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one week in Provence...wish to see lovely towns/scenery/wine stops but not really Roman ruins

I am compiling a list....what would you suggest we see? Will take the train from Paris to Avignon (rent a car) and will be based in St Remy. At the end of the week we can return to Paris from Avignon or any city you may suggest.

Posted by
3230 posts

First, buy RSEs Provence & the French Riviera guidebook. The next edition will be available in Nov. You can purchase an electronic version from his app. Following are his suggestions:
Day 1 - Uzes, 1h drive from St. Remy.
Day 2 - Côtes du Rhône wine road and be sure to stop in Vaison la Romaine (1h) from St. Remy.
Day 3 - Les Baux (20m).
Day 4 - the Camargue (1h) to see the flamingos, bulls, and white horses in their natural environment.
Day 5 - Hill Towns of the Luberon, especially Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Roussillon, Lacoste and Ménerbes.
Day 6 - The Calenques by boat (fjords) http://www.calanques13.com/en/boat-excursions.html
Day 7 - Aix-en-Provence (1h 15m).

Posted by
28082 posts

I've never read the Southern France guidebook. I'm surprised Avignon and Arles are not mentioned as part of a suggested itinerary. That's not to say flygirl has to go to those places; each visitor needs to consider his or her own interests. But Rick covers Avignon and Arles in the less-detailed France guidebook.

Posted by
7303 posts

You have some interesting suggestions above, but Vaison La Romaine is mostly known for Roman ruins as its name suggests. Hence skippable if such ruins don't interest you.
Conversely, even though Arles is also famous for Roman ruins, there is a lot more there and to me, it is a must see. Especially on Wed and Sat mornings when the market is on.
The Camargue is interesting, but to me it is an 'if you have time' kind of place. There are better wetlands in other parts of the world.

Posted by
3230 posts

Thanks for the feedback Balso.
Acraven, Rick does mention Arles and Avignon, but since the OP doesn’t like ruins, I neglected to mention Arles. Rick gave Avignon a one star and since my suggestions outnumbered the days she’ll be there, I left that off too.