Stretching from the Rhône River to the Italian border, Provence is a southeast region of France located near the Mediterranean Sea. Named Provence as the first province settled by Roman Italy, like most of France, Province has a rich history, and like much of France, is populated by fascinating examples of architecture, studded with gourmet restaurants with fresh local foods and wines.
Provence has a typically warm and dry, although the Mistral, an atmospheric phenomenon creating a strong wind blowing across France can make the winters cooler. In those areas of Provence which are high above sea level, snow isn’t uncommon. Provence is split into three distinct areas, consisting of the coast, the mountains, and the inland areas. Different areas of Province have different weather; the annual average temperature on the coast varies from 15.1°C in Marseilles, to 17.3°C in Menton. During the winter, the average temperature can vary from 11°C to 14.8°C on the coast. Snow is more common in the mountains, while the inland areas have the most temperate climates.
Property in Provence can be relatively cheap compared to the rest of France; a two bedroom, one bathroom family home in Pierrefeu du Var might cost as little as £40,000, the same price you’d pay for a farmhouse requiring renovation in rural Normandy. Prices also vary between areas – a renovated loft studio apartment in Vaison La Romaine might cost almost £60,000, which, although still relatively cheap is more than you’d pay for a similar property in Bouches-du-Rhone, where a one bedroom apartment might be for sale for as much as £86,000.
There are a number of ways to travel to Provence; like many areas of France, one could simply fly into Paris and use France’s rapid rail network to reach their final destination. Another option when entering France is to travel by ferry, and, this way, it may be possible to bring your own car, rather than hiring one. When travelling within France and Provence, renting a car or driving your own may be the easiest option, depending upon where you are travelling to, and how long you’re staying for. Within cities, buses and taxis will enable you to make your way around and, while travelling between major cities, such as Avignon and Arles might be easily done by train or other popular travel links, if your property is located off the beaten track, having your own mode of transport may be far more convenient than any other option.