Will be in Provence Oct 10-15 and am still on the fence about where to stay. Although spending a couple nights in a smaller village seems appealing, I don't really want to switch accommodations halfway through, especially since it might be rather quiet by mid October. Thoughts on staying in a smaller village?
More pertinently however is the choice between Arles and Avignon. I had immediately wanted to stay in Arles, but have read several times that the distances between destinations are deceptively far apart, making me reconsider Avignon since it is centrally located. I will have a car and plan and exploring all parts of Provence. Is it beneficial to stay in Avignon in order to eliminate some extra long days returning all the way down to Arles? Did you prefer one over the other? All suggestions and input is appreciated! Finally, I definitely want to check out Nimes, and although I know it isn't technically in Provence, I am shocked Rick and Steve don't include or even mention it in the section on Provence. Am I missing something? Is it worth a trip for a half day? Thank you all.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7377 posts
Arles has been a great daytrip from Avignon several times, but each time, I’ve always stayed in Avignon.
If you wanted a change of pace for a couple nights, consider Saint-Remy.
Nimes is definitely worth a visit, for its Roman stadium and other structures. Nimes has been featured in Rick’s TV episodes over the years, as well as in his guidebooks. I don’t currently have his France book to check, but where does the Pont du Gard show up in his guidebook? Nimes should be in (or near) the same section.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thanks for the insight! No write up whatsoever about Nimes, mentioned in passing in the Pont du Gard section as the ancient city that benefited from the aqueduct. Mentioned one more time simply as a more efficient transportation option for returning to Avignon after visiting the Pont. Hearing that it's included in his TV series makes it even weirder that there isn't a few page section on it. Anyway, glad to know it's worth a stop..looks cool! Thanks again.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7377 posts
Here’s Rick’s Provence episode from 2004 (available for free off of his Website - on the Homepage, click on Watch, Read, Listen, and go from there):
https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show/provence-legendary-light-wind-and-wine
It’s hard to believe this was nearly 19 whole years ago. And, in case you weren’t aware, denim fabric was invented in Nimes. It was known as the durable fabric “from Nimes” … De Nimes, pronounced “day neem!”
For what it’s worth, he does the same thing with Cork, Ireland, the second biggest city in the country, a foodie hotspot, and a legitimate destination. He included it in a TV episode a few years ago, but his current guidebook has no travel information, except a tiny mention of Cork as a transportation connection for other nearby towns.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7036 posts
Rick Steves' Provence and the French Riviera guide book has a section on Nimes.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thanks for that info Nancy, I guess they couldn't fit it into the France 2017 book that I'm using. Shame.
Posted by
885 posts
St. Remy is a popular choice for drivers. It’s a smaller town, but when you look at it on the map you’ll see it’s well located for what you want to see. Also has good access to the Luberon. The driving around Provence is pretty easy, and the only real traffic you’ll encounter will be around big towns like Avignon (there was a particularly long stretch of cars entering town at the end of the day.) I don’t think there’s much advantage to staying in a larger town/city if you have a car, probably the opposite.
If you’re still set on Avignon/Arles I would 100% stay in Arles. I thought Avignon was a total drag, and did not care for it one bit. The Papal Palace is one of the great European non-sights. If you skipped Avignon altogether I would give you a thumbs up. Arles has much more charm and actual things to see/do. If it so happens that you can stay in Arles on a market day, that’s just a bonus.
Nimes is technically Languedoc (across the Rhône) so that’s maybe why it’s not in the Provence chapter. Though it is in the Provence episode!
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Yes I think I am starting to see the light! The more I look into it, a town like St. Remy is looking much more appealing than the larger cities, especially factoring in that i will have a
vehicle. The traffic and the lack of parking in the cities seems annoying, while nearly all the b&bs in st remy have parking included. It also seems large enough to still enjoy the town and have a few dinners without needing to travel to Arles or Avignon. Really appreciate you reinforcing this for me.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10229 posts
I have stayed in Arles and St. Remy over 2 trips to Provence. I’ve only been to Avignon to return a rental car and take the train to Paris from there. If I were to choose between those 3 places I would choose St. Remy. It was easy to explore other areas from there.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Seems the way to do it Andrea. I'm coming from Paris, so I'll pick up the car at Avignon train station and head straight to St. Remy. Thanks again all for the valuable insight. Definitely made me reevaluate what will be best.
Posted by
18 posts
I rented a house in L’Isle Sur La Sorgue for a month and that was a great small town base. But the weekly market was fantastic (then it was on Saturdays) and attracted people from all around.