"Provence and the Cote d'Azur". - book review

"Provence and the Cote d'Azur" by Andrew Sanger (2000, A Signpost Guide from Thomas Cook Publishers, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, PE3 6PU, U.K. ISBN 0-7627-0687-2 -- $22.95, 288 pgs.).

I was anxious to see and review this book, because this is my favorite part of France and I have made a number of trips through the area by car and train. Of course, there are many books for travelers that cover this area of France, and I might add that there are other books in this series that cover other parts of France. (Brittany, Languedoc and the Dordogne) as well as a separate volume that covers bed-and-breakfasts in all of France.

First impressions of the book were favorable -- its compact size; the colorful photos and maps; separate chapters on each of the 25 subregions in the area; advice for driving in France; suggested itineraries for each. subregion; maps of principal cities; a very limited, list of accommodatins and restaurants; mention of regional festivals, and much more.

The book is a paperback that appears to be well put together for extended use. The text is readable, and the book as a whole is well organized.

But how does it compare with other popular guides of the same region?

My favorites have always been the Michelin Green Guides, one of which also covers the "French Riviera, Cote d'Azur." These are lightweight and are tall and slim to fit the shape of Michelin's and similar map systems of France. The Michelin maps are indispensable, especially if one is' interested in identifying all of the little villages and other places of interest along the route. Their legibility and attention to detail are legendary, which leads me to some minuses of this guide.

The maps in the Signpost Guide are practically useless because they are difficult to decipher. The roads are indicated in at least, four different colors and in various widths. The towns are labeled in oversized print so that the whole map can be a confusing array of place names with little space between.

To further confound the reader, there are yellow "stickpin" symbols on each map that are not explained anywhere in the book (that I could find).

In other words, don't plan on using these maps to find your way around.

The city maps are somewhat better but, in my opinion, can't compare with the clarity and readability of Michelin city maps.

My recommendation, then, is to buy one of these guides to use in planning, especially if this is your first trip to the area and you will be using a car to get around. Make your plans by carefully selecting the places you think would interest you, including any of the sights and suggested tours they recommend, and then get a set of Michelin or similar maps and the Green Guide to take along. But leave this guide at home as a souvenir of your trip for your coffee table.

A word about accommodations -- do get the bed-and-breakfast guide that is part of this same Thomas Cook Signpost Guide series plus a copy of the latest Michelin Red Guide on France.

If you are planning a trip between mid-June and mid-September, it would be wise to plan ahead for accommodations and make reservations. (A good share of all of France, Germany and Northern Europe will also be looking for accommodations during this same time period.) However, during other months. you can safely take potluck and find suitable places to stay.

Also, don't forget the "Accommodations Worldwide" section of ITN, where your fellow subscribers make some very valuable recommendations. Bon voyage.

COPYRIGHT 2001 Martin Publications, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group