Customer Reviews

South of France, 6th (Country & Regional Guides - Cadogan)

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If you are looking for a travel guide that not only provides an overview of the most important sights, places to eat, stay, etc., but does so in a contextualized setting where you also have at your fingertips a detailed description of the region's history, art, architecture, culture, and cuisine, then the Cadogan series will be the perfect match. This is the kind of travel guide that you can read just for fun, to learn about a place and its history, even if you have no intention of or opportunity to visit the place in person. Once you've flipped through its pages, though, chances are it will have whet your appetite to get on the next plane and explore everything you've just read about. As with the Cadogan books on Italy and Spain by the same authors, this book gives an excellent detailed summary of the political and social history of southern France, along with chapters on the area's different cultures, languages, and arts. This introductory material is followed by a series of chapters devoted to each sub-region, including an unusually strong emphasis on the Languedoc in addition to Provence.

Though many in the U.S. are more familiar with hearing names like Fodor's or Rough Guide, Cadogan Guides are among the best you will ever find! I orginally checked out this series because the guide series I wanted was sold out. However, as soon as I began flipping through these guides, I was hooked. You will not find a higher-quality product in any price range!

Full of cultural insight and truly HELPFUL tourist info, Cadogan gives you a feel of what or where exactly you are visiting and why it is important. Cleverly written, the editors are able to infuse a dose of humor without detracting from the factual presentation.

This guide will not only give you all the maps, directions, tips, and hints for success on your trip to Southern France, but will actually teach you enough so that you don't HAVE to feel like a tourist.

Witty, insightful, and affordable, Cadogan Guides remain the best buy for your money. They will also work great as a cultural supplement to any bare-bones guides you're taking.

My husband and I are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel once or twice a year. I always plan for our trips by buying and studying 3 guidebooks, one with lots of pictures, the Blue Guide to the site in question, and if available, the Cadogan guide. Most guide books contain practical information and cover the major tourist attractions almost like a top-ten list. The Cadogan guides, written by individuals who have lived in the region, delve much deeper, providing coverage of smaller, little known places that are fun to find and explore. I know of no better way to discover and experience local life and color. We are independent travellers, almost always booking flights, cars, and reservations on our own on the web. We also enjoy delving into places off the beaten track. The detail in Cadogan is much more encompassing than that in any other guide we have used. The driving directions are usually right on the money. Its literary, architectural, and historical information is particularly helpful. We have discovered many little known gems because of these guides. If you prefer group tours that stop for short periods at several locations, Loire and other Cadogan books are too detailed. But if you have the time to wander a bit, these are the guides for you.

Regarding South of France specifically, its coverage of artists, writers, ancient ruins, food and wine, history, villages, beaches, and local color is superb. Vignettes are provided for each area on topics of interest unique to the site. An added bonus is the enjoyment of rereading the guide to stimulate memories of where we've been. Can't recommend South of France highly enough if you have the time for an extended visit.