INTRODUCTION - France 2014 - page 41

Car-rental agencies usually rent car seats, though you must reserve one in ad-
vance(verifythepriceaheadoftime—youmaywanttobringyourown).According
to French law, kids under 10 must be in a car seat in the back seat (unless all other
seats are also taken by kids in car seats; if in front, car seats must face backward).
And though most hotels have cribs, I didn't regret bringing a portable one.
Cameras areagreat investment togetyourkidsinvolved. Give youngerkidsan
old digital camera that you don't use anymore. For longer drives, audio books can
be fun for the whole family. I recommend Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence , avail-
able on CD (or put it on your MP3 player/iPod).
Parenting, French-Style: Famous for topless tanning, French women are
equally comfortable with public breastfeeding—no need for shawls or “Hooter
Hiders” here. Changing tables are nonexistent, so bring a roll-up changing mat and
get comfortable changing your baby on your knees, on a bench, or wherever you
find enough space.
French grandmothers take their role seriously and won't hesitate to recommend
that you put more sunscreen on your child in the summer, or add a layer of clothing
if it's breezy.
Greet French children with coucou (coo-coo) if they are young and salut (sal-
oo) if they are pre-teens or older.
For older kids, be aware that the drinking age is 16 for beer and wine and 18
for the hard stuff: Your waiter will assume that your teen will have wine with you
atdinner.Teensarealsowelcomeinmostbarsandlounges(there'sno21-and-older
section).
Gîtes are best for drivers (they're usually rural, with little public-transport access) and
ideal for families and small groups (because they can sleep many for a reasonable price).
Homes range in comfort from simple cottages and farmhouses to restored châteaux. Most
haveatleasttwobedrooms,akitchen,alivingroom,andabathroomortwo—butnosheets
or linens (though you can usually rent them for extra). Like hotels, all gîtes are rated for
comfort from one to four (using ears of corn— épis —rather than stars). Two or three épis
are generally sufficient quality, but I'd lean toward three for more comfort. Prices gener-
ally range from €400 to €1,300 per week, depending on house size and amenities such as
pools (if it's less than €400 per week, I'd think twice). If your owner does not speak Eng-
lish, be prepared for doing business in French—all the contracts are in French. For more
information on gîtes, visit www.gites-de-france.com or www.gite.com .