We are traveling via TGV from Lyon to Avignon in July. We will arrive midday on a Thursday. We've rented a house with a pool in Graveson. And we'll be heading back to Lyon on Sunday. So, we have Thursday afternoon, Friday and Saturday. We want this part of the trip to be a little more relaxing than our Paris and Lyon segments will be for the kids sake, but my husband and I (and our friends) want to maximize our short stay in the region. I've read other posts on this site recommending Ile Sur le Sorgue, Arles, Les Beaux, Pont du Gard, Nimes. Looking for advice on what to put on the top of the list, and in what order. Also trying to figure out if we need to rent a car or there is a way to see some of the key places without a car (not a fan of bus tours due to motion sickness with one of the kids). Will be with 4 other families as well, but we can split up etc. And feeling like I don't have time to drive out to Luberon. Love markets, walks, and really getting the feel of one or two places (as opposed to cramming more in) is just fine with us. Also, is there somewhere we can store our luggage at the TGV until we can check into our home rental?
Posted by
Chicago
8166 posts
Pont du Gard first for sure.
Posted by
Braintree, MA
139 posts
I agree that the Pont du Gard is a « must see ». It is very impressive. If you are looking for a relaxing way to combine history and a fun activity for the kids (and adults) I would suggest you look into kayaking to the Pont du Gard. I did this with a group of high school kids years ago and the kids loved it! I did too. The river is calm and easy to navigate. It is breathtaking to round the bend in the river and see the awe inspiring Pont du Gard facing you. Check out this link.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
What do the tweens like?
I agree that the Pont du Gard is monumental, but if they do not care for Roman antiquities is is not "must see" for them.
Posted by
24 posts
First of all, make sure you take some time to walk around Avignon. The square and palace of the popes is fantastic, especially at nighttime.
I would try to fit in one of the markets. Don't bother trying to figure which is "best." Just go to the one that is most convenient. RS France has a good list.
l'isle-sur-la-sorgue is a wonderful little place-you could eat a picnic you collect from the market.
Pick between Nimes and Arles. The former has a bit more interesting Roman ruins IMO, while the latter has the Van Gogh history. You will know which is more interesting.
Other great Roman ruins are Pont du Gard and the theater in Orange. Both are fantastic, but I think one of the earlier suggestions to go boating down the river in conjunction with touring the bridge is a great idea.
I don't imagine the tweens will have an interest in vineyards.
Roussillon is beautiful.
Gordes is pretty, but more from a distance. Buy the postcard.
Anything on the coast is probably best reserved for another trip.
Have a great trip. I agree with not trying to do too much, although I understand the urge to do so.
Posted by
Boston
98 posts
Pont du Gard is a fun stop. We did it to break up a drive from the Dordogne to the Luberon. Lots of families were swimming in the river, and we wished we had more time to swim and had brought a picnic. I would consider doing that with tweens. You could spend hours here just savoring, adults enjoying a picnic, the kids swimming, all with this historic structure right in front of you.
I was underwhelmed by Isle sur la Sorgue, probably because it was so hyped up. We liked driving around the Luberon looking at the lavender. Roussillon has an easy trail through the ochre that the kids may enjoy.