We are two retired couples traveling to Barcelona and Provence for two weeks in late September/early October. We'll spend the first few days in Barcelona and then pick up a car. I'd like to identify two communities to base in for 4 or 5 nights each. We aren't planning to include the Riviera, just Provence. We want to see the Roman sights, the Cotes du Rhone, and the Luberon hill towns along with just enjoying the people and culture. We like the idea of settling in, exploring, preparing some of our own meals, and enjoying a neighborhood or the countryside. Can you experts suggest a couple of home bases? It seems like the distances aren't great, but I want to maximize our sightseeing opportunities. I was thinking Arles or St. Remy as one possibility.... I've done a lot of reading, and there are so many enticing options! Is the season starting to wind down at the end of September/early October? Thanks in advance for sharing your expertise!
Posted by
Somerville, MA
653 posts
I would choose Arles and Roussillon.
Matt
Posted by
Washington DC
28100 posts
I'm in the reading-guidebooks phase of prep for my upcoming trip to France, too, though I land in Nice on May 1. It's my impression that you're early enough to have no significant issues with off-season closures. I do see that a lot of sights have opening hours (and sometimes opening days) that are highly influenced by the calendar. September is sometimes grouped with earlier months as part of the peak season, but not always, so you may find sights that would have been open straight through the day but are now, during your travel period, closed from noon to 2 PM for from 1 to 3 PM. If you have time, I think it would be worth your while to Google the sights you want to be sure not to miss. It's usually quite easy to identify the official website, where you can find what one hopes is accurate information on visiting hours. Be especially careful about closing days. A lot of places are not open 7 days a week.
I don't know whether you've had time for much research on Barcelona, but there are a number of sights there for which you'll want to buy tickets ahead of time (not necessarily super early, just don't expect to walk right up, buy a ticket, and head inside. Lines at the most popular sights can be very long, and you don't have a lot of time there.
Posted by
Laval, Québec, Canada
336 posts
In Provence, i'd say it's very possible to only have one place too stay and be within let's say, an hour of everything.
No packing unpacking to do.
If you are just south of Avignon, St-Rémy for instance, you'll be able to reach the followings within an hour
Pont du gard, Nimes, Uzes, les baux de Provence, Roussillon, Senanque abbey, Gordes, Arles, aix-en -provence, Orange, vaison la romaine, glanum, Avignon
Under 1 1/2, would be Cassis, mont Ventoux, gorges de l'ardeche.
And St-Remy's area is wonderful.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I think both Arles and St Remy are wonderful choices. Arles a bit more lively at night, St Remy easier to get in and out of by car.
With 8 whole days, I don't think it is unreasonable to think about a base near the Rhone plus a base in the Luberon. Claude is right that things are not so far apart to require it. But if the idea of mornings and evenings in the hills appeals to you, then you might reasonably choose to spend the night there.
Have a great time!
Posted by
Florida
509 posts
We were pleased with L'Isle sur la Sorgue as a 7-night base in May 2016. It was central for the Luberon villages, as well as day trips as far as Cassis and a Cote d'Rhone villages/winery visit. It's large enough to provide ample restaurant options, and the Thursday and Sunday markets offer more than you'll need for the eating-in nights. Echoing others, we enjoyed St. Remy one morning and would short list it as a base if we were to return. If you put some of the suggested towns into the "Search" box above, you'll find tons of comments -- pros and cons -- on most of the options. I think it's hard to make a mistake in the region; pick something that suits your tastes...and don't wait too long to lock in lodging.
Posted by
Laval, Québec, Canada
336 posts
I have to disagree with Tom, this is just a personal opinion.
Yes it can be tough to find parking, but the small port is pretty and the baot tour to see the calanques is memorable.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Stay in Arles & visit by train ...
•Nimes
•Avignon
•Aix-en-Provence
Stay in Arles & visit by car ...
•Les Baux + St-Rémy
•Pont du Gard + Uzes
Stay in Roussillon & visit by car ...
•Orange + Vaison la Romaine
•Gordes + l’Isle sur la Sorgue