ONE OF THE APPLIANCES we bought at Leclerc was an HP Photosmart All-in-One printer. This is a marvelous device. It can print photos, make copies, scan documents, and even send faxes should you ever feel the need. The ink is expensive, but only if you use it to print more than a few recipes, maps, and the travel schedules.

On my first trip to Le Rêve, I had set up a triple-play account with Orange. They offer television, telephone, and Internet for only 39 euros a month, about a third of what...