Will be on a river cruise from Lyon to Avignon then driving in the region between Avignon and Nice for about a week in mid June. Looking for a good but readable map (not miniscule print) to have for nightly planning of the next day and as a back up if cell fails. Prefer to stay off of highways; not in a rush. Opinion of Michelin vs Nat Geo or other recommendations? Thanks! (If you're curious about itinerary, nightly stops after Avignon are Aix-en-Provence, Le Pradet (east of Marseilles), then based 3 nts in Nice.)
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2388 posts
For driving through the countryside or finding the smaller villages I like to use the yellow cover Michelin "Departemental" maps. Gives me enough detail and suggestions for scenic itineraries, keys are in both English and French. The red cover Michelin "National" maps are useful for having an overview of the main roads in a country. The orange cover maps are in between and cover more ground.
The maps doesn't need much space, are inexpensive, so buy another if you prefer more or lesser detail. For the area around Marseille you can start for instance with yellow map number 340. The map you will like is just a matter of preference, it's a bit trying what works best for you.
If I need more info about a specific spot, place or museum, the internet is my friend.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
3245 posts
We really like, and have used for years, the Micelin maps. #527 will cover your area. In fact, we always get one for our trips in France (the ones for each area, so more detail) and trace our routes on the map and keep it as a souvenir of our trips. We also usually avoid the autoroutes and/or A roads, preferring the D roads that allow us to enjoy the countryside more.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
3245 posts
P.S. The 527 is an orange map.
Posted by
Paris
7912 posts
The Michelin maps are widely available in France, if you can't buy them conveniently where you live.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
3245 posts
I have bought the maps from Amazon so I could make plans and do research ahead of time, but we have also picked some up very easily in France.