Cote d’Azur Tips and Facts
Location: The Cote d'Azur is the region of south-east France that follows the Mediterranean coast from Bandol, west of Toulon, to Menton and the Italian border in the east. It is part of Provence and includes the coastal regions of the Bouches-du-Rhone, Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments.
Coordinates: 43.2548° N, 6.6379° E
Language: French, although English is common in the tourist areas
Population: 5 million
Time Zone: Cote d’Azur is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1), but from late March until late October, summer time (GMT+2) applies.
Currency: Euros - ATMs are available in many parts of Cote d’Azur. Ensure you inform your bank before traveling abroad, and be aware you may be charged for cash withdrawals. It is advisable to exchange some cash before arriving in Cote d’Azur Mont-Blanc.
VAT is currently at 20%. There are reduced rates of 10% (restaurant food, books, public transport, cleaning services) and 5.5% (essential foodstuffs).
Electrical Current: 230 volts. Sockets accept two-round-pin style plugs, so an adaptor is needed for most non-continental appliances and a transformer for appliances operating on 100-120 volts.
Telephone code: French Country Code is + 33
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US to France international dialing format: 011+ 33 then the number
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Europe dialing format for mobile: +33 then number
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France dialing format for landline: Dial the number including 0
Cote d’Azur Security and Health
Cote d’Azur is known for the safety and lack of crime. However, we still encourage our guests to be smart. Lock up valuables in your safe, keep the villa locked and do not leave valuables in the car.
Drugs - Prescription and non-prescription drugs and medicines are available from pharmacies, distinguished by a large a green cross. They are able to dispense many drugs that would only be available on prescription in other countries. Medical Insurance - Nationals of EU and certain other countries can get medical treatment in France with the relevant documentation, although private medical insurance is still advised and is essential for all other visitors.
Cote d’Azur Shopping: In addition to the times shown below, large department stores, as well as supermarkets and shops in tourist resorts may open outside these times, especially in the summer (or in the winter for ski resorts!). In general, pharmacies, banks and shops close on Sundays.
Shops: 9.00-12.00; 14.00-19.00 Offices: 9.00-12.00; 13.00-17.00 Banks: 8.30AM-12.00; 13.00-17:00
Gas Stations- Fuel (petrol - essence) is available in different grades -unleaded (Sans plomb), and gazole (diesel). Petrol stations are normally open 6AM - 10PM, closed Sundays, though larger ones that are often self-service are open 24 hours. Most take credit cards. Note there are fewer petrol stations in the mountain areas.
WiFi/Computers: Most villas and resorts offer WiFi internet.