Big Gers

I do not live in Samatan but know the town very well. It has undergone quite a metamorphis over the past few years and is a very go-ahead community that is benefitting from its proximity to Toulouse. The Gers is truly a wonderful Department and abounds with beautiful small town and villages, too numerous to mention here. Samatan will certainly offer you a good base from which to explore these and, if you're feeling more adventurous, offers quick and easy access to the Pyrenees, a treat not to be missed. Alternatively if you are in need of retail therapy Toulouse is but a short car trip away. Enjoy your trip in July! Regards, Big Gers

Hi Lensman I agree with you that France just does not have the same level of online retailers as the UK. The main photo dealers in France are both franchise operations Phox and Camara (very expensive). With regards to your specific query try a company called BK Photo (www.bkphoto.fr). I'm not sure whether it is the standard 70-200 that you're looking for or the macro version. Anyway their prices are as follows: 70-200 EX DG  EUR799 (I think that this is probably an older model now superceded by the macro version?) 70-200 EX DG Macro  EUR929 The best price that I can see for the macro version in the UK is GBP680, so this price compares very favourably. The best magazine to get adverts of online traders is probably "Chasseur d'Images" - it was from this month's magazine that I took the prices above. It is also quite a good read as is its sister magazine !