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During July and August, when Provence throngs with thousands of French and foreign holidaymakers, the price of everything, from a beach deckchair to a hotel room, is highest. Provence is much cheaper (and pleasanter) in May and June and in September and October.

Buying a carnet of five or ten tickets from bus and railway stations for public transport in larger towns such as Marseille, Nice and Monaco is cheaper and more convenient than buying single tickets.

Many museums and attractions offer discounted admission to students and professionals such as teachers and journalists. Proof of status, such as a college or university ID card, press card or teacher ID card, is required.

French Railways (SNCF) offer the France Railpass, which is hard to beat for flexibility and value for money. It allows from three to nine days travel on any route, from high-speed TGVs (see By Train) to mountain railways, anywhere in France within one month. The Senior France Railpass for people over 60 is valid for groups of up to eight and for first-class travel. Both passes are available at all major French railway stations, but for convenience can also be booked via travel agents before you leave home.

Youth hostels can be found in Marseille, Nice, Menton, St-Raphaël, Aix and Arles, and at several national parks. Despite the name, there is no age limit for travellers. For more information contact the Fédération Unie des Auberges de Jeunesse (FUAJ) in Paris.

The British-based “no-frills” airlines sell their best fares on their websites. Those flying to Provence from the UK include Ryanair to Nîmes, easyJet and Go! to Nice, and Buzz to Marseille.

Multi-site and multiple entry passes for sights and museums include the Carte Musée Côte d’Azur, allowing unlimited access to more than 50 museums, sold through local tourist offices (see Tourist Offices) and at museums. A three-day pass costs €10, a seven-day pass €20. La Clef des Temps (Key to Time) costs €15 from tourist offices and allows entry to 10 historic monuments throughout the Provence and Côte d’Azur region.

Provençal camp sites can be quite lavish affairs, with swimming pools, self-service laundry, mini-market and restaurant and are good value, but are not always cheaper than simple hotels (see Value-for-Money Hotels).

Grape-picking is hard work and although pickers (vendangeurs ) usually receive lunch and dinner daily as well as their pay, accommodation is not always part of the deal. The vendange (harvest) in Provence is from mid-September to mid-October. Recruiting starts as early as May, and the best way to find work is to call or write directly to as many domaines (estates) as possible. Lists of wine growers who recruit foreign workers are available from local tourist offices.

Hitch-hiking is permitted on all roads except autoroutes (motorways), and in some rural areas is the only cheap alternative to infrequent village buses. Use caution: women are advised not to hitch-hike solo and travel after dark is also not advisable.