Avignon Day Trips in May

My vote is for Arles, but to be fair I haven’t visited the others. A few years ago I took the train to Arles from Avignon, walked into town using the RS guidebook. I followed some of the Van Gogh trail, saw the Arena (with a few local singers busking outside of it), sat in the lovely tree-covered square for lunch, the Van Gogh foundation, Le space Van Gogh, and a beautiful church in the plaza. A nice stroll along the river. It’s easy to get around on foot and it’s close proximity to Avignon is a plus. Enjoy yourself! It Should be especially beautiful in the spring.

I would eliminate Marseille, which takes longer to reach.
To me it is between Nîmes and Arles. If Roman history is your thing, Nîmes has the edge, especially with the new-ish Roman museum.
Otherwise, Arles has a slightly broader appeal in my opinion: ancient ruins, beautiful church (Sainte Trophime), a few art museums + good Roman museum (less striking than the one in Nîmes but equally interesting)...

I think Arles was overall more picturesque, more pleasant to wander around. Not that Nimes wasn't but I just didn't enjoy it as much. The arena in Nimes was more impressive though. But Arles also has the Van Gogh connection and for me anyway it was interesting to see some of the places he painted. Also right outside Arles is the Abbaye de Montmajor which was very interesting.

Thanks everyone for the good feedback. Think we will go with Arles.

We took a day trip, loop drive from Avignon to Fontaine de Vaucluse, Gordes, Rousillon, Bonnieux, and Lourmarin for dinner, then back to Avignon in the eve ... in June, years back. Wonderful day. History, countryside, and a wonderful small gallery in Bonnieux. The only low point was dining near a table of obnoxious Texans who didn't like French food and were quite loud about that. They should have stayed in Texas and burned steaks, there.

Another day, we went to the market near the Roman arena in Arles on way to the Camargue That was wonderful, too.

And, a few days later, from further to the east, we went through Les Baux de Provence on our way to Nimes and its Roman ruins, for an overnight on our way to Barcelona. Both Les Baux and Nimes were great in terms of historic sites.

You'll have many, many choices. Check the Michelin Green Guide to Provence.

Arles is a quick 20-minute trip up the tracks from Avignon. We took the TER and enjoyed Arles, even in the rain. Quaint shops, and enjoyed what we could.

Dunno what it is about Arles, but every time, we seem to eat well. Really well. And not too expensively either.
Hope it goes well Kay!
I am done. the end.