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Binns Breaks volume 1

cover of Binns Breaks volume 1 Welcome to my “less ambitious” Binns Breaks - the words I used in my last letter to you at the time of publishing French Leave Finesse. More modest or not, I hope the chapters which follow will give you plenty of rewarding touring ideas within the information-packed 72 pages. One important part of these initial “bits and pieces” is the chance I now have to bring your copy of French Leave Finesse up-to-date; note the deletions and amendments which follow on the next two pages. When you read the following page you'll notice first three five-line entries for “new” recommendations. In two of the three entries the “additions” refer to individuals who were highly thought of in previous establishments; and, in the third instance, there's welcome news of a talented young couple who have brought fresh life again to a previously much-liked Normandy auberge. In addition there's a further page listing all the page number changes in the “new” 1998/99 Michelin spiral-bound Motoring Atlas France. Eleven annual editions were co-published by Michelin and Paul Hamlyn from 1987 to 1997. In 1998 a solely Michelin product was published - with different page numbers. To quote Michelin: ‘For the new format the Atlas has been generated from a map database rather than from existing maps, and it was this process that necessitated the revision of the page numbering and grid.’ New edition or not, and as annoying as the changes are for anyone who has my Mapaholics' France guide and has to use the 1998/99 Michelin edition, I continue to maintain that you cannot make a better investment than the spiral-bound atlas, especially at its lower price of £12.25; those few pounds will return rewarding dividends. On the matter of Michelin products may I suggest you take a look at their range of English-language green guides. In recent years they have published numerous excellent new editions for the French regions.Though there has been some easing of the problems facing French hoteliers and restaurateurs, most of them are still having a tough time. Some have thrown in the towel. Finally, one important plea. Do please keep writing to tell me of your hotel and restaurant visits. I always reply; and, in due course, your feedback helps me and, in turn, your fellow readers, to measure just how establishments are performing. Keep enjoying France - and Britain too.