm operates if there is one, they are usually water displacement or infra red sensitive.

6)     Kitchens

You will find all that you need in the way of utensils and crockery in the kitchen of your villa. Should there be anything missing then do contact the keyholder and he/she will do their best to rectify the matter as soon as possible.

7)     Garden furniture

Our villas are well equipped with garden furniture and pool furniture where there is a swimming pool. Cushions are not always provided as they are very susceptible to damp if not cared for properly, if there are cushions please take care to put them inside when it rains and when you go out.

8)     Additional local services

The villa will be nice and clean for your arrival. In some cases maid services are included during your stay and this is detailed in the villa description. You can sometimes employ a maid or cook locally through the key-holder and you should call in advance if you wish to do so. We accept no responsibility nor do we guarantee such services it is purely you own arrangement.

In some instances there is an obligatory end of stay clean which is detailed on the villa description. In general you are advised to leave the villa in good order and take rubbish bags to the main bins so as to avoid any additional cleaning charges.

9)     Linen

You need to check the villa description carefully to see if linen is included or hired locally or not available. We encourage our owners to supply linen (which is changed at the end of each holiday unless stated otherwise) as an all in option but many are unwilling and on balance we felt we would prefer to have a good wide choice of villas than turn owners down because of this issue.

If you need to pay for the linen locally don’t forget to have the ready money available.

10) Washing machines

Most of the villas have washing machines which you should take care with particularly unfamiliar top loaders as they are quite fragile and often require a new one rather than a repair which can cost you dearly. So please don’t force doors or anything like that, ask the key-holder if you need assistance.

11) Damages

If you see anything untoward when you arrive then report it to the key-holder straight away to avoid any dispute later. Hopefully there won’t be any breakages during your stay but if there are report them as soon as possible to allow time for suitable replacements to be purchased. Buying the nearest looking thing doesn’t really help.

12) House and garden maintenance

All issues connected to maintenance of the house and garden should be reported to the key-holder who will take the necessary steps.

It may be necessary for the gardener or pool personnel or other maintenance people to undertake tasks at the villa during your stay. This is always kept to a minimum with your privacy in mind but must be done all the same so that the villa is kept in good order.

13) Plumbing

The drainage pipes in France are often smaller than in the UK so you should take great care not to flush anything other than tissue paper down the toilet. In the countryside septic tanks are often in use so don’t use bleach or similar chemical products as they can kill the bacteria and lead to an expensive restart operation.

14) Animals and insects

You are advised to discourage your children from playing with or feeding animals abroad as their hygiene standards differ from our own. If any of your party are bitten or scratched by an animal we suggest you seek medical advice without delay.

Keeping the villa tidy and free of food left lying around will help greatly in discouraging any animals, rodents and insects. Taking sensible measures such as closing windows in the evenings when the lights are on in the villa will help keep unwanted visitors at bay, in particular mosquitoes. Ants have a habit of turning up on mass whenever there is food around but you will find plenty of products in the supermarket to dissuade them.

Should you have any serious infestations such as bees then contact the local agent so that he/she can address the matter.

15) Toilet paper

You will find toilet paper in the villa on arrival. However you will need to stock up and are expected to replace what is used.

Security on holiday

1) Security at the villa

It’s very easy to switch off and be over relaxed on holiday, which is fine as long as you remember to take reasonable precautions. Even when you are in the villa you should remember to lock doors and windows that are out of sight of where you are spending most of your time.

If there is a safe in the house then use it for storing your valuables. Lock your car as it too can be a target.

When away from the villa close all windows, shutters and grills etc. ensuring the property is secure. Refrain from leaving portable electrical equipment lying around or washing on the line.

2) Security at the villa

It’s not nice being burgled but the important thing is to ensure you report any break in to the local police within 24 hours. Ensure that you inform the keyholder straight away. You also need to contact your insurance company and complete all the necessary paperwork promptly.

3) Don’t make yourself a target

On the whole France is a very relaxed country to be in but like anywhere there are areas in which criminals thrive such as large towns. Tourists are often considered easy prey as they are less wary so try not to attract too much attention, put valuables out of sight in the car, don’t make public displays of large amounts of cash or expensive jewellery.

