10 Tips for Saving Euros While in Provence

As the dollar grows a wee bit stronger against the Euro (will it last?)- now is the time to visit Europe and my favorite region - Provence, France.  Stretch your Euros with these money saving tips  - no scrimping allowed!

1. Rent a vacation home – Spending time in a vacation rental home not only saves you money from traditional hotel rooms but you'll have a much different experience on your trip as you “live like a local”. The savings can add up too! For example, our rental home in the center of Provence (two bedrooms, with a pool and tennis courts) rents for 650 Euros in high season for a week – that is less than 100 Euros per night. For a family of 4 - try to find two hotel rooms for less than 100 Euros per night! Remember, most vacation units rent from Saturday to Saturday so you need to coordinate your stay within that week time frame. Even if you choose to stay for less time than the full 7 nights you are saving money. 

We like to use VRBO  to find rental properties. You rent direct from the owner which saves on management fees.  Ask lots of questions, see lots of pictures and ask for references. 

SlowTrav.com is another great site to read and learn about vacation rentals and the forum users are very kind to all questions asked.

2. Eat at home – now that you have a rental home you can save a lot of money on food purchases by eating breakfast and snacks at home. Walk to the local boulangerie and your baguette and croissant will be pennies a day compared to what you would pay for at the café.

Save your soft drink money and have your colas and sodas at your rental home – the savings will add up fast!

Shop the local markets and make a meal or two at home – it is nice to be able to relax after a long day of sightseeing and activities.

3. Drink the water – ordering bottled water whenever you have a meal out will add up fast. The water throughout France, and specifically in Provence, is safe to drink and is free! Just ask for une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plait when you are at a restaurant or bistro and you’ll have extra money to spend on dessert!

4. Fuel up at supermarket gas stations – As the cost of gas seems to constantly go up, this portion of your vacation budget can really take a hit. We always try to fill up at the local supermarchés – or the local, large supermarkets. Their gas is always less expensive than the small, local gas stations. As you travel around Provence and you see a local Auchan, Géant or Carrefour – STOP and fill up – you’ll be glad you did.

5. Order the prix fixe. One way to help control the costs of your meals eaten out at local bistros and brasseries is to order the prix fixe meal. Usually, this blackboard special is offered with a second, at lunch, sometimes third at dinner, course and is always a good value.

6. BYOB - Bring your own bottles to the vineyards and drink cheaper. In France it is called vin en vrac (wine in bulk) and it can save you a lot of money on the wine you will drink while you are staying in the area. Not all vineyards will offer to fill your own bottles but as you travel the area and stop at vineyards, have a taste of the local producer’s bulk wine – you might be pleasantly surprised how wonderful they are. Just bring back a few empty containers (our rental unit, as I am sure others, provides a large plastic container just for this use) and ask them to fill em up!

7. Order local - Order wine or the local favorite pastis, not soda, when you're at the local cafés. Always one of the least expensive items on the menu, the local wine is generally a lot less expensive than a soft drink…and supports the local economy!

8. Stand at the bar and have your morning coffee – when in Provence if you order your morning café at the bar and drink it at the bar you will pay less than at the outside tables. My morning coffee is always a shot of espresso so it is a quick drink at the bar before I hit the morning marchés. Of course, sitting in a café and having a leisurely café au lait is part of the charm of visiting France too...

9. Walk – what can be cheaper than that! Leave your car in its parking spot and walk to lunch, the corner bookstore or take a footpath to the local olive oil producers, or fruit stand. There are plenty of great walks throughout Provence that can offer an afternoon of adventure.

10. Travel the back roads – avoid the auto route unless you need to make good time. The tolls (peage) can be steep and add up quickly – especially if it is a round-trip excursion. Also, traveling the back roads to get to your destination is part of the fun of being in Provence. You never know what street market you may stumble upon or vineyard that may look engaging or small local cheese producer that might cause you to stop. Enjoy the trip and take it slow. 

11...Ok one more.... Relax! You're in Provence where the laid back attitude is part of its charm. Not only is it good for the soul - it will save you money. Instead of running around sightseeing and touring, read a book by the pool, take a nap under an almond tree, get some sun - you'll be glad you did.