Anyone who says "Money can't buy Happiness" has never spent a week at a Villa in Provence!

So a few common questions we always get are:  How much money do we need for our Provence trip,  and how do we get Euros ?

First and foremost you need to know that they do accept common credit cards in France... Mostly Visa, MasterCard and American Express is excepted, \ (note: Discover Card is usually not commonly accepted in France).   

But sometimes at smaller establishments, just like here in the US, it is cash only.  As far as how much cash you'll need... That's of course totally dependent on your personal choices & lifestyles... Over the last 25 years that we've been taking these groups, we've seen some of our guests get by using very little in euros (maybe  75 - 100 Euro per person over the 8 days) and other guests spending ten times that....

it always seems so far away, but
it'll be here before you know it!

During your week at The Villa, for your Adventures to Provence Tour, most all of your "hard expenses" are included with your Tour price, with the exception of three lunches while we give you free time in some of the villages we'll be touring...   On these 3 days,  some prefer to maximize their time sightseeing & shopping and forgo lunch... (the Breakfast spreads at the Villa are substantial) or just grab a quick and simple sandwich or slice of Pizza and Soda from a street vendor (typically available for around 6 -7 euro)...   

On the other end of the scale, some prefer to relax outside at a table with a view in one of the nicer Cafes and have a larger hot lunch and a glass of wine and do a little people watching...  this is likely more in the neighborhood of  20 - 25 euro per person (depending on the view)!   And of course anyone that's spent any time at all in tourist destinations, knows that it's not hard to spend 50 to 75 euros per person, if lunch to you means either steak or lobster with a bottle of wine...  A simple and casual relaxed lunch with a glass of wine and a little people watching is always one of our favorite things in Provence... we tend to favor the moderately priced Cafes with a nice view to just relax and soak in the French ambiance...

And of course, you'll have small miscellaneous personal expenses throughout the week... perhaps a glass of wine, a gelato, a caffe, parking, maybe something you need from a drug store, etc. Nothing big, but you will want to have a little pocket money...  So you can see, as far as how much money you'll need, this is not an easy answer...

We always suggest you budget around 10 - 20 euros per person/per day (+/- 75 to 150 euro per person for the week)...  And you can certainly get by on a whole lot less if you want to...   But your personal expenses for shopping can be a whole other story... There's leather purses, shoes, belts, perfumes, pottery, clothing, paintings, sculpture,  Provençal tablecloths, etc...  Usually anyone selling more expensive items, will take credit cards...  (and when using a credit card, if you're asked; would you like to be charged in Dollars or Euros, always say Euros... choosing Dollars gives a retailer the ability to do his own "dynamic conversion" and charge a higher exchange rate).

The Dollar / Euro  Exchange
rate is around $1.20 right now...

So there's quite a few options for accessing Euros... We'll address the a couple of the main options:

Buying Euros in advance from AAA  or your bank

Buying Euros ahead of time from your local AAA office or your bank here in the states is a safe & conservative approach... This is what we do... In our opinion, this is the most convenient and easiest way to get Euros, and already have them in pocket when you arrive in France.  A few years ago, AAA offices stopped doing currency exchange, but now most offices are doing it again... Call your local offices ahead to confirm.  And your local Bank; often they won't have the euros at a branch, but they'll get them for you in a day or two...  Your personal bank usually gives you a very fair exchange rate and typically any fees are covered in the exchange rate.  We always buy them easily online in advance from our bank; Bank of America...  and they just ship them to us.   That way we have the euros in our pocket when we get there.  

we'll have future posts about Euro notes & coins

So our Villa is a private residence, not a hotel, so there are no room safes, and we strongly advise against leaving valuables in your room when you're not at the Villa. (cash, expensive watches, expensive jewelry, etc).  In fact we strongly advise against even bringing & wearing expensive jewelry/watches at all... If you're going bring these types of things with you on your vacation, we suggest carrying them with you when you when you leave your hotel or the Villa during the day...

