Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THINGS TO AVOID
1. AUTOROUTES IN AUGUST
French
autoroutes
(motorways) are very crowded in August, especially during the
first and last weekends of the month, when huge numbers of holiday-makers from
northern France head at top speed for the sunny south. There are long traffic jams and
often serious accidents. Avoid driving south at these times if possible.
2. CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
For two weeks in May it becomes impossible to find a hotel room or a table at a good
restaurant in Cannes as the resort is overrun with up to 30,000 film stars and their
entourages, directors, producers, financiers, journalists and other hangers-on. This is
strictly an insider's event, and unless you have Hollywood ambitions, give Cannes a
wide berth during the festival (for further details see
Cannes Film Festival
)
.
3. MONTE CARLO RALLY AND MONACO GRAND PRIX
Monaco is host to two of the world's most prestigious motor sports events, the Rallye
Monte Carlo every January and the
Monaco Grand Prix
, at differing dates during the
Grand Prix season. Both are worth avoiding - it's claimed that to be sure of a room
during either event it is necessary to book 10 years ahead. Both events take place
through the city streets, so much of Monaco is closed off.
4. BULLFIGHTS
The traditional Provençal bullfight
(course à la cocarde)
is a bloodless affair in which
the bullfighter
(razeteur)
tries to snatch a red ribbon
(cocarde)
from the horns of an
increasingly irritated bull. In the arenas of Arles and Nîmes, however, Spanish-style
corridas
, in and then killed, are often part of the entertainment. These are advertised
as
mise à mort
(to the death).
5. MOTORING OFFENCES
Police issue heavy fines on the spot for speeding and for other motoring offences. The
blood alcohol limit for drunk-driving is low: one glass of wine or a 33cl bottle of beer
will take you close to the limit, two will exceed it. Drivers can pay fines by credit card,
by phone, or on the Internet.
