Brigitte goes to Provence
and you, too - in 2007!

Spring is here I'm sure that you all are thinking about our trips to the sunny south of France. (New: possibility of Bangkok via Hong Kong, Taos in the fall) (See my round-the-world adventures at http://bcheyrou.blogspot.com ) 508-790-3829

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & TERMS

Luberon Trips: May 19 - June 2; June 30 - July 14; and September 8 - 21

No, not at all, any one can come to enjoy the region, culture, sights, food and camaraderie; you may want to paint, walk to the next village or just sit by the pool and read! Couples are welcome! These trips are not packaged tours, but offer a relaxed and flexible "family-&-friends" style of travel.

This is not included in the price, as making your own arrangements gives you the added flexibility to arrive in Europe earlier, stay later, visit other regions or countries, use your frequent flyer miles, etc. For example, a traveler flew into Paris, spent a week there, and then took the TGV (high speed train) to Avignon. The closest airport is Marseille, and routings are available through any major European city; such as London, Paris, Bruxelles and Milan. Your airline may offer combined air/rail (TGV) tickets to cities in France, call them to find out. If you fly with British Airways, you will arrive at Heathrow and leave from Gatwick, so you may want to stay a night in London. Try http://airfrance.us http://www.kayak.com http://www.farefox.com

What are the dates for payment and what does it cover?

The price for shared accommodation and local transportation is $995, or $1,800 for two people sharing a room who sign-up together. Add $495 for a single room. A deposit of $300 holds your place with the balance due two months ahead of the departure date. .(“Thank you” to everyone who has paid). Shared expenses for the “kitty” (groceries, gas, electricity, telephone line, etc.) are about $10 - $15 per day. We contribute on arrival, stock up on groceries, croissants, etc. and then contribute again when funds get low. The cars arrive full of gas, and are filled-up from the kitty as needed. Restaurants and shopping are your responsibility.

No. Normally, the accommodation and transport is paid well in advance, so refunds are not possible unless there is someone on the wait-list, or you are able to find someone else, to take your place. If you have insurance for both the air and land portions, you will usually be able to recover what you have paid if you have to cancel due to illness or an emergency.

Yes - as your payments are non-refundable, we suggest you arrange appropriate airline and trip cancellation insurance (ie for both air and land) with your travel an/or insurance agent in case of illness or emergency. Supplemental health coverage is also recommended. You can also use the Internet to search (e.g.. "travel insurance" on http://www.google.com will bring up many options). If you drive one of the vehicles which we will have, you will be covered under the rental contract. If you rent your own, be sure you have written confirmation of coverage for both liability  and collision.

Of course! Once two or three people have signed up for a trip, I'll let you know who is coming and you can get together to make arrangements to travel together for those who want to. 20070407_0815

Can I get to Provence from Paris by train?

Yes, the TGV (200+ miles an hour) express will get you from the Charles de Gaulle airport, terminal 2D, to Avignon (about 40 minutes from our villa in Goult) in a few hours. Or,visit Paris, and take one from the Gare de Lyon.. If you prefer a more leisurely trip, there are many ordinary trains (Corail), too. You can get more information from http://voyages-sncf.com and http://www.raileurope.com/us/

Usually, we meet you at the airport at Marseille in the early afternoon as this is where the majority of people arrive. If you are arriving much earlier, later, or at the train station in Avignon, let us know; if I can't be there, I’ll go over the available options (livery service, bus, etc.) The airport is about 90 minutes from our villa, and the train station in Avignon about 40 minutes, so don't book a flight that leaves before 10:30 for your return, as we won't be there before then.

American Express Traveler's cheques (the best) in either US dollars or Euros can be bought at banks, American Express travel agencies and at the AAA. There are also numerous cash machines in Provence and your US bank card will work with most of them.

What should I bring?

If you are an artist, your artist's supplies, of course (we recommend a lightweight easel), as well as a light sweater and wind-breaker or waterproof jacket in case it rains. A camera is a must. Sturdy walking shoes are a good idea as are a hat and sun-screen. A backpack to carry it all in is useful, too. Don’t forget your bathing suit, it gets warm in Provence and our villa comes with a beautiful swimming pool. It is a very good idea to bring the minimum and travel light!

I've heard Provence is wonderful, what is there to see and do?

Where to start! There are lots of different picturesque, historical villages to visit, vineyards & chateaux to see, wines to taste and delicious food to eat, but we don’t do that all the time! Well marked walking trails are everywhere (you can walk across France!); tennis, golf, horseback riding and hot-air ballooning are all available nearby. We've been in the Camargue, swam in the Med, boated in the Calanques, seen an opera, marvelled at the colours of the cherry trees, poppies and lavender, but above all enjoyed good company and made good friends! Many voyagers have traveled 3, 4, 5 times with me!

Can I talk to fellow voyageurs?

Yes, of course. All of these travelers have been on at least one trip to Provence; some are ‘regulars’ with two or three trips under their belts! Feel free to give them a call to find out what to expect:.

Jean Swann - 508/563-3704 Jean Carbonell - 508/362-1339 Selma Alden - 508/428-5478

You can also find lots of information about our trip in 2001 in Cynthia Gallant-Simpson’s book, Doors & Windows of Provence, available from her for $20. 508-896-4440.

Are there any places left? Sign me up!       

Yes, if you and a friend or spouse or someone you know, want to come, give me a call, send me an email bcheyrou@sunvisions.com and please send in the sign-up sheet your deposit, to the order of Brigitte Cheyrou as-soon-as-possible. Come and have an unforgettable two weeks with us!

CALL me at 1-508-790-3829 to reserve your place!

Brigitte                                                                         bcheyrou@sunvisions.com

65 Horseshoe Lane                                                     508/790-3829

Centerville, MA 02632                                               http://sunvisions.com/Brigitte bc-france-questions-070406.htm