My sister and I will be taking our first trip to France in July. We'll be staying in a private home near Nice with friends for most of the trip, but wanted to spend one or 2 days (spending one night) somewhere in Provence, to experience a little different region from the coast(Roman ruins, lavender fields, etc). Where would you spend that quick side trip, and what would you see there?
Posted by
11569 posts
What time of year is your trip? ( thinking of lavender fields.) Add at least a second night or return on a Provence focused trip.
Visit Antibes, next to Nice, to experience it’s Old Town, historic buildings, Picasso museum. That would be a better use of your time this trip.
Towns in Provence to consider for another trip: Arles, Nimes, Les Baux, St-Remy, Gordes, Rousillon, Uzes, Menerbes. All these have charm but differ somewhat from each other. Menerbes is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
Of course one night isn't enough for Provence, but it's a start, and perhaps a good break from your houseguest sojourn.
You might go to Aix-en-Provence, about two hours by car or three hours by train or bus from Nice. It has beautiful streets and squares, a cathedral with Roman remnants, Cezanne's home and studio, a good art museum, colorful markets, good food and wine. The best Roman ruins are farther west and north, around Arles, Nimes, St-Remy, and Orange, Lavender fields would also be farther north, best in late June or July. But Aix would give you a taste of Provencal culture. If you like it, return for more.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks! Yes, I'm aware one night isn't nearly enough to even begin to scratch the surface, but Aix sounds like exactly what we want; a little break from being a houseguest, and a tiny taste of the region, and how to travel within France, to inform future trips. We'll be there in mid-July.
Posted by
Nice, France & San Francisco
712 posts
In mid July, the Lavender may have peaked (and harvested), especially in the lower elevation locations, so you'd need to plan to go early in your trip. The Valensole plateau would be your destination (the peak has been earlier and earlier due warmer spring/early summer). The higher elevations will be later, but Sault or La Drome is a very long trip. The overnight trip can be combined with a trip to the Gorge du Verdon. Moustiers Ste Marie is a popular spot (for the Gorge) or Menasque (for the Valensole - 2 1/2 tp 3 hours from Nice).
There are plenty of charming villages within reach of Nice, if you have a car, just without the fields of lavender (except for the wild fields in higher elevations or the gardens near Grasse). There are some Roman ruins (not extensive, mostly foundations) next to the Matisse Museum in Nice Cimiez. There is also the Trophee des Alpes in La Turbie, up the road from Eze. For the best set in the shortest time, you can go to Arles or St. Remy (Glanum). But if you are going to travel 3 hours this may be best left for another trip, if the lavendar is still enduring.