While I love to travel through France by train, you’ll need a car to explore the Provence region properly. With countless hilltop villages and endless fields of lavender, you’ll want to be able to drive and stop to explore at your own pace.
Contents
Can you get around Provence without a car?
Yet, no-one seems to mention that it’s almost impossible to explore Provence without a car.Bus services are limited, trains only serve larger centres. This, we discover to our dismay upon arriving in the ancient walled city of Avignon.
Is it easy to drive around Provence?
Driving France’s swift and expensive toll-roads, it’s easy to cover 70 miles in an hour. But driving that same distance through the Luberon Mountains or the back roads of the Camargue or Alpilles likely will take three times as long. The best way to enjoy Provence more is to schedule less.
How do people get around in the south of France?
Travel by train, the most efficient mode of travel throughout France. Regional trains connect many cities and towns. Slower than the TGV high-speed trains, these make many more stops but are still a dependable way to get around the South of France.
Is Provence worth visiting?
Short answer: yes, definitely. If you are unsure, you only have 1 week to spend in the south of France, or two, Aix en Provence is definitely worth visiting. It’s one of my favorite towns in France.
How do you get around in Avignon?
How To Get Around Avignon
- BALADINE. The Baladines are nimble little seven-seater electric-powered vehicles similar to the Diablines in Aix en Provence: a sort of cross between buses, taxis and milk floats.
- BUS.
- TRAM.
- RAIL.
- BICYCLE, MOTORCYCLE, SCOOTER.
- CAR.
- TAXI.
- BOAT.
Is it expensive to live in Provence France?
You can generally expect inland prices to be lower for rent, groceries, and dining out.
Cost of Living in Provence.
| Expense | U.S. $ |
|---|---|
| Rent (one-bedroom, furnished) | $920 |
| Utilities | $110 |
| Cell phone/Internet/Cable | $90 |
| Groceries | $450 |
Is Provence safe?
In general, Provence is a safe destination. Petty theft and burglary are the main problems – especially in touristy cities such as Marseille and Nice – but assault is rare.
Do you need a car in south of France?
While France has an extensive rail network, a car is probably the best way to explore the country in total freedom. From motorways to departmental roads and country lanes, France has an extensive road network, and driving is a good option if you plan to explore the countryside.
Is it easy to drive in South of France?
Thanks to GPS, driving in France, and in particular navigating through the south of France, is quite easy. However, it’s not a bad idea to have some “road trip French” in your back pocket in case you need to stop for directions in a small town where English is less commonly spoken.
Do you need a car in French Riviera?
French Riviera Travel Tips
If you plan on staying in just one spot, like Nice or Cannes, don’t worry about renting a car. These towns are pedestrian friendly, so you can walk almost anywhere or easily hop a train or bus to a nearby village.Thirty beaches across the Côte d’Azur, however, remain open year-round.
What is the prettiest town in France?
France’s Most Beautiful Towns And Villages
- Ploumanac’h, Brittany.
- Chartres, Loire Valley.
- St-Guilhem-le-Désert, Languedoc.
- St-Tropez, Côte d’Azur.
- Grasse, French Riviera.
- L’Isle sur la Sorgue, Provence.
- Vézelay, Burgundy.
- Troyes, Champagne.
What is Provence famous for?
Provence is famous for its beautiful scenery, light, and colors. Because of this, the region is associated with more than its share of gifted artists. Such great artists as Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cézanne and Pablo Picasso.
What is the best time of year to visit Provence?
The best times to visit Aix-en-Provence are from March to May and September through November, when the weather is as moderate as the crowds. The summer months see an influx of Parisians and international travelers escaping to the south of France, so hotel and restaurant availability is scant and prices soar.
Is it expensive to live in Dordogne?
The cost of living in the Dordogne is far lower than in the UK.cost around €146 (£131) in France, compared to £154 (€172) in the UK. But perhaps the most important indicator is property prices.
What are the pros and cons of living in France?
Pros and cons of moving to France
- + PRO: Plenty of choice.
- – CON: Older housing.
- – CON: Housing tax.
- + PRO: Slower pace of life.
- – CON: Bureaucracy.
- + PRO: Vacation.
- + PRO: Accessible and convenient urban transportation.
- + PRO: Fresh food and great wine.
Is Provence A good place to retire?
Provence, France
Given that Provence offers some of the best year-round weather in France, it’s an ideal retirement location for those seeking long days of sunshine and blue skies. The region boasts 300 days of sun, and warm weather that stretches from April through October.
What does AIX mean in French?
(French ɛksɑ̃prɔvɑ̃s) noun. a city and spa in SE France: the medieval capital of Provence. Pop: 145 721 (2006) Also called: Aix.
What part of France is nice in?
Provence
Nice, seaport city, Mediterranean tourist centre, and capital of Alpes-Maritimes département, Provence–Alpes–Côte-d’Azur région, southeastern France. The city is located on the Baie (bay) des Anges, 20 miles (32 km) from the Italian border.
What food is Provence France known for?
Don’t leave Provence-Côte d’Azur without trying…
- Bouillabaisse. King of regional dishes, bouillabaisse is the signature dish of Marseille.
- Pastis. No single drink says Provence-Côte d’Azur more than Pastis, an aniseed-flavoured liqueur.
- Daube.
- Tapenade.
- Nougat.
- Omelette aux truffes.
- Ratatouille.
- Aïoli.
Can I drive in France with a UK license?
A full, valid UK driving licence is required.You must be 18 or over to drive in France. A UK sticker to display in the rear windscreen and your motor insurance certificate(1). A warning triangle and reflective jacket for use in a breakdown.