Buying Euros from one of those all too familiar Currency Exchange Booths

these types of booths at airports tend to be 
the most expensive way to exchange currency

You know these places... You've seen them all over the place at international airports and in large tourist cities... These booths, while very convenient, and always touting "The Very Best Rates" are usually the most expensive way to get Euros...  We don't suggest them basically because they're just so expensive... Their exchange rates are typically 10% or more above the going rate. 

Using your ATM Debit Card to access cash from ATM Machines

Always try to use an ATM affiliated with a bank

This is what we suggest to our guests as the most economical way to access Euros once you're in Europe...   If you decide to go this route, we always suggest to our guests to bring a couple hundred US dollars as emergency cash, two credit cards, and an ATM debit card... And just hit an ATM at the airport in Europe as soon as you get in and access Euros with your ATM Debit Card. (you probably don't want to use a credit card for this... that would be a cash advance and be costly).   

Most banks give you a fair exchange rate doing it this way, and charge little or no additional fees... We always suggest checking with your bank to find out which European ATM networks you're in... It's best to always use a Bank ATM in your network as the fees will likely be less.  Be careful using small private ATM's as the fees can be substantial, and stay away from "dynamic conversion" offers at ATM's or retailers as this is typically a very costly option.  Have them charge you in Euros, NOT US dollars, as your bank offers the best conversion/exchange rate. note: Sometimes ATM and credit cards are slow to start in Europe, even when you tell your bank you're going to be in Europe... We always advise to have an international phone number handy, in case you need to call your bank. With all the credit card fraud that's going on these days, banks are super cautious... and their abundance of caution can be an inconvenience for you. (that's why getting at least some euros in advance is the safest route)

We always suggest that you call your bank and credit card companies a month in advance and tell them your travel destinations and dates.  Many will tell you there's no need to do this, but we strongly suggest you do...  and  politely insist they please note the info on your account... If you do all your banking online, often you can do this yourself on your bank's website.

Whichever way you choose to exchange currency, you should definitely do it before you arrive at the Villa on Saturday, as you'll want to already have Euros in your pocket before our Touring activities  start on Sunday morning... we also suggest you fill your car with gas before you arrive at the Villa on Saturday as our Touring schedule doesn't allow time to pull the whole caravan over because one car needs gas... 

                    _______________________________________________________

One of our favorite bands: Music Travel Love

Bonjour in the morning... Bonjour at night... Bonjour to the French boys in the middle of your flight!

  There's always a slight bit of apprehension surrounding our two little language ditties in the right sidebar; A Little Bonjour Goes a Long way and Mangeons ~ Menu Item of the Day.  The lists just keep growing!  So folks alway ask:  

1. 

                                          A little "Bonjour" goes a long way...

   Wait, do I have to speak French?
2. Do I have to learn those words... 
3. So, do people there speak English? 
4. Do you guys speak French?

So the answers to those questions are: No... No... No... and Yes (a little)!  No, you don't have to speak French, and No, you don't have to learn those words, and No, they don't speak English, they speak French!  And lastly: Yes, we speak a little... what we call "Survival French..."  

We've learned a  bit as we've traveled to France many times over the last 30 years, and we try to keep up with it by using DuoLingo online... and lastly, Terese worked many years for Ponant, a French Expedition Cruise company headquartered in Marseille, so we'd get over there most every year as she went to their headquarters for meetings, and of course many of her colleagues were French.  (we had been thinking of developing a TV show - "Terese in Provence" but the Emily in Paris folks beat us to the punch!) So while we personally are by no means fluent, we do of course need to be able to communicate with the people in the local communities where we work with real estate brokers, hire our chefs from, acquire foods, wines and provisions, and arrange tours, hire guides, etc... 

We encourage our guests to try to learn at least 200 words of French...  One, it will make your life a little easier while you're there... (especially in cafes). Two, it shows a sign of respect to the local people... and Three, we guarantee you'll definitely have a better time, a more satisfying vacation experience, and most importantly - you'll feel really good about yourself!  If you think of it as part of the immersive experience, you'll come away with something real that will stick with you for the rest of your life!

So some of the local people do speak a little bit of English...  And certainly in the bigger cities like Paris, Marseille, Aix, Avignon and Arles you'll find more people, especially in the hospitality industry (hotels & restaurants) that speak some English...  

