Info guides

Google is your best friend. Jiust put in the area/town/village and something is bound to come up.

Michelin Green Guides are our preferred reference material. 

Local tourist office leaflets can be very good and aren't restricted to big towns. Also the Michelin green guides can have interesting stuff. Occasionally rough guide as well. I usually buy older editions from ebay which are often only a couple of quid.

Not much paper based these days, because we're not Chateau, church, cathedral or other 'building' type people.  For the stuff we like we often rely on the campsite - many we've stayed on have had excellent information on what is available locally, everything from markets, the local doctor, dentist and vet, to other things in the area such as soapbox racing, a Vide Grenier (like a car boot sale) or a cheese cave (not Roquefort)!  Some have guides to the local walks, best swimming spots, and other sporty activities such as canoeing, canyoning, etc.  Most receptions are very helpful and will give you tips about the best restaurants, and even some 'discounts' if you  mention the campsite name, and even a campsite website often has links to the main things to visit whilst there.  Also keep your eye out whilst travelling for small roadside signs or even large banners across a road advertising local Fetes and festivities.  We have a house in the Aude and always keep a look out for signs in the most out of the way places, as these are often the best things to visit.