The problem, as always, with visiting any French town for the first time is, of course, that you don't know where anything is.

Now, unless you buy a map of the town, which is unlikely, you are going to get lost, or at least lose valuable time by heading in entirely the wrong direction, right from the word 'go'.

So, here are a few pointers for where to go.

First of all, why not get your bearings sorted once and for all. Directly in front of the railway station ( about a hundred yards across a couple of roads and a square which has "modern" fountains) you can find the tourist information office. There you will find: nice, helpful people who speak reasonably good English, maps, leaflets and the like. It resembles, very closely, a tourist information office. Which is what it is - it does exactly what it says on the tin!

However, that all presupposes your ability to find the railway station. I mean, if yor're coming by train then it's a cinch! But, if you're coming by car then your'e going to have to negotiate some traffic and probably get a bit flustered as the locals buzz around you in their Twingos and Clios like a swarm of flies in a wind tunnel.

Remember Rule #7 of driving in France - If you need to stop and ask for directions, or slow down to find a parking spot, just do it!

Ignore any honks from other drivers, they'll see your GB sticker and get round you somehow. If needs be, switch on your hazard warning lights, that usually does the trick.

So, if you're driving. You're going to be coming down the A10 motorway from Orleans or Paris or you might be coming down the N138 from Le Mans. Both are easy! A10 you come off the end of it and keep going straight ahead, after about 1.5 miles you pass the Da Vinci centre on your right, that's what you're looking for! On your left you'll see the station, park the car wherever you can.

There is an underground car park right in front of the DaVinci centre (Parking in tours can be difficult because the roads become very narrow and parking spaces are limited - just follow the 'P' for 'parking' signs).

If you're coming from Le Mans follow the signs to "Tours Centre ville" and when you cross the river Loire ( normally you will be using the Mirabeau bridge ) keep going straight ahead (three or four traffic lights) until you meet another main road cutting across you, here, turn right and you will find the Da Vinci centre on your right, replete with tourist info office.