But in rural Provence,  (especially The Luberon, where we'll be)  there will be fewer people that speak English... In small shops & stores that deal mostly with tourists, you're more likely to find someone who speaks some English... But in shops & stores that the locals use (think clothing, grocery, banks, hardware, farmer's markets, etc) it's not unusual that no one there speaks any English...  And if they do, they're often reluctant to use it because they, just like many of us, don't feel confident in their ability...  Usually their English is a whole lot better then our French... But you have to always remember, it's not their native language and most have never been to the US... More often then not, besides French, they speak a little Italian, Spanish, German and Dutch as these are nearby countries that share borders with France... So English is like a fifth language to them...  Keep in mind, when you're talking to them, and they pause before answering you, they're thinking in French and are translating in their minds to English... Often, when you ask them something, you'll see their eyes staring upwards and to the right, as they struggle to think of the translation...

"Terese in Provence"

Usually, locals will be patient with you & you'll find a way to communicate with each other... and when you do, everyone feels good about it!  But it helps if you know at least a few words... Again, it shows respect to them... That's why we always say: "a little bonjour goes a long way..."

More often then not, in the Provence area, you'll find that the women speak at least a little English and the men often don't speak as much, if any...  We've always speculated that it's because more of the women end up working in hospitality, and more of the men more likely end up working at the Wineries, Olive Press Mills, in the fruit orchards and in the vineyards and olive groves...

While we're in Provence, you'll of course meet our Chefs Fabian & Coralie... They'll be at the Villa everyday cooking great meals for us, and you'll get to engage with them a lot! They're super friendly and they love cooking for our guests!  Coralie has spent many years working in guest facing positions in the hospitality industry and speaks pretty good English... Fabian, on the other hand, spent most of his time in the kitchen & speaks really good French!  Hope you're getting excited about France!  We are!

You're gonna love Provence!

   We're just under 5 months out from your upcoming Adventure To Provence this coming June!  144 days from today to be exact!  This video from Wolter's World (he's a Provence travel expert) talks about a lot of the places we'll be visiting on the Tour, and even addresses why we do our Tours the way we do...  I think he over-emphasizes what he calls the "hoards of tourists", but of course it is true that Provence is one of the most aspirational vacation destinations in all the world, so yes we will encounter some crowds here and there, but they're not that bad...  We'll have you in several of the destinations that Mark talks about in the video, including Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, Gordes, The Pont du Gard, The Lavender Fields, Roussillon, The Abbeye de Senanque, Mont Ventoux, and a wonderful & classic Provençal Wine Estate!  Hope you're getting excited!  It'll be here before you know it!

Venasque ~ Our Home Base Village

Bonjour, friends! if you're bracing for the Big Snow Storm that's coming across the country this weekend, we wanted to give you something to dream about!  

We hope you’re all doing wonderful. As we count down the days, we wanted to give you a true taste of the magic awaiting you in Venasque ~ your stunning home-base village in the very heart of Provence. We couldn’t decide which video captured its soul better, so we’re sharing both!

Venasque is a breathtaking medieval gem, carved from golden stone and perched just a mile down the road from our villa, Château du Soleil. To give you an idea of how special this place is: out of over 32,000 villages in France, the French Ministry of Culture has designated only 164 as Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages in France). That less then ½ of 1%!   It is an elite title, and the 12,000-square-mile region of Provence holds just 17 of them. We’re taking you to four! Get ready to explore Venasque, Gordes, Roussillon, and Les Baux-de-Provence...  These are indeed "The Most Beautiful Villages in France".   We'll brief you on all of them here on the Blog, but today we're just focusing on Venasque!

• Video 1: This stunning drone footage shows you the sheer "cliff-hanger" beauty of Venasque. You’ll feel the thrill firsthand as we navigate the switchbacks leading up to this perched paradise! By the way, take note of that Church Steeple at the beginning of the video... It's beautifully lit up at night, and you can see it well from the Villa!

