France SIM Cards & comms

[LL435]

Hi,
We're in France for 3 weeks from the end of June. Catching the start stages of the Tour de France in the Vendee then travelling over via Massif Central to the Alps for a week including an organised bike ride that finishes up Alpe d'Huez, then straight back up & home.

I may be doing some cycle rides on the way while wifey drives. Anybody got any hot tips for :-
(1) getting internet connection via portable Netbook or on a phone via sim card
(2) mobile comms between us via text or call minutes on a SIM purchased over in France.

I'm just thinking that using our own SIM cards could quite expensive over there for 3 weeks and wondered if anybody had any experience e.g. the best pay as you go sim cards to buy over there. Or any other bright ideas.

Wifi hot spots is one idea for email etc I guess.

Thanks.

[wee bugger]

Check with your mobile company as using internet abroad is now a lot cheaper...some plans now even include daily data allowance abroad, ideal for checking email. If youdo put a french sim in for data, all your network settings will need to be changed so use a proper phone shop rather than just getting a cheap sim in a supermarket

If you are gonna call each other a lot defo get a french sim (just ensure your phone is "unlocked" to any sim before you go) - remember you will likely pay for incoming calls whilst "roaming" with your uk sim so you will end up paying twice every time you call each other - again costs from UK networks can be much cheaper than previously these days, plus some networks here don't charge you to receive on certain plans

firstly speak to your operator here and find out exactly what your costs are (don't assume they are stupidly high)...

[LL435]

Thanks for the advice. It's always good to have some extra info from those that know.
We don't go abroad that often and when we do we tend not to use the mobiles anyway but as we're away for 3 weeks it may be useful to sort something out.
I'll get in touch with my provider & see what the costs are.