We will be renting a car from Nice and traveling to Avignon spending 3 nights there. What would you recommend to see on the way to Avignon? We will still have 2 full days after that to explore.
Posted by
Grasse
43 posts
Hi maryo1956
It's impossible so give any sensible guidance without some insight into what you like/don't like. It would be easy to say Saint Tropez or a whole load of other places but I don't know where to start really.
Best
Peter
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I see this is a follow-up to this earlier question. In my mind, a benefit of renting the car is to visit places not served by train. Since the coast is well served by train, that means heading to inland Provencal towns on this trip.
Posted by
Edmonton, Alberta
797 posts
I recommend Grasse and St. Paul de Vence. The latter is gorgeous. Small winding streets, rolling hills, beautiful. One town I never did get to, is Biot, many artisans, especially pottery; it was recommended to me by a lady who lived on the south of France. Eze is gorgeous, you just visit the botanical gardens that tower over the town, go early, as it gets busy. There are so many places! It is hard to choose just a few.
Posted by
17 posts
Assuming you are willing to wander from the main highway, I suggest Cassis; SE of Marseilles on the Mediterranean. There is interesting geology along the coastline. A boat trip along and into the calanques (small fjords) is one idea. If you want to walk, it is a pretty hike from town to the calanques. Some ruggedness but hiking boots not a necessity. There are a few cafés along the waterfront as well. Cassis is about halfway between Nice and Avignon. I've taken a day trip via train from Arles (near Avignon) and back and there was plenty of time to relax, hike and boat. (Don't miss Arles - especial;y on market day).