How to Get to Provence

The best way to get to Provence depends largely on your travel preferences. If you're looking for the fastest and potentially cheapest way, flying is undoubtedly the best option. Once there, having your own car makes travelling much easier.

For some people, combining a flight with car hire may be the ideal solution. Alternatively, the Auto Train offers a relaxed approach to starting your holiday, allowing you to arrive fresh and ready to explore the Provençal countryside in your own vehicle.

The train is also an excellent option, whether travelling from Paris or the UK. Car hire agencies are usually available at the main stations.

Whatever you decide, please note that without taking part in pre-arranged guided tours or excursions, the use of public transport may be limited for visiting places of interest and for shopping in markets and supermarkets.

By Plane

The south of France is served by several international and national airports, making it an easily accessible destination from many cities in Europe and around the world. The main airports in the south-east are Marseille-Provence and Nice-Côte d'Azur. Avignon and Nîmes airports in Provence also handle international flights and private jets, as do Toulon-Hyères and Canne-Mandelieu airports on the Côte d'Azur.

On arrival at the airport, you can hire a car or take a taxi to your destination, whether it's a city like Avignon or Aix-en-Provence, or one of the charming villages in the region.

By Train

The south of France is well served by the French rail network, making it an easily accessible destination by train from other cities in France and Europe. The main stations in Provence are Marseille, Avignon and Aix-en-Provence.

If you're travelling from Paris, you can take the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), it will get you to Marseille or Avignon in just a few hours.
The official website for train ticket is Sncf Connect.

If you are travelling from London, Eurostar is the high-speed passenger train that links London to Paris and London to Brussels, via the Channel Tunnel. From Paris you can then take the TGV to the south of France from Gare de Lyon.

Once you arrive at the station, you can easily hire a car or take a taxi.

By Car

If you prefer to have more flexibility and explore the region at your own pace, a car is an excellent way to get around Provence. France's motorways provide a good road network linking the region with other major cities in the country.

With your own car, if you are travelling from other European countries, you can take the motorway to the French border, then continue on the national roads to your destination in Provence. Once there, it's easy to get around the region's towns and villages by car.
If you are driving from the UK, Eurotunnel offers a quick and easy way for you and your car to get from England to France. From Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes, it's the quickest way to cross (or go under) the Channel.

Transfers

For your arrival at the airport or train station and for your departure, there are taxi ranks right outside the exit. However, to make sure you get a taxi as soon as you collect your luggage from the exit and that it meets your requirements (luggage space, child seat, etc.), we recommend that you book it in advance as soon as you have your plane or train tickets, using our concierge service. The price is fixed at the time of booking to avoid surprises, and our luxury drivers will take you straight to your property.

Taxis

Provence is made up of charming little villages and towns, not necessarily far from each other, but still requiring the use of transport. Except in the big cities like Marseille, taxis are not available at the last minute and their service requires you to book them at least a few days in advance. What's more, taxi fares, even for short journeys, are higher than in most other countries.

Hire a car

To ensure your independence and complete freedom during your stay, we strongly recommend that you hire a car. Our properties are often nestled in picturesque villages or in the serenity of the countryside, where public transport may be limited and taxis not readily available.
Renting a car will allow you to fully discover the hidden treasures of the region, exploring local markets, renowned vineyards and fascinating cultural sites. This gives you total flexibility to make the most of your Provencal getaway.

Car rental agencies are available at all airports and some train stations. It's best to book your car in advance to make sure you get the one that suits your needs.Here are the agencies that can be found at Marseille airport, Nice airport and Avignon TGV station:

- Hertz
- Avis
- Sixt
- Budget
- Europcar

You can also use a price comparison website like AutoEurope.

Will you have your own car or hire one to visit Provence? Read our article Driving in Provence which will give you the main information you need to know to drive safely.