Provence, France Guide
Know Before You Go...®
Provence is a picturesque region located in the South of France, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. With its charming villages, rolling hills, and fields of lavender, Provence offers a peaceful and idyllic escape. This region is also a paradise for food and wine lovers, with its renowned cuisine and world-class vineyards. From ancient Roman ruins to quaint local markets, Provence has something to offer for every type of traveler. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty and charm of Provence.
Why Provence, France?
- Provence in France is renowned for its lavender fields.
- The city of Arles in Provence is home to some of the oldest Roman ruins in France.
- The Calanques of Marseille are a series of limestone cliffs stretching along the Mediterranean coast.
- The city of Aix-en-Provence is famous for its hot springs and its thermal baths.
- The region of Provence is known for its unique cuisine, including dishes such as ratatouille and bouillabaisse.
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
|
History
Located in southeastern France, Provence is a region known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Its name is derived from the Latin word “provincia,” meaning “province,” and the region has been inhabited by various civilizations for thousands of years.
The region of Provence was first inhabited by the Ligures, an ancient pre-Celtic people, around 2,500 BC. They were later conquered by the Greeks, who established the city of Marseille as an important trading port and cultural center in the 6th century BC. The Romans also had a significant presence in Provence, building roads, aqueducts, and cities such as Arles and Orange. This influence can still be seen today in the well-preserved Roman ruins scattered throughout the region.
During the Middle Ages, Provence was ruled by various feudal lords until it became part of the Kingdom of France in the 15th century. The region experienced a period of prosperity during the Renaissance, with the city of Aix-en-Provence becoming a center for art and learning.
In the 19th century, Provence became a popular destination for artists, writers, and intellectuals, drawn to its picturesque landscapes and charming villages.
Today, Provence is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning coastline, lavender fields, and charming hilltop villages. Its cuisine, which includes dishes like ratatouille and bouillabaisse, is also highly regarded. The region’s cities, such as Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, are bustling hubs of art, fashion, and gastronomy.
Transportation on Provence, France
Getting to 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.
Local Transportation
Provence offers a variety of transportation options to explore its picturesque villages, vineyards, and stunning countryside. Rental cars are the most popular choice, providing the freedom to travel at your own pace and explore the region’s charming towns, lavender fields, and coastal areas. For a more scenic experience, trains connect major cities like Avignon and Marseille, offering views of the stunning landscapes. Public buses are also available, though they are slower and less frequent. Biking is a popular and eco-friendly way to explore the rolling hills and vineyards, while taxis provide convenient transport for shorter trips.
Know Before You Go...® - Provence, France Travel Tips
Before making their way to 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 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 |
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.