• Video 2: Take a virtual stroll through the winding pedestrian lanes of this ancient hilltop village...  Pro tip: Pause at 4:05. Look straight ahead in the distance—you’ll see our very own “big yellow villa,” Château du Soleil!

Keep your eyes on the horizon at the 1 o'clock position; that’s Mont Ventoux (affectionately known as "Old Baldy") towering in the Alps. That "monster" of a mountain is the site of our Le Provençal Classique Road Rally this Monday! It’s one of the most legendary climbs of the famous Tour de France, and once we’ve conquered those heights in our rally, you’ll have a whole new respect for the cyclists who pedal to the top!

Pardon my French

We Americans have lots of misconceptions about France & the French... and most often these things are simply not true... But never-the-less, these myths are often long-lived and they can make some folks feel slightly anxious. We've been fortunate to become friends with a lot of French people and we can tell you they're not much different than we are...Here a few of the misconceptions that are most common...

Myths and Misconceptions:

• All French People Are Rude: This is a widespread stereotype, but it's inaccurate. French people can be direct and value clear communication, which can sometimes be misinterpreted as rudeness. However, they are generally polite and hospitable.
• They All Eat Baguettes and Cheese All Day: While French cuisine is renowned, it's diverse and includes many regional specialties. Daily diets vary greatly, and while bread and cheese are staples, they're not consumed exclusively.
• They Are All Fashionable: While France is a global fashion hub, not every French person is obsessed with designer clothes. Everyday style is more about classic elegance and well-fitting attire than following the latest trends.
• They Are All Against Americans: There can be some political and cultural tensions between the US and France, but most French people are not inherently anti-American.

Key Cultural Differences:

• Work-Life Balance: The French generally prioritize work-life balance more than Americans, with longer vacations and a stronger emphasis on enjoying leisure time.
• Food Culture: Food is a central part of French culture, with meals often lasting several hours and enjoyed with family and friends.
• Social Interactions: French social interactions can be more formal, with a greater emphasis on politeness and respect for personal space.
• Direct Communication: As mentioned earlier, French communication can be more direct than in the US, with less emphasis on indirectness or "softening" criticism.
• Healthcare: Healthcare in France is a public system, providing universal coverage for all citizens. Like everything else, it has its pros and cons...

One of the most persistent hurdles to understanding France is the "Parisian Filter." Many Americans visit the capital, encounter a hurried waiter, and generalize that the entire nation is aloof. In reality, French culture values a distinct separation between public efficiency and private warmth.

Misconceptions often stem from a clash of social etiquette. While Americans view "customer service smiles" as friendly, the French often see them as insincere. Furthermore, the "lazy" stereotype ~ fueled by the 35-hour work week, ignores France’s high hourly productivity rates. Beyond the berets and baguettes of Hollywood stereotypes lies a diverse, technologically advanced country that is far more nuanced than any postcard suggests.

We think it's important when visiting France to remember that you likely came here to experience the quaintness & charm of The Old World... It is Europe, and there are indeed differences... but we encourage you to try to understand and embrace these differences; if France was exactly like the US, you wouldn't have wanted to come here!  (pro tip; as you meet local French people, don't spend all your time telling them the "how's & why's" of the way we do things in America... trust us, they likely already know, and if they thought your way was better, they'd probably be doing it that way)

Shopping is half the Fun!

these blues & yellows are the
traditional colors of Provence

Half the fun of going on vacation to somewhere like Provence is doing a little shopping!  Our guests are always asking us about the "typical" products of the area and what to bring back as souvenirs of their time in Provence.   

It's easy of course to find artwork to hang on the wall, or knickknacks to put on a shelf, but we're big fans of buying functional items that you touch and use often!  So one our very favorite "gets" while we're in The South of France is Provençal tablecloths!  When we're at home, we enjoy entertaining, and we love to use these colorful tablecloths! They've been one of our favorite souvenirs ever since we brought our first Group to Provence back in 2008...  We can't get enough of them! 

