Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GETTING AROUND PROVENCE
1. CAR RENTAL
Renting a car on arrival can be cheaper than driving your own car. Other advantages
include left-hand drive and replacement vehicles if the one you rent breaks down.
Packages combining flights, car rental and accommodation can be very good value, or
you can rent a vehicle for part of your stay from major rental companies at airports or
in all main towns and resorts. Most car rental companies require drivers to be over 21
with a clean record.
2. BY CAR
If travelling from elsewhere in Europe, using your own car has its advantages: you can
bring more luggage, see more of France, and take home more souvenirs. You must
have adequate insurance cover and French law also requires modifications to head-
lights and a range of accessories including fire extinguisher, replacement bulb set,
warning triangle, reflective vest and first-aid kit. Emergency breakdown insurance is
also advisable: consult your insurer or motoring organization.
3. TAXIS
Taxis are reliable and use meters
(compteurs)
but are not usually flagged down on the
street - find one at a taxi rank, book by phone, or ask your hotel or restaurant to call
one.
4. CITY TRANSPORT
France has some of the best public transport in Europe and getting around the re-
gion's major cities by bus, tram and (in Marseille) metro presents few problems. Fares
are integrated, so a single ticket can be used on any combination of transport for one
hour. Day passes and books of tickets
(carnets)
are also available.
5. BY TRAIN
From Marseille, rail lines run west to Arles and Nîmes, north to Aix and Avignon and
east to Nice and Monaco. TER (regional express trains) operate an inland route from
Nice to Digne-les-Bains. Several discounts are available (for further details see
Rail
