My wife and I are traveling to France February 8-17. We have most of the trip planned except for the first two nights. We fly into Paris and I already have TGV tickets to Aix on Feb 9 (train also stops in Avignon before Aix). We plan to spend 3 nights in Nice and then the last 3 in Paris. We really only have 1-2 days in the area (depending on when we transition to Nice) and we are interested in seeing the horses in the Carmague (are they even around in February?) and some of the area including smaller towns. Any recommendations for a place to spend 2 nights? Both city/town and specific hotels are appreciated! TIA!
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Arles would be most convenient to the Camargue, and is also a short train ride from such destinations as Nimes, Avignon, and Orange. However, I do not know if the bus to Sts Maries de la Mere (in the Camargue) runs in February, and also can't advise you about the horses.
It's less important where you stay if you are renting a car, but even with a car I should prefer to stay in a small city (like Arles) rather than a small town, in February. Aix is on the TGV line, but is kind of an outlier logistically, and although it is pretty, it has no Roman ruins or similar attractions.
Since you really only have a day, and a short one, I would advise thinking about what you want to see, and selecting your home base accordingly.
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4044 posts
Avignon is always worth a day, or Aix, or Arles. All have train connections to Paris and from Nice. But even in the temperate south it is hard to imagine countryside appeal when the landscapes are dormant.
Posted by
24 posts
I've visited all those sites from Arles and found it perfectly convenient. Avignon is MUCH more bustling than sleepy Arles and has a youthful/college vibe. If you prefer small towns, Arles is the base for you.
Posted by
183 posts
Avignon is a great base, but I"ll disagree with Barbra and recommend any of the hotels by the train station....especially Grand Hotel where my wife and I stayed in October. The five-minute walk to the train station sells itself.