Provencal tablecloths made from Les indiennes are a celebration of casual beauty. These vibrant fabrics, with their kaleidoscopic floral and geometric patterns, evoke the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence. Crafted from cotton, they drape effortlessly, adding a touch of rustic charm to any table setting. Whether you're hosting an intimate dinner or a large gathering, a Provencal tablecloth creates an inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of leisurely lunches under the shade of a fig tree. Their bold colors and intricate designs instantly transform a simple meal into a feast for the eyes.

If you're not already aware of these popular tablecloths, you'll see them all over France on your upcoming trip this summer!  Their casual elegance and colorful Provençal hues are easy to fall in love with! You'll find slightly fancier / pricier / special occasion ones at upscale boutiques... And you'll find "everyday" ones  at the markets everywhere at great prices! Save room in your suitcase to bring one home! Both are great, but you'll worry less about a red wine spill on the everyday ones you buy from the market! (pro tip: measure your table before you leave home)

French tablecloths have a fascinating history. And you'll appreciate your tablecloth so much more if you understand the backstory... So, let’s go through the history; For many people, just the sight of these beautiful brightly colored tablecloths with their distinctive patterns of olive branches, vines, sunflowers, lavender, lemons and cicadas will certainly trigger longings for The South of France. The intense sun-drenched colors of these vibrant, bright fabrics are an iconic symbol of Provence. However, they were not originally created in France...

Les Indiennes

These exotic textiles first arrived in France from India in the early 17th century mainly through the port of Marseille. Les Indiennes as they were known, were an instant success in Europe for clothing and furnishing. These luxurious fabrics were light, bright and importantly, color fast. As a result, the French loved them. Responding to demand, the French soon started producing their own versions.

The booming import trade didn’t go unnoticed. In 1664, King Louis XIV wanted to take control. So, he had his Minister of Finance, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, create the Compagnie des Indes (East India Company). Armenian dyers and fabric makers were brought into Marseille to share their skills with local producers. Originally the dyes were obtained from natural materials. Each color in a design was applied with separate woodblock impressions. 

Les indiennes became all the rage at the French court. The new style was satirised by Molière in a production of his comedy ( Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme). In this 1670 production, the playwright himself played the vulgar nouveau riche merchant M. Jourdain. He was splendidly attired in a dressing gown made of the fabric – with the pattern printed upside-down.

However, not everyone was happy. The French silk and wool manufacturers suffered with the new, less-expensive competition. As a result, several factories in Lyon were forced to close. In 1686, they successfully lobbied the government to stop the importation and production of les indiennes.

Those Clever French

So, no more colorful fabric? Not exactly. Les indiennes manufacturers simply dodged the law by moving to Avignon. This lovely city belonged to the Vatican and was under Papal rather than French jurisdiction. The ban only increased the enthusiasm of the public for these brightly colored materials.

Officially the ban lasted 73 years and was lifted in 1759. Les indiennes took off again and were incredibly popular for the next century. Easy to wear, wash and maintain, they were traditionally used in Provence for household goods including tablecloths, bedspreads and clothing.Women wore skirts, scarves and aprons, sometimes of different designs all at once, while men wore colorful waistcoats and kerchiefs.

Artisanal production was hit hard in the aftermath of Europe’s industrialisation. Because of this, many small companies closed down. But today les indiennes are more popular than ever in Provence. Many of the companies producing these iconic French tablecloths have a long and proud history.

These tablecloths make great souvenirs of your adventures to The South of France as they're easy to pack and take home in a suitcase... and they're a great memory of your trip as you use them over & over through the years! We used one for a small dinner party we hosted over the weekend and of course it brought back so many great memories!

if you like this video below, you're gonna love our Duet 

that we'll have at The Villa for our Soirée Blanche

That's Nice....

 While some of you have told us you're heading to Paris before meeting up with the group in Provence, we received a recent request from one of our guests, for possible sights to see and places to visit on The French Riviera where they are heading as a pre-tour destination.  And we know there are others of you considering spending some time along the coast in this same area, so we've put together a short list of sights that you might want to consider.

The French Riviera, a sun-drenched stretch of the Mediterranean coast, beckons with its undeniable charm and breathtaking beauty. From the vibrant city of Nice to the glamorous principality of Monaco, this region has captivated visitors for centuries.  Along the coastline, azure waters meet pristine beaches, inviting sunbathers and swimmers to bask in the warm Mediterranean sun. Picturesque seaside towns, such as Antibes and Saint-Tropez, exude a laid-back elegance, with pastel-colored houses cascading down to the sea.

