ChatGPT as a Tour Guide?

I'm currently on the second part of my 2023 road trip. The first half was with the best wife of all from Brussels — or actually Antwerp — to Nantes. The second part logically started in Nantes with my friend Josh. Naturally, things quickly got more technical, of course chatGPT was often the topic, and then Josh gave me the idea to test the suitability of OpenAI's chatGPT technology as a travel guide.

And indeed, my question

What is the most beautiful route from Île de Ré to Bordeaux?

chatGPT answers without hesitation and, from my knowledge, quite correctly:

The most beautiful route from Île de Ré to Bordeaux offers a picturesque combination of coastal landscapes, charming villages and vineyards. Here is a recommended route that includes some of the highlights along the way:

1. Île de Ré: Start your journey on the enchanting island of Île de Ré. Explore the picturesque villages, drive along the coast and enjoy the stunning beaches. Make a stop in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the island's capital, to discover the historic fortifications and charming alleyways.
2. La Rochelle: Leave Île de Ré and head to La Rochelle, a vibrant port city. Stroll along the old harbour, admire the medieval towers and explore the maritime heritage at the Maritime Museum. Enjoy fresh fish and seafood at the harbour restaurants.
3. Marennes: Continue your journey along the coast and make a detour to Marennes, a town known for its oyster farming. Visit an oyster farm and taste this delicate seafood right on the spot. It's a great opportunity to experience the local gastronomy and enjoy the fresh flavours of the region.
4. Royan: Drive further along the coast to Royan, a popular seaside resort with beautiful beaches. Relax by the sea, explore the town's modern architecture and visit the famous Royan market, where you can discover local products and specialities.
5. Cognac: Leave the coast and make a detour inland to Cognac. Immerse yourself in the world of cognac and visit one of the famous distilleries. Take a guided tour to learn more about the production of this noble spirit and enjoy a tasting.
6. Bordeaux Wine Region: Your journey ends in the enchanting city of Bordeaux, the centre of one of the world's most renowned wine regions. Explore the historic old town, visit impressive monuments like the Place de la Bourse and enjoy the excellent gastronomy and wine culture. Take a wine tasting at one of the famous estates in the surrounding area to experience the diversity and quality of Bordeaux wines.

This route combines coastal landscapes, historical heritage and culinary experiences and offers you a varied and fascinating insight into the region between Île de Ré and Bordeaux. Enjoy the drive and discover the beauty and diversity of this special part of France.

chatGPT 28.05.2023

chatGPT as a travel guide: Fancy some breakfast?

To solve the more pressing problem of breakfast, I consult chatGPT again:

Which is the best bakery for a French breakfast on Île de Ré? I like café au lait, croissants, baguettes and would like to sit outside.

A prompt answer at the prompt:

One of the most popular bakeries on Île de Ré for enjoying a French breakfast outdoors is the bakery "La Maison du Moulin" in Saint-Martin-de-Ré. Here you'll find a cosy terrace where you can enjoy your café au lait, fresh croissants and crispy baguettes amidst the charming island life.

"La Maison du Moulin" is known for high-quality baked goods prepared according to traditional French recipes. The croissants are buttery soft with a perfect golden crust, while the baguettes come fresh and fragrant from the oven. You can choose from a variety of delicious baked goods, including pain au chocolat, brioche and other sweet treats.

The bakery is located near the harbour of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, which means you can enjoy the view of passing boats and the lively harbour bustle while having your breakfast. The relaxed atmosphere and charming ambience make the visit a true pleasure.

In addition, "La Maison du Moulin" also offers a selection of homemade jams and spreads that go perfectly with your fresh pastries. You can accompany your breakfast with a cup of fragrant coffee or another drink of your choice.

Please note that opening hours may vary depending on the season. It's advisable to arrive early to make sure you can snag a spot on the terrace, as the bakery is often popular and well-frequented.

So enjoy your French breakfast outdoors, surrounded by the relaxed atmosphere and charm of Île de Ré at the bakery "La Maison du Moulin" in Saint-Martin-de-Ré. Bon appétit!

chatGPT 29.05.2023

Truly impressive. Also a bit scary. It does put my role as navigator and "guide" somewhat into question. Or I could just secretly always ask chatGPT and pretend it's my insider knowledge... Nobody would probably believe me though!

Later, in Saint-Martin-de-Ré we found this magnificent fortification. And wanted to know from chatGPT:

Tell me more about the fortress in Saint-Martin-de-Ré

The answer only took as long as the poor French internet needed:

The fortress of Saint-Martin-de-Ré is a remarkable historical monument on the island of Île de Ré in France. It was designed and built under the direction of Vauban, the famous French military engineer of the 17th century, as part of a comprehensive defence system.

The complex served to protect the French coast from enemy attacks, particularly the English Navy. The fortress and its fortifications are impressive examples of 17th-century military architecture and are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors can stroll through the well-preserved fortifications and ramparts and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding countryside and the sea. Saint-Martin-de-Ré is also known for its charming harbour, narrow streets and beautiful traditional white houses, making it a popular travel destination.

chatGPT 29.05.2023

What didn't work were questions like: Is Do Ré Mi in Saint-Martin-en-Ré a recommended breakfast spot? There chatGPT clearly pointed to its limitations and claimed it couldn't do research and I should ask passersby... Wise advice that should be obsolete from version 4.0 onwards. But didn't work yet with my beta. So currently everything is difficult that requires more current knowledge than the year 2021. Which undeniably applies to restaurant reviews or bakery tips. We then tried Do Ré Mi ourselves and — as always, or even better — Google was right with a rating of 3.6... It was okay. But nothing more. What makes the whole thing somewhat bizarre is that chatGPT had previously given us a breakfast recommendation. But then "refused to provide information" when asked about a different café...

I'll definitely continue testing the AI's touristic abilities. This is really enormously promising and of course enormously accelerates research. And gives me the opportunity to spend less time on my phone. And enjoy the trip more!