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Practical Information

Practical Information

Provence, France

Communication

France possesses extensive mobile coverage. Major providers include Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile.

Stay Connected

  • Purchase local SIM cards or prepaid plans upon arrival.
  • Wi-Fi widespread in hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
  • English in tourist areas, translation apps (Google Translate, DeepL)

Mobile Connectivity

For seamless connectivity, consider options beyond traditional SIM cards.

Modern Solutions

Business Hours & Schedules

General operating hours for shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Typical Hours

  • Shops: 9/10 AM to 7/7:30 PM (smaller shops may close for lunch).
  • Restaurants: Lunch 12-2:30 PM, Dinner from 7/7:30 PM.
  • Museums/Attractions: 9:30/10 AM to 5/6 PM (check specific closures).

Money & Banking

Accessing funds and managing expenses during your visit.

Financial Tips

  • ATMs are widely available in the city center.
  • Banks open Monday-Friday, 9 AM-12 PM & 2-5 PM.
  • Be aware of public holidays for potential closures.

Airport Services

Lounge Access

  • Access independent airport lounges with Priority Pass.
  • A comfortable waiting experience for frequent travelers.
  • Relax before or after your flight.
  • Worldwide network of lounges.

Flight Compensation

  • Receive compensation for flight delays or cancellations.
  • Help with denied boarding situations.
  • A service simplifying the compensation process.
  • Check your eligibility with Compensair.

Essential Tip

Always begin interactions with "Bonjour, Monsieur/Madame" to show respect and politeness to locals.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greeting Customs

Always greet shopkeepers and staff with "Bonjour" (or "Bonsoir" in the evening) upon entering and "Au revoir" upon leaving.

Appropriate Attire

Dress is generally casual but smart. For religious sites, shoulders and knees should remain covered as a sign of respect.

Photography Permissions

Generally acceptable in public spaces. Ask permission for close-up shots of people. Observe signage at museums/religious sites.

Dining & Tipping

Service is included in the bill. Tipping is not obligatory, but a small amount shows appreciation for good service.

Dining Customs

  • Wait to be seated in restaurants.
  • Keep hands visible on the table during meals.
  • Rounding up or a few Euros for good service.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Some topics might be sensitive or considered inappropriate.

Avoid These

  • Avoid discussing politics or religion unless initiated by locals.
  • Do not compare France to other countries unfavorably.
  • French people take pride in their culture and heritage.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure Challenges

  • Cobblestoned, uneven streets pose challenges for wheelchair navigation.
  • Historic buildings often feature steps and narrow doorways.
  • Newer Envia buses are generally wheelchair accessible.

Accessible Locations

  • Roman Amphitheatre: improved accessibility with routes and a lift.
  • Musée Départemental Arles Antique: well-designed with ramps and lifts.
  • Major train stations: ramps and lifts to platforms.

Local Resources

The Arles Tourist Office acts as the local resource for updated accessibility details and services.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Grasping a few basic phrases significantly aids interactions and gains appreciation from locals.

Essential Phrases

Learning these phrases eases communication and fosters positive interactions.

Greetings & Politeness

  • Bonjour (bahn-ZHOOR): Hello / Good day.
  • Bonsoir (bon-SWAHR): Good evening (after 6 PM).
  • Au revoir (oh ruh-VWAR): Goodbye.

Interactions

These phrases assist with everyday situations and requests.

Asking & Responding

  • Oui (WEE): Yes. Non (NOHN): No.
  • Parlez-vous anglais? (par-LAY voo ahn-GLEH?): Do you speak English?
  • L'addition, s'il vous plaît (lah-dee-SYOHN seel voo PLEH): The bill, please.

Polite Expressions

Small phrases making a big positive impact on your interactions.

Show Respect

  • Merci (mehr-SEE): Thank you.
  • S'il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH): Please.
  • Pardon (par-DOHN): Excuse me / Sorry.

English is spoken in tourist-oriented businesses, but proficiency outside these areas varies.

Overcoming Language Gaps

  • Je ne comprends pas (zhuh nuh kohn-PRAHN pah): I don't understand.
  • Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal.
  • Public displays of affection are generally accepted.

Important Considerations

Religious Sites

  • Maintain a quiet voice and respectful demeanor.
  • Silence mobile phones upon entry.
  • Check for flash photography restrictions.

General Conduct

  • Be mindful of noise levels in quiet areas.
  • Always ask permission before close-up photos of people.
  • French people are proud of their culture.

Gender Considerations & LGBTQ+ Information

Acceptance & Legality

  • France is generally liberal and accepting.
  • Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal.
  • Arles, as a smaller city, might be more traditional than Paris.

Public Displays

  • Public displays of affection are generally accepted.
  • The atmosphere remains welcoming.
  • No specific concerns for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Positive Interactions

Making an effort to speak even a few words of French gains appreciation from locals, leading to warmer interactions.

Local Language & Phrases

Learning a few basic French phrases considerably aids your journey and interactions.

Greetings & Goodbyes

These are useful for polite interactions.

Start & End Right

  • Bonjour (bahn-ZHOOR): Hello / Good day (use until about 6 PM).
  • Bonsoir (bon-SWAHR): Good evening (use after 6 PM).
  • Au revoir (oh ruh-VWAR): Goodbye.

Polite Expressions

Small phrases that truly make a difference.

Common Courtesies

  • Merci (mehr-SEE): Thank you.
  • S'il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH): Please.
  • Pardon (par-DOHN): Excuse me / Sorry.

Basic Questions

Navigate simple conversations with these phrases.

Getting Information

  • Parlez-vous anglais? (par-LAY voo ahn-GLEH?): Do you speak English?
  • Je ne comprends pas (zhuh nuh kohn-PRAHN pah): I don't understand.
  • L'addition, s'il vous plaît (lah-dee-SYOHN seel voo PLEH): The bill, please.

General Responses

Simple affirmative and negative answers.

Confirmation

  • Oui (WEE): Yes.
  • Non (NOHN): No.
  • Official Language: French.

Helpful Advice

Always start interactions with "Bonjour, Monsieur/Madame" before asking a question. This simple gesture conveys respect.