TRAVEL TIPS TO PROVENCE FRANCE WWW.ONLYPROVENCE.COM
MONEY MATTERS • Before heading abroad, be sure to alert your bank and credit card issuers when and where you will be traveling — this can usually be taken care of on their website. You should also request a pin code, as many shops now prefer credit cards with the chip and pin code. Some pin cards also work in toll booths while credit cards requiring a signature might not. • It doesn't’ hurt to bring few Euros with you, or get some Euros upon arrival at the airport in France. ATMs are accessible throughout Provence and this is the easiest way to access Euros. • Travelers checks and American Express are rarely accepted.
CAR RENTALS • During the height of summer travel, lines at the rental car agencies can be long—it is not uncommon to wait 40 minutes or more for your car. You can get the best rate on your car rental by booking direct online at Only Provence. • GPS - a must: To ease your exploration of the region, rent a GPS or request a rental car with built in GPS. • Theft: Do not leave anything in the rental car (including the GPS unit). Rental cars have license plates that identify them as such. • Driving under the influence is a serious offense in France and the police are cracking down, even in the countryside. Consider using our chef services so you may enjoy delicious food and wine in the comfort of your luxury villa without the concern of transportation.
TIPPING IN YOUR VILLA
It is customary and expected to tip your in-house chef and maid. We suggest 15% for the chef and between 75-200 Euros per week for the maid, depending on the size of your group, length of stay and the level of service you received.
SHOPPING • Be sure to bring cash to the markets. Many shops and cafés in the villages do not accept credit cards so you should try to have Euros on hand. • Many of our rental villas will already have a market basket available for use, if not, you may want to consider getting one. Shopping at the larger grocery stores is a little different in France — you’ll need a token for the push cart, to weigh and label your vegetables and fruits (though getting fresh produce at the daily markets is much more of a joy!) and to purchase or bring your own shopping bags. Beer and wine are available at grocery stores, but consider going to a wine cave instead to enjoy the local wines, many of which you can sample on site before purchase. • Many shops in Provence close during lunch time as well as on Sundays.
DINING • Dinner in Provence is usually enjoyed after 8pm. Most restaurants do not open for dinner before 7:30. During high travel season, be sure make reservations for evening meals. • It is expected that you will ask for your bill when you have finished your meal. Tip is usually included, though it is customary to round up the bill a few Euros. • Perhaps the most important travel tip of all: Provence is as much a way of life as a region charged with tourist must-sees, so allow time to savor its old-fashioned pace.
LUXURY VILLA RENTAL Only Provence offers luxury vacation villa rentals with all comforts and amenities to have for you to relax and enjoy your Provence vacation- pools, housekeeping, and chef services and browse a selection of our unique activities and experiences, including booking day tours, walking, cycling and wine tours, chef services and more. Only Provence is more then just a villa rental company visit www.OnlyProvence.com to plan your Provence vacation.