Again if you are unlucky make sure you report any incident to the police and insurance company.

Have a safe and healthy holiday

Please take a few moments to digest the contents of this section of the guide as it could make a big difference to ensuring your holiday is an enjoyable success. Safety and hygiene standards have come on a long way in recent years but there is still a significant difference between UK standards and those upheld elsewhere. We encourage our villa owners to take proper care and we also ask that you do as well whilst on your holiday.

1) Balconies

Particular care should be taken if you have young children to ensure that they are not left unsupervised on balconies. Reduce the opportunity for children to climb over the barrier by keeping objects such as patio furniture away from the barrier.

2) Bathrooms

Many continental villas have tiled floors so you need to take particular care and advise unaccustomed children of the dangers of slipping. Be wary as bath mats are rarely non-slip. Be wary of the hot water which can sometimes be scalding hot.

3) Barbecues

Do be aware of any restrictions which may come in to being during unusual dry spells, particularly in areas of Provence, Corsica and the Cote d’Azur. Fines can be very heavy and unwitting consequences very serious.

When your barbecue is finished do ensure you extinguish it properly and don’t put hot ashes in the bins. Look out for any restrictions on barbecue use.

4) Hobs

In some instances you will find the hob has a cover which needs to be lifted before use and should only be closed once the rings have had time to cool. If in doubt ask the key-holder.

5) Gas and electricity

All UK appliances will function in France with the use of an adapter plug. The main difference in the systems is the sensitivity of the fuse switches which are often on a low tolerance and will trip if too many appliances are running at once and sometimes in the event of thunderstorms. You should check where the fuse box is and make sure you have a torch handy so that you can find it in the dark if necessary.

Please keep an eye out for any electrical defaults. On the continent the plug sockets in particular seem to come loose much more easily. Please report any defects to the key-holder.

Some houses have gas heaters and whilst owners are obliged to have them properly serviced you should check if there is a carbon monoxide detector and if not bring it to the key-holders attention and above all allow for good ventilation at night.

There are a number of sensible precautions which you can take: Ensure the hot tap is fully turned off after use. If you smell gas open all doors and windows and extinguish naked flames. Refrain from switching lights on or off. Leave the building and allow time for gas to disperse. Report the matter to the key-holder. If you are in any doubt regarding the functioning of any of the gas appliances ask the key-holder.

6) Patio doors

Many villas have large patio windows to take advantage of views, however they are often not made of toughened glass. So please take particular care and warn children of the dangers as this is one of the biggest causes of injury in holiday homes.

7) Garden furniture precautions

Take particular care that such things as sun loungers and deck chairs are erected properly before use. Be wary of sitting down too heavily on them as the sun can cause plastic and wood to tire imperceptivity and you will be held to account as current occupiers.

8) Fire safety

If there are fire information leaflets in the villa please take the time to read them as they may well differ from the UK. Upon arrival at the villa familiarise yourself with the exit nearest to each room. This is also important in hotels you may be using on route.

9) Emergency service numbers

Fire 18

Ambulance (SAMU) 15

Police 17

10) Adventurous activities

Do be mindful of the hazards involved when undertaking adventurous activities such as windsurfing, scuba diving, via ferratas and rope courses etc. Standard holiday policies don’t usually cover such things so do check on your cover if you are planning such things and take out extra insurance cover if required.

11) Supervise young children

Never leave young children unsupervised and always let them know where you will be and stress to them the importance of not wandering off. Everybody wants to relax on holiday but child supervision must be maintained as children do tend to be distracted more easily in foreign places.

12) Playgrounds

Should you use playgrounds on holiday do remember to keep an eye on your children at all times. Safety standards are not the same as at home so you may want to check you are happy with things before letting the children loose.

13) Cots and high chairs

We encourage owners to put modern cots and high chairs with straps in the villas where advertised. However some individuals still insist that the old cot that the last five generations of their family were raised in is best. So if you find that the cot or high chair is not up to modern standards please ask the key-holder for a replacement and failing that call our local agent who will address the matter.

