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Lunch and a leg stretch in or near Arles

On my upcoming trip to France, I will be spending one day driving from Nice to near Carcassonne. Arles is a little over halfway there, and I should be getting there around about lunch time. Can anyone recommend a restaurant at which to eat or a quick sight to see in the area that would only set me back maybe 1 or 1.5 hours?

Posted by
11 posts

And then maybe one of the restaurants near the arena that the guidebook suggests... But all the same, if there's anything else anyone else recommends more highly, I'd like to hear it!

Posted by
5 posts

I suggest, if you are going to be there on a Saturday, to go to the Marché. (According to Google maps, it is less than a half-mile from the train station, if you are not driving.) However, trip advisor might be worth consulting first. The marché has gotten very mixed reviews from people like us. For me, I love marchés, and will be going, even with the forewarnings, this very Saturday, September 19, 2015. And of course Rick Steves has kindly provided, free, good information on his own website here.

Bonnes routes.

Posted by
11 posts

Thanks for the recommendation! Unfortunately, I will be travelling through this area on a Monday rather than a Saturday. Perhaps on another trip to Arles I will be able to check out the marche :)

Posted by
94 posts

Arles is a wonderful town...just wish you had a bit more time! We spent 5 days there, got home just 2 weeks ago. Plan on a little time to find parking first of all! I think the Roman arena would be a great place to explore, or the Amphitheater (amazing, and both still in use). With a short amount of time I would grab some food for a picnic and sit in the park or near the fountain in the town center. We bought sandwiches, salads, dessert, and a delightful fresh fig tart at a little boulanger-pattissier just off the town square. The food was so good. I think it was on Rue Jean Jaures. Its one of our favorite memories....and with service in restaurants being typically slower as a standard, that would give you time to just relax and enjoy. If you are interested I can send you a pic so you would easily recognize the place.

Posted by
11 posts

Thank you for the suggestion, Terry. I read it right before bed and it was such a good one that I had quite a lovely dream about it! No need to send a picture—a name will do. Is it Boulangerie Soulier?

Posted by
94 posts

Yes, that is the name. I highly recommend it, makes a great lunch!

Posted by
11 posts

The photos of the food on TripAdvisor look great. Thanks again!