I'll be visiting Provence in June and plan to have car for three days. I'll be going to the typical locations: Arles to Vaison la Romaine, Luberon villages, etc.
What is cell service like in and round Provence?
I'd like to use my phone with Google Maps. Has anyone had first hand experience with Google Maps in Provence?
Thanks.
Tom.
With Tmobile we had no problem anywhere in Provence over a month last summer. I believe you can also download google maps and use offline.
You should not have any problem. And directional signage is pretty good from one town/village to the next, complementing the use of GPS.
It's a great idea - as long as you're wanting to go to places that don't exist, or willing to take roads that don't exist to places that are no longer there.* :)
Google maps is massively inaccurate and can be heavy on data. You're far better off using an offline mapping service based on OpenMaps. Currently Organic Maps is my mapping app of choice. It's updated every month, and is often based on local government information. The level of detail is amazing - down to post boxes, benches, drinking fountains, even (in our village) traffic bollards. There's also a function to find the nearest public toilet.
Just download the app and the map for the department you're going to be in, and you're away. No need for data, just update the map once a month if you want the absolute latest. I occasionally use Google maps for road closures, but that's it.
*Google has been convinced for 12 years there's a business called Fitzipark in our village. There isn't, there never has been, and despite being told by multiple people multiple times, haven't removed it. And most of the businesses in town are shown in the wrong place.
waze is usually pretty good in France.
When tells you that there is a speed averaging section that is code for a speed camera, as is Police, because it is illegal to have a device in France which highlights speed cameras. Much like Garmin's Dangerous Road warning.
All good information. My thanks to all. Very helpful
I’ve had good luck with downloaded for offline use Google maps on multiple trips. With my cell plan I do get free, but slow data, but Google maps live works with it too. As with any navigation system, there are times when the system wants to take you on a cow path, pedestrian only bridge, or non existent road. That’s when common sense comes into play. My guess is that most places you’ll want to visit have been in the same place for a few hundred years, so maps shouldn’t have a difficult time getting you there.
I spoke with Verizon a few days ago and they have an International package for $100 per month per device. Unlimited text, talk and data per device. USA to Europe, Europe to USA and Europe to Europe. No slow down of data speed. Since I will be in Europe for 27 days, that seemed like a pretty good deal especially if I use Google maps frequently for car and public transit. While google maps is not perfect, I think it is a convenient and practical option as it avoids having to become familiar with all the different transit applications of the different cities.
Thanks again to all for your comments.
