We have 2 days after nice and before train to Paris. Need 2 nights somewhere to see the area during the day and chill with great food and wine at the end of the day. Recently saw a hotel in town of Villeneuve les Avignon but am now thinking of Arles or Nimes instead. Looking for a real Provence experience with roman ruins thrown in for hubby :) and To top it of while driving from nice had hoped to see Cassis by the sea or aix en Provence. Don't think we can do both. Too little time too much to see lol! Ideas from any who have been to help me narrow it down :). Thank you!!
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Ps - someone mentioned l'isle sur la sorgue or St Remi?
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Would this work ... ??
Day
1. Drive from Nice via Cassis to Arles
2. Drive to Pont du Gard, then to Nimes
3. Drive to Avignon. Return car. Late train to Paris.
Posted by
Laval, Québec, Canada
336 posts
As previously mentionned, it is feasable, but I think i would skip Nimes if you are to see Arles, the 2 have a coliseum but for me Arles has something more.
As mentionned, drive from Nice to Cassis, but to get the max out of this, make sure to get out at La Ciotat for instance and when close to the city, turn west to take the D141, a coastal road that brings you to Cassis. It is absolutly spectacular, a road mentionned in many guide books(a 3 star must see in the Michelin guide). You will be stopping every mile to take pictures.
When in Cassis(I love this coastal village, went 2 times) make sure to take a few hours to take a boat ride to the rocky inlets, the creeks between Cassis and Marseille. Gorgeous.
When driving to Arles, stop 2 hours in Aix-en-Provence, to see Mirabeau street and the old part.
I agree with Pont du gard, a unique roman work which is a must.
When going to Avignon or Nimes try to drive thru "les Alpilles" around st-Rémy and Les Baux de Provence(a must see). Close to st-Rémy, you'll also have a small roman site called Glanum.
The Orange antique theater is also spectaculare.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thanks for all your replies!!
I know we are packing in a lot
Had really hoped to see cassis so not sure I can give it up :)
Will investigate driving time from nice to there and city to city
NExt - a hotel or B and B suggestions?
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thanks for all your replies!!
I know we are packing in a lot
Had really hoped to see cassis so not sure I can give it up :)
Will investigate driving time from nice to there and city to city
NExt - a hotel or B and B suggestions?
Posted by
Laval, Québec, Canada
336 posts
About 2 hours to La Ciotat, if you take the road I propose, this will take you a bit because of the few stops you'll make to look and take pictures, but totally worth the extra time.
Cassis to Aix is 45 minutes, Aix to Arles is an hour.
So if you leave at 9am, you are in Cassis around noon or so. stay there 3 hours to see the creeks and the village, leave and arrive in Aix by 4-4:30pm, stay there a few hours, leave around 6-6:30' arrive in Arles in time for the hotel and a great dinner in town close to the coliseum. :-)
Yes it is a lot and not enough time everywhere, but a hell of a full and memorable day!
Better? Leave Nice earlyer then 9am.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thanks so much Claude! Awesome info
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Tom, good luck as in not doable ?
Posted by
Laval, Québec, Canada
336 posts
Hey you know, if something goes wrong like traffic, or parking, just skip the boat ride, or skip Aix and go directly to Arles. Feel it when you are there.
This person is hoping to see Cassis, let's try and help them see Cassis.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thanks David Tom and Claude! My 55thbso young to me yet pooped I may be lol. I love the ocean / sea and live inland canada so I think I'll try to see cassis but skip aix. I'll have to go again!!
Posted by
Laval, Québec, Canada
336 posts
When are you leaving?
PS: see private messaging.
Ciao
Claude