France

A very successful trip. I realised that my French has improved greatly since I was last there (16 years ago), and that my self-confidence is much higher.

Therefore, after we’d sorted out the important hire-car insurance stuff, I switched into French and didn’t speak a word of English (except to wifey) during the rest of the trip. It definitely went down well, and everyone I dealt with was helpful and friendly.

Flew into Grenoble (Saint Geoirs) airport and spent 24 hours pottering around the region – visiting Postman Cheval’s palace and a little drive up in some Alps, eating food from the supermarket and staying in a cheap motel.

Lovely place, great scenery, nice people. Recommended!

Well, we’re on a plane at 09:55 tomorrow morning, jetting off for Grenoble airport to visit Postman Cheval’s palace, as mentioned in my entry 30 weeks ago. We’re only spending 24 hours in France, but it should be a nice trip.

Looking at the map, I now think it’s a shame we’re not spending longer – we could have popped over to Turin in Italy, and up to Geneva, too, in a grand tour of the alps.

Never mind… maybe next time :)

I’ve been a couple of times before, but I was young and introverted so I had a really hard time and didn’t enjoy it. Now I have a bit more travelling under my belt (and more French language ability) I think I’d like to go again.

My wife wants to see Postman Cheval’s Palace, so that seems like a good destination – maybe fly into St. Etienne and do a little tour around the region.