Beyond the coastal allure, the French Riviera boasts a rich cultural heritage. In the hilltop village of Èze, medieval ruins blend seamlessly with lush gardens, offering panoramic views of the coastline. The historic city of Cannes, renowned for its film festival, boasts a glamorous promenade lined with luxury boutiques and chic cafes.  The region's diverse landscape also includes rolling hills, vineyards, and charming Provençal villages. Inland, visitors can explore the fragrant lavender fields of the Plateau de Valensole or wander through the picturesque streets of Grasse, the perfume capital of the world.

Whether you seek sun-soaked relaxation, cultural immersion, or a taste of luxury, the French Riviera offers an unforgettable experience. Its captivating beauty, combined with its vibrant atmosphere and rich history, make it a truly enchanting destination.

(we've included details about each location, so clicking on any of the photos below,  will take you to pages with more detailed info)

Eze

Perched on a hilltop, Eze offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with art galleries, boutiques, and charming cafes. Don't miss the exotic cactus garden, a unique oasis filled with rare and fascinating plant life.

 Opens in a new window allthingsfrench.com

Eze village, French Riviera 

Saint-Paul-de-Vence

This medieval village, with its fortified walls and cobblestone streets, is a haven for artists and art lovers. Explore the galleries, admire the works of renowned painters, and soak up the bohemian atmosphere.

 Opens in a new window frenchriviera.travel

SaintPauldeVence, French Riviera 

Menton

Known as the "Pearl of the French Riviera," Menton is a charming town with a vibrant lemon festival in February. Stroll along the waterfront promenade, visit the historic old town, or explore the beautiful gardens.

 Opens in a new window www.happy.rentals

Menton, French Riviera 

Beaulieu-sur-Mer

This elegant seaside resort town offers a mix of luxury and tranquility. Relax on the pristine beaches, explore the picturesque harbor, or visit the stunning Villa Kérylos, a replica of a Greek villa.

 Opens in a new window hermitageriviera.com

BeaulieusurMer, French Riviera 

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

A haven for the rich and famous, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a beautiful peninsula with stunning coastal scenery. Explore the luxurious villas, stroll along the scenic coastal paths, or visit the enchanting Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.

 Opens in a new window www.youtube.com

SaintJeanCapFerrat, French Riviera 

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

This picturesque village is nestled between the mountains and the sea, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. Visit the medieval village, explore the botanical gardens, or hike along the coastal paths.

 Opens in a new window frenchriviera.travel

RoquebruneCapMartin, French Riviera 

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

This charming hilltop village is famous for its vibrant violet fields, which bloom in the spring. Wander through the narrow streets, admire the colorful houses, and visit the local market.

 Opens in a new window frenchriviera.travel

TourrettessurLoup, French Riviera 

Biot

Known for its glassblowing tradition, Biot is a delightful village with a picturesque old town. Visit the glassblowing workshops, explore the art galleries, or simply wander through the charming streets.

 Opens in a new window frenchriviera.travel

Biot, French Riviera 

Whether you're seeking sun-soaked beaches, cultural experiences, or a touch of luxury, Cannes and Nice offer something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the glamour of the French Riviera and create unforgettable memories in these two iconic cities.  Cannes and Nice, two iconic cities on the French Riviera, offer a dazzling array of attractions for visitors seeking sun, culture, and glamour. Here's a glimpse into a few of the must-see experiences in these captivating destinations:

Cannes

• La Croisette: This world-famous boulevard is the heart of Cannes, lined with luxurious hotels, designer boutiques, and pristine beaches. Stroll along the promenade, soak up the sun, or indulge in some high-end shopping.
   Opens in a new window www.seecannes.com

  La Croisette, Cannes 

  
  
• Palais des Festivals et des Congrès: Home to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, this iconic building is a must-visit for cinephiles. Even if you're not attending the festival, you can admire its architecture and explore its exhibitions.
   Opens in a new window www.cannes.com

  Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Cannes 

  
  
• Le Suquet: Step back in time in the charming old town of Cannes, Le Suquet. Wander through its narrow, winding streets, discover quaint shops and art galleries, and enjoy panoramic views from the Church of Notre-Dame-d'Espérance.
   Opens in a new window www.booking.com

  Le Suquet, Cannes 

  
  
• Lérins Islands: Take a boat trip to the idyllic Lérins Islands, a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Explore the fortified island of Sainte-Marguerite, once home to the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask, or visit the peaceful island of Saint-Honorat, inhabited by Cistercian monks.
   Opens in a new window en.cannes-france.com

  Lérins Islands, Cannes 

Nice

• Promenade des Anglais: This iconic waterfront promenade is a must-see in Nice. Rent a bike, rollerblade, or simply stroll along the palm-lined walkway, admiring the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
   Opens in a new window www.explorenicecotedazur.com

  Promenade des Anglais, Nice 

  
  
• Vieux Nice: Lose yourself in the narrow, colorful streets of Vieux Nice, the old town of Nice. Discover charming squares, historic churches, and local markets, where you can sample delicious Provençal cuisine.
   Opens in a new window frenchriviera.travel

  Vieux Nice, Nice 

  
  
• Place Masséna: This elegant square is the heart of Nice, surrounded by beautiful 19th-century buildings and adorned with ornate fountains. Relax in one of the cafés, watch the world go by, or admire the stunning architecture.
   Opens in a new window rivierabarcrawltours.com

  Place Masséna, Nice 

  
  
• Musée Matisse: Art lovers should not miss the Musée Matisse, dedicated to the works of the renowned French artist Henri Matisse. Explore his vibrant paintings, sculptures, and drawings, housed in a beautiful Belle Époque villa.
   Opens in a new window www.nice.fr

  Musée Matisse, Nice 

  
  
• Colline du Château: Climb the hill to the ruins of the Château de Nice for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the coastline. Enjoy a picnic, explore the archaeological site, or simply soak up the stunning scenery.
   Opens in a new window www.istra.fr

  Colline du Château, Nice 

🎶🎶🎶 Help ~ I need somebody... 🎶🎶🎶

Hi guys, Just a quick note today... We're just a bit over 5 months away from meeting up for our Expedition in Provence!  

If we can help you with any of your travel plans for before, during, or after Provence, please reach out to us... We're happy to help! There are lots of tools and resources in the right sidebar to help you with planning and arrangements for: flights, car rentals, hotels, travel insurance, currency exchange, rail tix, language tools, etc...  And we're not travel agents, we're a Tour Operator... so we can't purchase or make reservations for you, but we do of course travel internationally quite a lot, and have been doing so for the last 40 years... So if you need advice, or suggestions on travel arrangements, we've likely been there & done that, so we may be able to help you if you need it!

 If you haven't made flight arrangements, car rental arrangements, hotels for pre or post, etc, our advice is to get these things nailed down as soon as possible, as all signs indicate that this coming summer will be another record breaking season for tourism in France... The most recent Summer Olympics in Paris have really stirred up interest in all things France, and of course certainly Paris!  And with Notre Dame now having re-opened, all indications are that things are indeed going to be busy in Paris!  And in the travel industry, as inventory of things like flights, car rentals & hotel rooms start to dwindle, you'll have far less options to choose from and prices will naturally go up... If you're not sure where to start, we're happy to help! 

Many folks on our upcoming Provence Tours have already reached out to us with questions about flights, luggage allowances, car rentals, hotels, currency exchange, AirBnb's, restaurants, sight-seeing itineraries, rail tix, Seine river cruises, Eiffel Tower tix, Tour guides, The Lourve,  the Riviera, etc...  If you have something we can help you with, please reach out!

You can email us at AdventuresToTuscany@gmail.com or simply pick up the phone and give us a call at 610-657-7894. Whatever it might be, we've probably had experience with it in our decades of European travel... and we're happy to help! Hope you're getting excited!  It's gonna be here before you know it!

