Mappy.com or Michellin.com?
 

In preparation for our trip to Provence et al next week I have been copying maps from both websites. Which do Fodorites find best to use? Which gives the best routes?

I'd think that it is hard to generalize on "which gives the best routes". If you want critique(s) on specific routes from point A to point B, I'd encourage listing both choices here and get some feedback from someone who has traveled one or the other.

I like mappy.com maps for "scrapbooking" - - they can be cut and pasted together (you can go crazy with this if you choose) - - they line up perfectly from one frame to the next.

Not sure that is relevant at all for driving and navigation. Even as crazy as I am, I can't see cutting, pasting and printing the equivalent of a fold-out road map (all scotch-taped together? LOL!)

Eventually, I submit that you will end up browsing through the abundant choices of (highly specific, in some cases) road ATLASES, available at gas stations everywhere. We find these really valuable, and almost impossible to buy ahead - - we particularly like to browse through one brand versus another to see what seems most user-friendly for the specific destination we have in mind. Sometimes, no matter how good an atlas seems to be - - if the place you want to see more about falls right on a page break - - then it's worth looking at some other brand!

Best wishes,

Rex

Hi ita,

I found that you have to use them both.

For example, Michelin does a better job of showing the scenic points, while Mappy does better at showing the reat areas and the radar towers.

I found that Mappy is more useful for very large scale maps where you have to negotiate through towns.

Also, they often give different recommended routes.

Hi Ita,

Rather than copying maps and taping them together, I suggest that you get the Michelin large-scale regional maps.

See http://www.languagequest.com/travele...tring=provence

I hope you're planning ontaking a real map as well as those downloads. I have found the latter useful for inside towns/cities - since they have very detailed specifics (1-ways etc). But for a real road trip you will aboslutely need a real map showing the entire area you'll be in - with all the surroundings. (Otherwise what will you do, God forbid - if you run into some sort of a detour - or bad accident/traffic jam - never mind the chance to do a little serendipitous exploring as your plans evolve.)

I prefer the Michelin site I guess because I am so used to their maps. However, get a real map for your actual navigation--use the web maps as supplements. I always add about 20% to travel times on viamichelin.

Thank you. Of course I am also taking real maps. These are just a supplement for short trips.

Okay, I'm a computer geek.

This week, you can buy Microsoft Streets &amp; Trips <i>with a GPS</i> for $50 ($60 off) at CompUSA. You have to send a PoP from a previous version, but these can be had for dirt on eBay, plus you can re-sell it. The free maps are here:

<b>http://www.microsoft.com/mappoint/business/pocket/mapdownload/psmapsearch.aspx</b>