Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France Guide
Know Before You Go...®
Why Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France?
- Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is home to the beautiful Gorges du Verdon, considered the Grand Canyon of Europe.
- Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is renowned for its lavender fields which are at their most vibrant in July and August.
- The Mount Ventoux mountain stands at 1912m and is the second-highest peak in Provence.
- The town of Digne-les-Bains is home to the world's largest underground lake.
- The area of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is known for its abundance of wild deer, boar, and other wildlife.
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France Weather/Climate
Average Temperatures
| January |
50° F
|
° F
|
| February |
52° F
|
° F
|
| March |
57° F
|
° F
|
| April |
63° F
|
° F
|
| May |
72° F
|
° F
|
| June |
79° F
|
° F
|
| July |
84° F
|
° F
|
| August |
82° F
|
° F
|
| September |
77° F
|
° F
|
| October |
68° F
|
° F
|
| November |
57° F
|
° F
|
| December |
50° F
|
° F
|
Average Rainfall
| January |
2.2 inches
|
| February |
2.5 inches
|
| March |
2.2 inches
|
| April |
2.1 inches
|
| May |
2.2 inches
|
| June |
1.7 inches
|
| July |
1 inches
|
| August |
2 inches
|
| September |
2.9 inches
|
| October |
4.1 inches
|
| November |
2.7 inches
|
| December |
2.4 inches
|
Transportation on Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France
Getting to Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France and getting around. Our transportation tips will
help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.
Entry Documents
- Passport valid for the duration of the stay.
- Most nationalities can enter France visa-free for up to 90 days within the Schengen Area.
- Proof of onward or return travel may be required.
Departure Tax
No specific departure tax in France; taxes are included in airfare.
Driving
- Driving License: EU licenses are valid; non-EU licenses require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Driving Side: Right.
- Roads: Well-maintained but can be narrow in rural and village areas.
- Speed Limits: Typically 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 80-90 km/h (50-56 mph) on rural roads, and 130 km/h (81 mph) on highways.
- Traffic Rules: Be cautious in small villages where roads can be winding and narrow. Parking can be limited in popular tourist destinations, so plan to arrive early during peak travel times.
Know Before You Go...® - Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France Travel Tips
Before making their way to Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France , vacationers like
to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a
look at our travel tips to make your time in villas
in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France even more relaxing.
| Capital: |
Marseille |
| Population: |
5 million (estimated) |
| Size: |
12,000 square miles (estimated) |
| Electric Current: |
230 |
| Official Language: |
The official language spoken in Provence is French, which is also the national language of the country. The secondary language spoken is Provençal, a dialect of Occitan, which is a Romance language. |
| Currency: |
- Provence, a region in southeastern France, uses the Euro (€) as its official currency. It is the most widely accepted form of payment in the region, and it is recommended to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases and transactions.
- Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted in Provence, with Visa and Mastercard being the most commonly used. American Express and Diners Club are also accepted, but to a lesser extent. It is advisable to inform your bank of your travel plans before using your cards in Provence to avoid any issues with international transactions.
- ATMs can be found in major cities and towns in Provence, making it convenient to withdraw cash in the local currency. However, it is important to note that some smaller villages and more remote areas may not have ATMs, so it is best to plan accordingly.
- Traveler's checks are not commonly accepted in Provence and are not recommended as a form of payment.
|
| Tipping and Taxes: |
- Tipping is not mandatory in Provence, but it is appreciated for good service. It is common to leave a small tip of 5-10% in restaurants and cafes, especially if you were satisfied with the service. For larger groups, a service charge may already be included in the bill, so it is not necessary to leave an additional tip.
- Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
- In France, all prices displayed in shops and restaurants include taxes, so there is no need to calculate them separately. The standard value-added tax (VAT) rate in Provence is 20%, which is included in the price of goods and services. However, there is a reduced rate of 10% for certain items, such as food and books.
|
| Dress Code: |
The dress code in Provence is typically casual and relaxed, with light, breezy fabrics and comfortable yet stylish attire. |
| Topography: |
Provence's topography features diverse landscapes including rolling hills, scenic coastlines, and rugged mountains, with a Mediterranean climate and abundant flora and fauna. |
| Telephone: |
* Tel. country code: +33
* Area code: 4 |
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France Weddings and Honeymoons
In Provence, France getting married involves a few clear steps and required documents.
Application: Submit a marriage application to the local Mairie (Town Hall) in the Provence commune where the marriage will take place. At least one partner must have resided in the commune for at least 30 days prior to the application.
Required documents include:
- Valid passports or national ID cards
- Birth certificates (issued within the last three months, translated into French if not in French)
- Certificate of celibacy (attestation de célibat) confirming the individual is free to marry
- Certificate of no impediment to marriage (certificat de non-opposition)
- Proof of residence in the Provence commune (for at least one partner)
- Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable)
Publication of Banns: Marriage banns must be displayed at the Mairie for at least 10 days before the wedding.
Ceremony: Civil ceremonies are mandatory and conducted in French at the Mairie by the Mayor or their representative. This is the legally binding part of the marriage.
Costs: Civil marriage ceremonies at the Mairie are generally free for residents. Additional costs may apply for translations, document certifications, and optional venue arrangements.
Optional Religious or Scenic Venue Ceremony: Provence offers idyllic settings for symbolic or religious ceremonies, including lavender fields, historic chapels, vineyard estates, and charming villages like Gordes and Roussillon. These ceremonies are not legally binding without a civil ceremony.
