We are 2 couples in our early 70's and will be staying in Arles or somewhere in close proximity to there and will have 2 days to explore areas of Provence and Cotes d' Azur by car. Where would you recommend to go for the best scenery?
Posted by
Sacramento, CA
671 posts
My favorite scenes in Provence were at the local markets. The colors, the aromas, the variety of foods and wares to buy were amazing. And at the markets I visited, you could also enjoy the countryside. The market at Bedoin is at the foot of Mont Ventoux, and the other market I visited (can't recall the name now) had beautiful vistas of the countryside. I think wherever you drive in the area you will find scenery that is beautiful.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
360 posts
Gordes is one of those classic hilltowns that offers beautiful views from the town and of the town (it's featured in a lot of backdrops). Rousillion also had nice views and looks a little different than the average town with the red ochre rock all around. And Les Baux also had nice views -- basically anything that's perched above will have nice views of the country side. If you're into vineyards, Chataneuf du Pape and the Cote du Rhone villages are also pretty.
Posted by
Florida
509 posts
Also in our 70s, we enjoyed the following in Provence in May: St. Remy (wife's favorite; Rousssillon (mentioned above) is unusual; great market in L'Isle sur la Sorgue on Sunday, Thursday (and it's also a scenic town with waterwheels and canals); you might want to investigate Carrieres Lumineres outside Les Baux (hard to describe, but amazing: http://carrieres-lumieres.com/en/home); Cassis (callanques and Route de Crete, scenic drive above town, views of Med).
RS's Provence/Riviera book has excellent descriptions (see excerpt here: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/hill-towns-of-the-luberon). RS's suggested Cote d'Rhone driving tour covered a particularly scenic area (Gigondas worked well for lunch, views and convenient wine tasting).
GPS was indispensable.