We will be travelling to France for 3 weeks next August. We will have a rental car and will start our trip in Provence where we will spend 7 nights. The places we plan to visit are Arles, St. Remy, Aix en Provence, Isle Sur le Sorgue, Gordes and Rousillon. We would like to go to Avignon and/or Nimes as well. If needed, we will add an extra day to this part of our itinerary. I love photography and my husband and I love art, so visiting the places where Van Gogh lived and painted we will do for sure and Cezanne and Picasso as well. We were leaning towards staying in Arles, I found a hotel just outside the center where the narrow streets/traffic will not be an issue, still, I am not sure if Arles the best "home base" based on the places we would like to visit. Do you think Arles would be fine? If not, can you please give me suggestions? Thanks
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Days out in Provence from a base in Arles.
By train ...
•Nimes
•Avignon
•Marseille
By car ...
•Les Baux + St-Rémy
•Pont du Gard + Uzes
•Roussillon + Menerbes
•Orange + Vaison la Romaine
•Gordes + l’Isle sur la Sorgue
•Aix-en-Provence
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10222 posts
I've stayed in Arles and St. Remy. In Arles I stayed at Hotel Regence, located next to the river and the wall. It allowed for free parking and it was easy to get out of the old town area. I would not choose to drive into it any farther than I did. I have also rented an apartment in St. Remy. I would recommend that you stay in an apartment for a one week stay. I would say I preferred staying in St. Remy, though there is nothing at all wrong with Arles. Arles is definitely larger than St. Remy.
With a rental car I would opt for the freedom of driving to all of your destinations. That way you won't be subject to dealing with train schedules. You can easily see the places you mention in a week. Two other places worth a visit are Pont du Gard and Cassis. I loved the half day I spent in Cassis, a nice town on the coast. It's not too far from Aix.
Posted by
OP
Washington, DC
19 posts
David, thank you. You have given me a couple of ideas of places to go and did not know that Avignon was only 18 minutes by train. I rather do that than drive there.
Andrea, The Regence is the hotel where I have made reservations.
Posted by
Somerville, MA
605 posts
I also stayed in Hotel Regence. I liked it very much. I enjoyed Avignon less than the other Provence destinations.
Posted by
USA
193 posts
We spent four days in Provence in April 2017. First two days we based in L'Isle sur la Sorgue and staying at Grand Hotel Henri which was in town center. This town is absolutely charming and has two market days and some great restaurants-no need to drive, everything is walkable. From here we visited Gordes and Roussilon. Next two days we stayed in St. Remy and stayed at Glallum which is about a 15 minute walk from the center of town. Loved this quaint place with also served an 11 euro buffet breakfast. From here we drove to Arles and Les Baux - both close by. It was nice to stay in two different spots- different vibe and restaurants. Shopping good in both as well. Arles might be difficult to drive in.