Down on the beach

1) Beachside tips

Both by the sea and on rivers there are a number of potential threats and as ever forewarned is forearmed so we hope you find the following suggestions useful:

Check if there is a flag system in operation and if there is how it works.

Ask about the safest beach at the local tourist office.

Have a look if there are any lifeguards present.

Don’t swim too far out and stay within your depth.

Seek advice on local conditions such as currents and tides.

Children should always be supervised.

Don’t swim immediately after eating or drinking.

Take care not to stray into areas designated for power boats and other motorised craft.

Use plenty of sun protection.

2) Taking the sun

The effects of sunbathing without due precaution are now well documented. Try to build your tan gradually and avoid burning. Always use high protection sun cream and avoid remaining in the sun for prolonged periods.

In particular, look after children, who require at least factor 30 blocker and if they are swimming make sure it doesn’t wash off. Sun hats and protective clothing are highly recommended for younger children.

The middle of the day between 11.00 and 15.00 are the times when the suns rays are at their most dangerous so it is prudent to avoid exposure during this time. Sunscreen should block both UVA and UVB and have a high SPF.

Eyes also require protection from the sun, Bs2724:1987 sun glasses offer a reliable British Standard.

3) Burning and heat stroke

If you are unlucky enough to burn then get out of the sun and cover up with loose clothing. Keep an eye on the burns for signs of infection and if you see any go to a doctor. In the event of sun stroke drink lots of water and avoid alcohol until your body has had chance to re-hydrate.

General information on France

1) Banks

Cash machines or “distributeurs” are now found throughout France making it easy to top up your money using your normal cash card and pin. Just be a bit wary as bank charges are rising for this service.

Travellers’ cheques are a good “safe” way to carry money and to an extent can help with budgeting for the holiday.

2) Credit card companies

Should you need to contact any of the major credit card companies here are their numbers:

Abbey National 00 44 1908 344900

American Express 00 44 1293 526840

Barclays Bank 00 44 1604 230230

Giro Bank 00 44 151 944 1220

Lloyds TSB Bank 00 44 1702 364272

HSBC Bank 00 44 181 4503122

Nat West Bank 00 44 113 277 8899

RBS 00 44 1702 351303

TSB Trustcard 00 44 1273204471

3) Embassies

Here are the contact details you may require in case of loss of passport or emergencies:

British Consulate

16 Rue d’Anjou

75008 Paris

Tel: 01 44 51 31 00

Fax; 01 44 51 31 27

British Embassy / Embassy of Ireland

12 Avenue Foch

75116 Paris

Tel: 01 44 17 67 00

Fax: 01 44 17 67 60

4) Fetes (Festivales)

Regional festivals occur throughout the summer in France where a real effort is made to make them special even at village level. The occasion is often a saints day though it seems like any excuse is employed for a bit of knees up.

Look out for details in the local tourist office or information centre and on advertising hoardings.

Brittany has the infamous Fez Nos which are great fun. Traditional pipe music and chanting with entertaining dances involving lots of linking of fingers and hands in the air. All very Celtic.

Corsica has typically evolved its own unique format accompanied by a range of haunting ballads, beautiful guitar playing and a type of Gregorian chant. The music reflects the countryside in many ways.

In the Dordogne the local festivals are often accompanied by accordion, mandolin, whistles and folk dancing which tend to lead on to popular disco. Increasing there are elaborate fireworks displays at around 23.00.

5) Local markets

French markets range in size but rarely in quality. Great emphasis is placed on fresh produce and local fare so you should use them wherever possible, not so much as a way of picking up cheap food but of getting acquainted with the region. Ask for advice if you can on how to cook things and you will often be agreeably surprised with what you find out. Most markets are operational between 08.00 and 13.00.

Market days

Dordogne

Bergerac Wed am and Sat am

Brantome Tues am, Sun am and Fri am

La Force Thursday am

Le Bugue Thur am

Les Eyzies Mon am

Riberac Fri am and Tue am

Sarlat Sat am (main), Wed am (food only)

Sigueles Fri am

Tocane St Apre Mon am

Corsica

Porto Vecchio Sun am