I am planning 3 nights in the Provence area to check out the lavender fields. Planning on picking up a car in Avignon. Stay in Orange the last night and see the Roman Arena before heading to Lyon. Wondering what towns I should visit, and stay at.? What are some good driving routes? Thanks for your help.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
I didn't have a car when I visited, so I can't answer all your questions. But I can clarify one thing. Orange has the Roman theater, not arena. And while the theater is thrilling, with the intact theatrical wall, the rest of Orange is a bit grungy. In other words, I'd definitely plan a few hours to see Orange, but I'd sleep somewhere else.
One place not to miss is Nimes. I liked it even better than Avignon or Arles. Nimes has a wonderfully intact arena. Without a car, it would be a great place to stay overnight; with a car, you'll probably want a smaller town or village.
Posted by
California
773 posts
We loved Vaison la Romaine.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
With a car and 3 nights, just pick one base and stay there every night.
Probably not Orange, though there might be some nice places outside the city.
Posted by
OP
Cottage Grove, MN, US
58 posts
The reason we where planning on staying in Orange the last night. We will be returning the rental car that night so we don't have to pay for third rental day. So far from the suggestions looks like we might stay else where, were we can travel by train to. I stayed in Arles last year. Maybe staying in Nimes or Avignon instead of Orange. Which would be better the Roman Theater, or Roman Arena? Would like to stay in small hill town but not sure which.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I loved Nimes, spent 5 nights there last year at a hotel near the train station and the arena. Good transportation links to other cities. If you can, go to the Pont du Gard (I did it by bus). I also visited Orange and Arles, but I was happy I chose Nimes as a base.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Here's a useful web site, with several routes mapped: http://www.grande-traversee-alpes.com/en/routes-de-la-lavande.
Posted by
Somerville, MA
653 posts
Laura - this website is great. Do you have a bunch of these types of resources that you could included in a follow up post? I'm traveling to the Dordogne, Provence, and the French Alps next summer. Always looking for information that could improve upon our plans and stuff like the site you posted in perfect.
Thanks!
Posted by
Lebanon
711 posts
Sault is one of the loveliest towns and areas for lavender .The drive there is wonderful. It is a neat little village.