Walking through Van Gogh's Provence - trip info

ACCESS
. From Paris : High speed train to Avignon / From Marseille airport : local train to Avignon, Isle sur la Sorgue
. From Avignon : local train to Isle sur la Sorgue
. From Arles : local train to Avignon, Marseille & Marseille airport

PASSPORT & DOCUMENTS
. Passport / Driver license if required

HEALTH INFORMATION
. No vaccination requirements

INSURANCE
. Please insure that you have valid travel insurance

WEATHER 
Provence is famous for its 360 days of sunshine per year ! The Provençal climate is characterized by the bright and ever-present sun, and dry summers. The winds and rains are sporadic.
- Winter is most often mild and sunny, with incredibly clear skies. 
- Autumn & Spring, with their summer-like days, can sometimes bring more abundant rains. A great hiking and cycling season !
- May and June, when almond trees and lavender fields are in bloom, are the most pleasant months, followed by September and October.
- Summer is very hot and dry. Walking is great in the interior of Provence, above 1000m in altitude to avoid the heat, like the Cevennes, the back country of Nice, Mercantour nature park… Cycle through all of Provence in the mornings and late afternoons. 
- A Word about “Le Mistral” in Provence The strong north-western winds blow down the Rhône Valley, picking up speed as they head through Provence towards the Med, helping to keep the region very sunny. The Mistral generally blows in the winter and spring and considerably less during the warmer months.

ELECTRICITY
. Europe is on a 220 Volt system
. Check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items HERE 

MOBILE PHONE & INTERNET
. Please check that your mobile/cell plan allows for calls & messages abroad
. A good option is to buy a “country Sim card” in a phone shop. It will cost you around 10€ / 15€ and will allow you to call local phone numbers with internet access

MONEY MATTERS & CLOSING HOURS 
. The currency is the €uro. Please ensure to have some cash with you as there aren’t always ATM machines in small villages.
. Tips are always included (different than in Canada and USA) but always appreciated.
. Please note that many restaurants in France do not serve food all day
. Many shops are closed on Sundays, supermarkets are usually open until midday