Hi everyone,
My husband and I will be in Provence in January 2026, mostly to see the Roman buildings. We will be seeing Avignon, Arles, and Nimes, but I'm not sure if we should base in Arles or Nimes. Both seem like charming towns. I watched Rick's Provence video, and Nimes seemed very pretty. But Nimes is not in the France guide book, which I thought odd. And Rick's video is from 2005. Rick says he prefers Arles. Any advice from those who have been to either or both would be appreciated.
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1644 posts
Center Arles is a smaller, more manageable town versus Nimes which is a larger city. I've stayed in Arles twice and got to visit Nimes for the first time earlier this year as a day trip and it was a really good place to visit.
I would choose Arles - it is walkable, has plenty of places to eat and things to see. Check that you're getting one of the direct trains to Nimes and avoid those that change in Avignon if you can.
If you can fit it into your schedule the theater in Orange is really worth a stop as Roman ruins site. Much more complicated - bus from Orange - Vaison-la-Romaine is a really great visit as well.
My $.02, have a great visit,
=Tod
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
683 posts
Nimes is in the Provence & French Riviera RS guidebook, as is Orange and Vaison la Romaine.
Posted by
OP
Louisiana, USA
413 posts
Thanks Tod and CD in DC.
I think I'll stay in Arles, I'd rather be in a smaller city.
I was looking at the France guide book, I'll have to get the Provence and the French Riviera guide book.
Thanks again!