I will be in Provence for about 9 days and will be based in Nimes to start and then 3 nights in St. Remy with car. I'm wondering if Cotes du Rhone and the Luberon areas can be a combined day trip from St. Remy or if they should be separate. I would also like to make a day trip to Cassis. Although it's rather out of the way, I think a trip to the coast would be nice before we head up to Lyon and Paris. We're flexible in what we do from St. Remy. We also have time already planned for the area around St. Remy, Les Beaux, etc. so it's just these day trips I'm wondering about.
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
665 posts
For the coast you might consider from either Nimes or SR to go to Les Camarges. More a "nature" place than a "beach" place but very interesting.Cotes du Rhone and Luberon are nearly opposite directions. You might do CDR from Nimes and Luberon from SR. And you might consider if you find yourself having to choose between the two what you are really wanting to do. For example if
Posted by
Irving
3550 posts
From Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, drive to Gordes in the Luberon Valley before getting on the southern route of the Côtes du Rhône wine road:
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to Gordes (1h) > Gigondas (1h) > Orange (30m) > Châteauneuf-du-Pape (30m) then back to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (45m).
The drive from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence > Cassis takes 2h.
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1944 posts
Three nights in St Remy is only two full days. Not sure what your emphasis is but very nearby St Remy is Glanum and van Gogh asylum and 20 or so minutes way is Les Baux-de-Provence and the light show presentation in quarry. If any of these interest you maybe consider more time there or take longer to get there by staying in a Luberon village or something on the way there.
St Remy is a charming little town and worth exploring itself as well as the surrounding area. St Remy also has a great market but whatever your schedule make sure you hit up a Provincial town on market day for the full experience. Arles market is supposed to be good and I really liked the one in Vaison-la-Romaine.
Have a great trip,
=Tod
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
2242 posts
You can very easily visit the non-touristy village of Eygalieres from St. Remy. It's about a 20-minute drive. We have visited Eygalieres several times when visiting our daughter who lived in Provence for 10 years. Eygalieres has a very traditional and lovely market every Friday. Also, on Fridays only, the local restaurants serve a delicious white fish dinner. The fish and accompanying vegetables are poached in parchment paper. Absolutely delicious. You can also walk uphill to visit church ruins that are fascinating with gorgeous views of the valley.
Or watch people play pétanque near the public parking lot.
This is a village where you most likely won't hear any English spoken. Most people here are French or from other European countries. Some nice shops and wonderful restaurants.
Posted by
49 posts
Other day trips to consider from St. Remy: Arles, Isle sur La Sorgue (for Sunday market), Avignon, Aix en Provence and the Camargue We have been twice and it is a great base from which to explore Provence