My husband and I are planning to visit Normandy and the region of Provence in either spring or fall of 2023. We enjoy planning ourselves and do use the RS books as an aid. In his book on France he recommends Avignon or Arles as a home base with a car, but we prefer a bit smaller and charming town or village with easy in and out for parking and walking to restaurants and shops. We have not narrowed down which places we will drive to each day, but do NOT plan to go to the Med coastal cities, but concentrating on the beautiful hill villages and points of interest in the region of Provence. I would appreciate any suggestions for which town or village would make a good home base for a week in Provence, and anything else you might recommend. Many thanks!
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
6095 posts
We based in St-Remy and liked it very much
The Wednesday market was terrific
Stayed here, easy walk to town, beautiful grounds and secure parking
https://lamaisondeline.fr/home/
Posted by
North Carolina
6 posts
Great request - very helpful for us - we will watch this.
Posted by
Massachusetts
847 posts
I also recommend St Remy. Nice size town, smallish but plenty of restaurants, easy to drive in and out, centrally located.
Here's my photos of Provence. Images #33-65 are of St Remy
Posted by
Paris
6913 posts
St Rémy is a solid choice!
If you are interested in the Luberon hill towns, also consider L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and (quieter) nearby Pernes-les-Fontaines. A hair less central than St Rémy, but much closer to the Luberon which is hill town galore!
Posted by
Gulf Coast, usa
1161 posts
Christine, that looked like a very lovely place. Do the cottages have private bathrooms? It says ensuite shower and separate toilets and didn't know what that meant. Still like my privacy when showering etc.! How long did it take you to walk in to town?
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
6095 posts
JR
We had a 1 bedroom cottage with kitchen and washer
Yes really nice private bathroom and a very secluded terrace area
About 10 min to town at most
Looking at pics I am pretty sure it was A Cote Cottage
(It was 4 years ago)
The pool was fantastic-we didn’t think we’d need or use but we were there during a brutal heat wave so it sure came in handy!
Posted by
OP
Houston, Texas
25 posts
Christine your recommendation looks lovely for a home base in St. Remy. Thank you for sending that!
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
6095 posts
You are most welcome!
It was our favorite place on that trip
We self catered but they do offer bkft
There is a grocery store really close and a deli sort of shop where you could order pre made meals to pick up.
Was so easy to come and go for day trips or to walk into town.
It was a fairly new property when we stayed, looks like they’ve continued to improve the place (not that it needed)
Posted by
OP
Houston, Texas
25 posts
All good information! We also plan to spend about a week in the Normandy region and are working on the logistics of linking both Provence and Normandy. We will use trains to and from Paris and then rent cars to better explore each region. Any advice you have on Normandy would also be appreciated. Happy travels!
Posted by
Franklin, TN, USA
874 posts
We did exactly what you are doing 4 years ago……trained from Paris to Avignon ( really easy and lovely scenery), picked up our car, drove to Gordes for 4 nights ( we LOVE its size and charm!! And the place we stayed was incredible!!!), drove around during the day to Loumarin, the Saturday market at Aix, Menerbes, Rousillon, checked out the Abbey and its lavender fields…..then moved after 4 nights to St. Remy……its Wednesday market is incredible and the town is charming….loved seeing where VanGogh was hospitalized and its gardens and ate in some wonderful places there….you need to make a lunch reservation at Chateau Alpilles, a gorgeous home on the outskirts of St. Remy where a family has taken this estate and turned it into a B&B……we sat on their patio at lunch and enjoyed a fantastic meal……such a memory! Lucky you….we LOVE Provence……..the Sunday antique market in Isle de la Sourge is wonderful too!
Posted by
OP
Houston, Texas
25 posts
Do you mind sharing where you stayed in Gordes? Thank you so much for all the details! We enjoy planning those on our own and your experience gives us valuable ideas of what to do and experience.
Susan in Houston