I am going to Provence next June with my husband and from reading all the warnings about pickpockets and such I am more than a little intimidated. Anyone have an opinion on safety in the hill villages in Provence? We are definitely not going to large cities or tourist attractions but mainly want to experience the leisure country areas. Are moneybelts recommendable even there?
Thanks
Kestrel

We have been going to Provence for many years and do not wear money belts nor do we in our Boston that is a huge tourist town. You can get pickpocketed here but for the same reasons you do elsewhere: wearing a wallet in a back pocket or in a backpack, having a bag with a flab cover that doesn't zip under that flap, not having a secure button on the man's jacket inside pocket. Not alert in crowds, especially at fetes and markets. I hope this helps you.

We've been twice to Provence and never felt unsafe in any way. Just use good common sense. I feel safer in many European cities than I do in cities at home.

Thanks a lot, I've never been out of the country (perhaps you can tell?) so am completely inexperienced. Your information makes me feel better!
Kestrel

Kestrel, I'd say cigalechanta summed it up perfectly. We've never used money belts in more than seven trips to France, and most of our visits have included some time in Provence. I would only add that you should remember to lock your car doors when parked and avoid leaving valuables in sight in the car.

Anselm

I live in Provence and I don't wear a money belt ! LOL

As everyone already said, you should be fine in the smaller villages. However, Anselm is right, even here you should be sure to lock your car doors and don't leave anything valuable in the car while you're out and about. Cameras and baggage sitting in the backseat will tempt someone even here in our small villages.

Should you venture into the larger cities, I always recommend driving with your doors locked and windows only partially opened.

Patricia

We have been to Provence twice, Rome twice, and many places all over Euorpe including the countries of Croatia and Slovenia and have never felt unsafe or threatened. As others have mentioned previously, don't leave valuables visible in your car. You will love the hilltowns of Provence but I would encourage you to also try to visit Avignon and Arles.

Thank you all -this is reassuring! I don't leave my car unlocked here and never leave anything of value in it so would certainly continue this habit over there. Can't wait!
Kestrel

flab cover

Where can I get one of these?

Cigalechanta and PB Provence have given you excellent advice.

One further admonition: be careful around ATM machines. My card was stolen in St. Remy at a streetside ATM by some creep who pretended "he was going to help me". I am a New Yorker who dropped my guard.

You will love Provence.

Anthony

Thanks to everyone - Good advice and Anthony - any opinion of St. Remy? We have 2 nights to choose a hotel before our weeks house rental starts on Saturday and I was thinking of St. Remy for one or both. We have a house for the week in Menerbes so thought we might go to Arles or St. Remy for the beginning 2 nights.
Thanks
Kestrel

As well as not leaving valuables in sight (or there at all), don't leave such tip-offs as maps and guides.

I loved St.Remy,but we stayed in Arles and found it to be a wonderful place to stay. It's a little bigger than St. Remy and has more choices of things to do and places to eat. Either one would be a great place to stay.
Marian
Brooklyn, NY

Having stayed in both a few times, it's a hard choice. Both are so different.

St-Rémy, as you don't want a large city. Arles, while not the size of Marseille, is still large.