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Provence- French Riviera in 7 days itinerary critique

We are visiting south France on August 1st. Based on TA recommendation, I will use Saint Remy as our base for the first 3 nights,

We intend to start our road trip from St Remy and end our road trip at Nice. We are interested in the village, rolling hills, lavender fields, Van Gogh,than Roman ruins in that orders

Please suggest, if below Itinerary makes sense. BTW my base is at St Remy is not firmed yet, should i split my bases between St.Remy and Lourmarin?

Day 1 Tuesday Noon: , Arrive at Avignon TGV, pick up a car

Visit Avignon, if have more time, Drive to Nimes or Pont Du Gard

Sleep at St Remy

Day 2, Wednesday, Arle & Le Baux by Car

Sleep at St Remy

day 3 Thursday, hill towns of luberon ( by Car)

Luberon-islle sur-la-sorgue-Roussillon-Lourmarin

Sleep at St Remy

Day 4, Friday Drive From St Remy to Nice - like to arrive by 6 pm

Considering Aix, Cannes and/or Antibes/St Tropez

Sleep at Nice, return the car

Day 5, Saturday Nice Day

Day 6, Sunday Train to Monaco

Day 7 Monday , Train to Cannes or Stay at Nice, Beach day

Day 8, Tuesday ,depart Nice to Paris via Train

Additionally, I am looking for suggestions of the scenic drive from St Remy to Nice? Places I should not miss on this route.

Posted by
677 posts

I do recommend the Pont du Gard, even if you've seen aquaducts before. You have a very packed day upon arrival, so take care as things will be slowing going in peak season.

On your trip from St. Remy, you can stop either in Aix-en-Provence or drop down into St. Tropez. If nature is more your thing, then go visit the Gorges du Verdon -- but on that journey people often stay overnight.

You can hit Antibes on the way to Cannes via train. It's very close to Nice. You could also do it as an alternative to the beach day, and hit the beaches (mostly private) of Juan les Pins. Being peak season, with some beach clubs and with the in-demand restaurants, reservations may be necessary. I'd encourage you to add Eze, Villefranche-sur-Mer or St. Paul de Vence to one of your day trips from Nice. You can hit one on the way to Monaco for example.

Recommendations can vary depending on your interests: Historical sites, art, party, food, beach, scenery, etc.

Posted by
605 posts

Luberon. Consider getting lunch in Joucas. It is highlighted in the rs Provence guidebook and is a nice break from the other busy villages. A true artist town. It is between Gordes and Roussillon and is a worthwhile stop even just for 30 minutes. Easy parking.

Don't miss the Carriers Lumineers in Les baux. When you get home you will likely talk more about that than other more well known sites.

Posted by
509 posts

"day 3 Thursday...Luberon-islle sur-la-sorgue-Roussillon-Lourmarin":

A great plan, but be aware that Thursday is a market day in L'Isle/Sorgue. It's certainly worth the effort, a genuine eyeful (and not as busy as Sunday's market.) Still, you should consider an early start to minimize parking issues. The Ochre trail in Roussillon is also a treat. Finally, we heartily endorse the recommendation above for the Carrières de Lumières, a short drive from St. Remy and a memorable experience. More info: http://carrieres-lumieres.com/

Bon Voyage!