Before you spend any money's - If you have a usb cord that you can borrow that will allow you to move that usb network adapter around a little, you might find it works fine when moved even just a foot or two away from where its at. Also you might install something like inSSIDer and check/watch your signal strength to make sure youre not on a same channel a neighbor is using which will be degrading yours. Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/

You should post this question on tripadvisor.com on the forum for France, or I assume there is a forum for Provence as well. Trip Advisor is a goldmine of info for travelers, including all kinds of tech stuff like your question. Tho people here may well be able to help you too--didn't mean to imply otherwise.

Another thing to consider is a wireless internet provider (WISP). After suffering with dial up for years waiting on cable or DSL to reach me, a WISP finally started service in my area. Although I've only had my wireless service for a few days, so far I am very impressed. I appear to get faster service than the LAN at my employer. WISPs use a radio signal to send the data to a small antenna at your house. The WISP will provide a modem and from there is very similar to cable or DSL. WISPs are generally cheaper and more reliable than satellite internet (no rain fade)and can be much faster. For TV, satellite might be your only option, but both DirecTV and DishNetwork offer competitive plans that should work as long as you have an unobstructed view to the satellite. There are usually plenty of good first time subscriber offers available from both companies in which you can get receivers for up to 4 rooms for free or with one DVR for around $50. The link below has a lot of good info on WISPs and a link to a list of WISPs. Here is a link that might be useful: Wireless ISP Users Chat

Oh Kat , your a funny bunny. It does not matter how slow you go, as long as you do not stop. Confucius My dd for some odd reason thinks it's funny to sit in the backseat as we drive along the road in the city and read off all the unsecured internet names that pop up on the laptop. Laughing at the ones with silly names. She is such a nerd. A cute nerd tho.