Region in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
Provence
Lavender fields, hill villages and markets, best explored by car from Aix-en-Provence or Avignon. Rich for slow stays and food; public transport is thin outside the cities and summer is hot and crowded.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,480–3,600Comfortable, one person · €2,200–3,200Details
- Value for money25/100Better value than 24% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 32°CDetails
- Air quality9 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet332 MbpsFixed broadband, France medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe everywhere.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$34–68Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards work nearly everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Provence
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Aix-en-Provence center | Students, cafés, markets; best base without a car |
| Avignon intra-muros | Walled city with trains; day trips to Luberon and Pont du Gard |
| Luberon villages (Gordes, Lourmarin) | Quiet stays with a car; pricey in summer |
Apps that work in Provence
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- SNCF Connect: Train tickets and timetables nationwide
- Bonjour RATP: Paris Métro routes and tickets on phone
- BlaBlaCar: Cheap carpools between cities
- Taxis: Taxis must be booked by phone outside stations; villages have almost none. Plan returns from dinner in advance.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in France.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards work nearly everywhere. Keep small cash for market stalls, village bakeries and parking meters.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: French bank ATMs rarely add fees; avoid Euronet machines in Paris tourist areas and decline the conversion offer.
- Tipping: Service is included by law. Round up or leave €1–5 for good service; nobody expects 15–20%.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted; card contactless limit €50. Lydia and Wero need a European bank.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, E · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Orange's Holiday SIM or eSIM, or prepaid SIMs from phone shops and tabacs, cost about €20–40 a month; passport needed to activate. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in France
Going to Provence solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.