Avignon or Montpellier?

I haven't been to Montpellier, but I was in Avignon in October. Looking at photos on the web of Montpellier I would say it definitely has more ambience. Avignon was my least favorite place I visited in Provence. I did enjoy the little tourist train which takes you around to all the sights (like the bridge) and sitting in the plaza next to the Pope's Palace, but other than that I had no desire to walk around as some areas seemed a little 'gritty.' But that's just my opinion. Whichever you decide, let us know what you enjoyed and whether you were happy with your decision.

Will you be driving or taking a train? I’ve only been to the TGV station in Avignon, but I spent 4 nights in Montpellier in April 2022 and really enjoyed it.

Sorry, I should have mentioned that I will be going by train.

Montpellier, a dynamic city, fastest growing in France for the last 25 years, and it has 80,000 students, a great tram system, and one of the largest historic centers in France. Note: The Jardin des Plantes is closed on Mondays. There is remodeling work on the Place de la Comedie, planting tress and putting 150 fountain spouts to cool the area in summer. Additionally, the city is planting 50,000 trees. Despite this work, all the cafes and restaurants are open.

These things are always so moment dependent. We really didn't care for Avignon on our visit there years ago and the Pope's palace has all the charm and interest of a parking garage -- a big empty stone fortress. ( I know, I know -- the history and World Heritage yadda yadda, but I've seen a lot of stone castles and fortresses, even shattered my elbow in one and got to explore the French health care system and this one, the Pope's Palace was just not very interesting). Might have been the day and the mood.

We found Montpellier delightful and enjoyed a sunset drink atop an odd modernistic apartment building. Arbre Blanc. White Tree.
The restaurant which we didn't visit is on the ground floor: https://larbre-restaurant.fr
The bar on top was really delightful -- It doesn't stay open very late -- I think it was about till 8 or so when we were there but a stunning view and close up of an amazing architectural accomplishment.
https://larbre-restaurant.fr/le-bar/

I am sure either would be an interesting visit. We enjoyed Montpellier more.

I would pick Montpellier over Avignon for the same reasons as the other posters. Avignon is pleasant, but is short on actual sights.

But if Nîmes is not on the shortlist, I would pick Nîmes over Montpellier: faster travel time, and incredible Roman heritage.

Thank you everyone for your very thoughtful insights. This has helped me make the decision to go to Montpellier! That rooftop bar sounds amazing, and I am glad to get a heads up about the remodeling work happening on the Place de la Comedie.

I will be going to Nimes and Uzes on a separate day, so my itinerary is shaping up nicely!

The bar at the top of l'Abre Blanc opens at 6 pm. There are plenty of additional places to have an apéro and watch the world go by.

You'll have both Intercités and TER local trains available. There's even a TGV or two. So be sure you choose Gare Saint Roch which is in town and not the TGV station Gare du Sud which is outside town and needs a shuttle or taxi.

Thanks Bets! I saw that too about l'Abre Blanc opening at 6pm, which will most likely be around the time I am heading back to Arles. I have no doubt there will many other places calling out to me for an apéro though. haha.

And good to know about Gare Saint Roch - I will plan accordingly.