self-catering advice

It's a great way to learn more about the less-visited parts of the country. I do it as a base for hiking. The only trick is to find out which town has a market on which days. Otherwise, it's a trip to the supermarkets -- which beat the ones at home any day of the week.

Does your rental start on a Saturday? Most do but they are exceptions. Just make sure you do most of your shopping for groceries right away (lots of markets on Saturdays!) as stores will be closed on Sunday. The exception would be local bakeries. Those usually do big business on Sunday mornings as most French families use this occasion to buy their favourite supplies for a leisurly breakfast that they don't have the time for during the week.

Make sure you have directions on a)how to get there, and b)how to pick up your key when you do. Sounds like a wonderful trip!

I rented a house in Provence, through Gites de France, and had a wonderful experience. The gite was in L'Isle sur la Sorge, where there is a large market on Saturdays. We drove each morning to the various farmers markets in the surrounding towns. (We had also rented a car)

Supermarket shopping for staples proved a bit challenging, so be prepared to spend a good amount of time, when you first arrive, at the Intermarche to get your kitchen stocked.

The house was very nice and very reasonable, the owners very helpful, and the experience fabulous. I can't wait until I am able to do it again, but next time in the Basque pyrenees.

Have a great time!

I love travelling this way. The only thing I would say is that I prefer to rent a place with the owners, or their representative, is close at hand for emergencies. I hope you have a wonderful trip.