I will be ending my RS Eastern France tour in Aix in June (I hope). Should I spend an extra day there, or spend a day in Avignon (I've been to Arles, not to Avignon).
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 posts
Avignon. It’ll be worth the day, especially if you’ve at least been in Aix.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3279 posts
I would stay in Aix and take a day trip to Avignon.
Posted by
OP
Beaverton, Oregon, USA
740 posts
I'll already be in Aix, so doing a day trip to Avignon makes sense.
Posted by
Los Angeles
972 posts
I would spend an extra day in Aix. Musee Granet is a lovely museum with 10 works by Cezanne. Go to L'Unic on Place de Richelme and have a Kir or coffee. There is a beautiful Weibel Patiserrie. And our favorite restaurant was Restaurant Jacquou le Croquant Aix en Provence -- perfectly charming and delicious. You will need a reservation.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 posts
IF you do go to Avignon, you’ll find it wonderful. Be sure to go to Les Halles, the fantastic indoor market! The fishmongers are a riot - see them interact with their regular customers.
The Palais des Papes, the fortress for the Avignon Popes, back when there was an alternative to the one in Rome, is certainly worth a visit. Stop off at La Mirande hotel for an elegant tea or afternoon drink. The Pont de Avignon bridge that only goes halfway across the Rhone River is an optional sight, from the riverbank, or on the bridge itself, where you can do a little dance of celebration. For a very special lunch or dinner, the place is Numero 75, at 75 Rue Guillaume Puy. It’s a restaurant of renowned local chef Robert Brunel - his first restaurant, also in Avignon, is called simply Brunel. Years ago, he split his time between Avignon and Boulder, Colorado, giving amazing cooking classes. Check their hours for the day, closed Sundays. A wonderful meal, and a wonderful memory, are assured.