Feria du Riz in Arles

Posted by kdwinn22 on 07/27/15 04:55 PM

Hello! First post here... my husband and I are going to France in September, and my last big step in planning is trying to decide where to stay for our 3-4 nights in Provence. My top choice was Arles based on the RS book, but I'm not sure I want to stay there during the Rice Festival. We're looking for the charm of Provence, and it sounds like it will be teeming with people. Has anyone been that can talk about the atmosphere?

If we don't stay in Arles, my options would be Uzes, Nimes or L'isle sur la Sorgue. We'll be driving, so we're avoiding Avignon due to parking constraints but will still visit. I read Rick Steve's Provence book and still don't feel closer to a decision. Can anyone give their recommendation for a choice between the three? Again, we're looking for the charm of Provence during our stay, not too big but still easily accessible to day trips and plenty of food options. Any help is very much appreciated!!

Posted by Mary

Reno, NV, USA

07/27/15 05:28 PM

2427 posts

We just came back from Provence. I would recommend Le Mas D'Aigret in Les Baux which is close to Arles. It's a wonderful location. It's at the foot of the historic town, parking is free, near St. Remy sites and Les Carrieres de Lumieres which is not to be missed. Or Le Clos de La Glycine in Roussillon. Again free parking if you let them know that you need parking. Also recommend the restaurant at Le Clos de La Glycine. Fabulous dinner, not cheap but worth the splurge. It's also next to the Ochre Cliffs which are really interesting. We went to L'Isle Sur La Sorgue. I would skip this town unless you go on market day and are into antiques. Parking is difficult on market day. Nimes is a big city and driving in is difficult from what I've read. We also stayed in Avignon at the Hotel d'Europe (really nice and good location) and parking at the hotel was available but not free. If you are driving, gps is really, really helpful. I would recommend bringing your own. Have fun!

Posted by Dave

Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA

07/27/15 06:51 PM

2261 posts

We stayed four nights in Avignon in September, parking the car in the public lots outside the wall each night and walking in 10-15 minutes. It was fine for us but if we had it to do again we would want to "go smaller". At the suggestion of our B & B hostess we spent about a half day in Uzes and found it very enjoyable. I think it would make an excellent base for a few days. Agree with Mary about GPS, very handy along with a good paper map of the region.

And...we spent a late afternoon and evening in L'Isle Sur La Sorgue and enjoyed it, but it is a busy place, not the small town feel of Uzes at all. Nice to see, a little challenging to drive in and out of. For a day trip base you can see where small town is better in that regard.

Posted by kdwinn22 OP

07/27/15 08:53 PM

12 posts

Thank you for your replies so far, and for your specific recommendations! Sounds like I'll be dropping L'isle sur la Sorgue from my list of options. Mary, do you think Les Baux is too small to keep us interested for 3 nights or did you find there was a decent amount to do? Roussillon may be too far for easy day trips, looks like it's about an hour from Avignon, but I have heard good things!

Does anyone have any feedback about Nimes? The feedback so far is exactly what I was looking for, some personal opinions on these smaller towns!

Posted by Mary

Reno, NV, USA

07/27/15 11:57 PM

2427 posts

Three nights in Les Baux equals two days. One day to see the town, the fortress and the Carrieres des Lumieres (1+ hour). Next day Arles. Or you could go to St. Remy which is next door to visit the St. Paul asylum where Van Gogh spent the last year of his life and created 150+ of his paintings as well as the Roman ruins. Pretty views from the hotel and town. The hotel has a nice pool and ac and a restaurant and is a short albeit uphill hike to Les Baux. Free parking, decent breakfast, friendly staff.

Re: Avignon. The hotel I recommend is just within the city walls and easy to get to. Really nice, friendly staff, great breakfast. You get what you pay for there. Drive up to the door and the valet takes your car. I would spend a day in Avignon. Then take public transport to Nimes. It's an easy drive to Pont du Gard from there. Or tour the Chateauneuf des Papes region wineries.

Re: Roussillon. Cute little town. Relaxing after the tour groups have left. Very provencale. Ochre Cliffs are unique. Julien Bridge (ancient Roman) nearby. Dinner at Restaurant David - one of my most memorable meals ever, excellent.

We were in Provence in the heat and humidity so we limited our activities accordingly i.e. took a siesta every day. We were also there to see to lavender and sunflowers which will not be in bloom when you are there.