We are renting cars at Avignon TGV at 11h00 and have a rental in Gordes at 16h00, which leaves us with about 4 hours on our hands. Does anybody have a suggestion about what to do?
1) Carpentras -- is this a great tourist town?
2) Should we just park in Avignon and spend a few hours there? We want to go but I'm not sure we have enough time.
3) Other options?
Thanks in advance, Mason
It only takes about an hour to drive from Avignon to Gordes. Since you are already in Avignon, I would have a nice lunch at one of the many restaurants in the Place de l"Horloge, and check out the main sights in Avignon, the papal Palace and the bridge. Personally, I think the papal Palace is a bit disappointing on the inside, but of course it is so historically significant that I wouldn't miss it while there. Also, just looking at the bridge and singing the song to myself was kind of cool.
It's been a few years since we were last there, so I don't know about where you would park the car. Perhaps someone here will have up-to-date info on that.
There are many interesting places - such as L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue - along the way that fill a couple of hours and lunch. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is super charming and while kind of in the wrong direction for Gordes is worth seeing if it's not already on your list. Avignon is too big to really get a taste for in a couple of hours of wandering - but popping in for lunch might be a good introduction. Parking can be tight in Avignon proper so i would have a plan before just driving into the city.
But keep in mind your luggage will be in the car so make everything is out of sight and out of sight before you park not packing the trunk in the parking lot before walking away. Exercise caution and consider where you are parking when you park.
If it's a hotel they will often let you stash your luggage ahead of time and then you can wander the Luberon without having to worry about your luggage if you head straight there.
Have a great trip,
=Tod
If you intend to stay in Avignon, can you drop bags at the train station, and wait to pick up your rental car until you are done in Avignon? I believe there is a bus that travels between the train station and the city center pretty regularly that would be easier and avoid having to park your rental car (and possibly pay depending on where you park). I think a few hours for lunch and a quick look-see around the center is fine.
We parked in this free lot just across the river from the city center and walked across, though there is a bus as well. Pretty sure this suggestion was in the RS book.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1rk8AE1erSYdjrTXA
Would second the suggestion of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue as a stop if you do not stay in Avignon.
Unrelated - but while you're in the area, I would highly recommend the Gorge de la Nesque drive, it's beautiful but doesn't get tons of attention in RS and other guide books I think.
https://www.ventouxprovence.fr/en/mont-ventoux-a-destination-to-explore/the-gorges-of-the-nesque.html
I don't think you have enough time to make a stop in Avignon worthwhile. However, l'Isle sur la Sorgue would be, if it's not a Sunday (too crowded with the antiques market). The paid parking lot at Chemin des Nevons would feel safe enough for me with luggage in the trunk, but please make sure no valuables are in sight, and take essentials with you if needed (without opening the trunk at the parking lot! Stop elsewhere if needed).
Fontaine de Vaucluse is also worth a shot outside of the driest season, but I find the place a bit tacky.
The Lavender museum and the Olive Oil museums near the Coustellet crossroads are quite nice, too.
I would consider Roussillon, it is just past Gordes, maybe 20 minutes. I thought this little town was more interesting than Gordes and someplace that you could easily tour in 4 hours, make sure you go to the Ochre pits as well. If you are already planning on going there for a day trip from Gordes, then L'Isle is cute especially if you like antiques.
Is your rental in Gordes a lodging rental? Do you have to be there at 1600? What time of year?
You could drive to L’Isle sur la Sorgue and explore for a few hours and have lunch in a cafe on the river. If it’s during lavender season (mid June to mid July), drive to the Abbaye Notre Dame de Senanque to see some lavender fields and visit their gift shop. I personally liked purchasing my lavender products from them rather than the tourist shops in town. And then drive to Gordes. If you’ve missed the lavender, Fontaine de Vaucluse is a nice stop with a nice walk up to the falls. Another interesting place we happened upon is the Village des Bories, a village from the 17th century made from dry stacked stones. levillagedesbories.com
Isle sur le Sorgue. Definitely.
