The first week of May we will be in St Remy for 4 days after spending 2 days each in Aix and Avignon. We will have a car. We would like to take a day trip to Arles and can chose a Thursday Friday or Saturday. The market day could be fun, but if it totally swamps the town, maybe not.
We are seasoned travelers and have enjoyed many market days in other places so we don’t want this to spoil other aspects of the visit. Would appreciate thoughts. We can also enjoy St. Remy’s market day.
The market in Arles is fun, authentic, and doesn't impact the historical center much - it takes place on the boulevard just south of the center.
It does make it hard to reach the main covered car park in Arles whose name I just forgot, but coming from St Remy there is ample parking around Place Lamartine, just south of the train station, which is the direction from where you should be coming. From there it is a pleasant stroll to the main sights.
Nice country market and a convenient walk from the train station. But if time is short there are other attractions worthy of your attention.
I would totally plan on being there for the market. I thought it was great, big and fun. Strawberries were in season when I went in May, and they were unlike anything I had ever tasted. I think the market injects some energy into the town and did not interfere with sightseeing there one bit. If you are staying in Avignon for that day then it is especially worthwhile. I would just take the train, as it’s very easy and has plenty of service.