🎶🎶🎶  When I was younger, so much younger than today

                                I never needed anybody's help in any way  🎶🎶🎶

                    

            (ps: it was over 60 years ago that the Beatles released this song!)

It's Electric!

 So the question always comes up: "do we need to bring a power converter?"  So here's the deal on electricity in France...   Electricity here in France, as in most of Europe, comes out of the wall socket at 220 - 230 volts alternating at  50 cycles per second.  Here in the US, electricity comes out of the wall socket at 110 - 120 volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. So not only are the voltages and frequencies different,  but the physical sockets themselves are different...

If you need to use laptops, battery chargers, hair dryers, curling irons and other electrical appliances in Italy, you'll will need to know how to convert the appliances to use the new voltage, and how to connect that appliance to the sockets in the wall...

Plug Adapters:   Plug adapters are the interfaces between the American flat-pronged plug and France's two (or three) round-prong socket. These allow you to plug your electrical device into the French wall socket, but they do not convert the electricity to the American 110 volts. If your device or appliance is designed to run only on 110-120 volts, you are likely to see smoke, if not fire, from this miss-mating. You will need a step-down power converter to safely step the voltage down from 230 to 110.

typical French outlet

US - Euro plug adaptor

You can get along fine with just a plug adaptor for many of today's small electrical devices designed to run on dual voltages. Devices like this include many laptops, cell phones, many recently produced battery chargers, and many small, electrical gadgets, especially those designed for world travel. You can check the back of the device or the "power brick" for the electrical input specifications.

A lot (not all) of hair dryers, electric shavers, cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc are dual voltage & designed to use 110 or 240 volts, and sometimes switch automatically... sometimes theres a small switch...  So for these dual voltage devices, all you need is the plug adaptor...  If you don't see a switch or a label indicating dual power, we suggest you call the manufacturer to confirm.

Power Converters:  Hair dryers and curling irons and straighteners can be the bane of modern day international travel. These devices cannot often be used in dual voltage situations without voltage conversion. Because they heat, they are extremely high current devices, meaning that, combined with the high voltage, they use a whole lot of power. You'll need to lug a large, heavy power converter to convert France's higher voltage to the lower American voltage ~ or you'll risk having the curling iron really "fry" your hair and ultimately burn out.   If you buy a power converter, make sure its power rating meets or exceeds the power rating of the device you will use with it. This information is usually found on the body of the device near the power cord.

US - Euro plug adaptor - this is the one you want

At the Villa, we will place a hairdryer  in each of your private bathrooms...   So you don't need to bring a hair dryer for the Villa...   But, if you do prefer to bring your own hairdryer, curling iron,  curlers or straightener and it's not dual voltage, we would suggest you go online and buy an inexpensive dual voltage model... it will be a lot cheaper, a lot lighter,  and work a lot better then a big power converter.  (these expensive & heavy power converters often burn out when used with heating devices). 

Bottom Line:  if you feel you need to bring things like hairdryers, straighteners  or curling irons, we suggest you consider buying inexpensive dual voltage models rather then power converters... Just click here: Amazon.com for dual voltage hair dryers. (Conair makes a nice little lightweight one for $15)

So for the most part, your power considerations probably comes down to your cell phones, tablets, cameras, etc...   but be forewarned, if you need to charge these types of things, you will need, at the very least, a  simple plug adaptor or two... pictured above (usually in the neighborhood of $1.95- $3.50).   And of course if you click here, you'll find these on Amazon. (you might want to consider more than one)

We hope you're enjoying The Blog... Know that we're easing you into it, and we're just getting started! There's a whole lot more to come!   Embrace The Blog... It's here for your pleasure & convenience... We put a lot of work into this, with the theory that every small bit of information we pass on helps you to have a better experience on our Tours!  (If you're not enjoying the Blog, please know that you don't have to read it, and if you let us know, we'll be happy to remove you from the email notification list)

As always if you have questions about these power conversions, or anything at all, shoot us an email or give us a call... If we can improve your experience in any way, please let us know.  We hope you're getting excited about Provence! While it can sometimes seem like it's far away, we assure you, it'll be here before you know it!