Take a hat

The obvious challenge when you bring a car over here is the need to drive on the wrong side of the road. I've done it quite a bit but it is still tricky in the towns and villages. Circling roundabouts the wrong way and looking left instead of right, or is it right instead of left? Tips for driving in France 1. Equipment You don't have to wear the hi-vis waistcoats all the time even though the AA say they are compulsory. No one else does!  If you are a little uncertain when out walking in towns they are, however, a very useful accessory. Carrying a warning triangle is also a bit of a chore but we are Good Samaritans so when erected in Restaurants they do help to warn other diners of low ceilings or a tricky step. The spare bulb kits are also most useful but take the screw type and not the bayonet. Check before you travel on the types of bulbs in your hotel or apartment. Take Wellies. 2. Forget the indicators Not necessary in France, sign of weakness and indecision. Hand

Mont St. Michel Managed to get TW up early for trip through the tunnel. The M25 is great at 5 in the morning but not TW. Anyway, we arrived early so the nice people at Eurotunnel put us on an earlier train. Perfect ride through, didn't see any fishes, and time to put the GB sticker on and have some breakfast. Headed off down the Normandy coast. Stopped in Trouville for a lunchtime baguette by the sea. Trouville hasn't changed much since I was last here in 1975 on a bike trip. Its posher neighbour, Deauville, stilled looked as smart as I remember. Pushed on towards Mont St Michel. I had booked us into a Formule 1 motel but TW had a funny tummy and she did not like the  idea of walking down the corridor for the WC and shower. So my 60th birthday next morning was celebrated in the relative luxury of an Ibis Hotel. TW brought along some cards and presents so that was fun. After a good breakfast we headed for Mont St Michel. Managed to beat the crowds for a quick tour of the r