'We read, study, research, listen to and Google a plethora of information on France in readiness for our trip. We go with our preconceived ideas, our anticipation, and our guarded suspicions that some of the negative things we’ve heard might be real. And we go with an open mind, to soak up as much as we can, to immerse ourselves in all things French and to have a damn good time. But, while preparation is a good thing and it serves us well, we find the real experience is something else altogether. ...'