We are taking the train from Venice to Nice. My husband, myself and 18 year old teenage girl. our tentative schedule is below. I added an extra day in Arles because I want to see the market but maybe should spend an extra night in Nice or Avignon or leave for Barcelona?.
Wednesday, June 28, 17 travel - I know 8 hour train ride from Venice
Thursday, June 29, 17 Nice
Friday, June 30, 17 Nice
Saturday, July 1, 17 travel Nice/Avignon
Sunday, July 2, 17 Avignon - visit Pont du Gard, see museum
Monday, July 3, 17 Avignon/Arles 1
Tuesday, July 4, 17 Arles see roman arena & bullgames
Wednesday, July 5, 17 Arles market - is it worth to extend trip or head to Barcelona
Thursday, July 6, 17 travel Arles/Barcelona 1
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I don't think you would regret more time in Provence.
Personally I'd stay in Arles, though that would complicate your trip to the Pont du Gard.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Unless you prefer more time near the sea then 5 nights based entirely in Arles is good for you. By local train it's a quick trip to either Avignon or Nimes. Check the local train map ... http://www.beyond.fr/map/ter_paca.html
Saturday, July 1
Train from Nice to Arles - 5 nights
Sunday, July 2
Nimes & Pont du Gard
Monday, July 3
Avignon
Tuesday, July 4
St Remy & Les Baux
Bus 57 does this route to Avignon in summer.
http://www.sudest-mobilites.fr/horaires/FH_L57_version_ete.pdf
Wednesday, July 5
Arles on market day
Thursday, July 6
Train to Barcelona
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2086 posts
We spent several days in Arles and liked it very much. My recollection of the Arles market was that it was pretty big, lots of produce and such, but even more inexpensive clothing and purses etc. that held no interest for us. The market at Isle sur la Sorgue, on the other hand, was much more appealing and in a lovely setting. I think it was on a Sunday, and a short train ride from Avignon. As much as we enjoyed Arles, I wouldn't stay just for the market, but that's just me. We stayed at the Hotel d'Amphitheatre and can recommend it.
Posted by
3 posts
The three big markets in the area are in Arles (Wednesday, Saturday), L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (Sunday) and St-Rémy-de-Provence (Wednesday, Saturday). I agree that there's a lot at the Arles market that's not very interesting.
It's not hard to drive in Provence and you might consider renting a car - there's a good rental place at the Avignon TGV station. It will give you more flexibility in getting around and seeing everything you want to see.
Posted by
Florida
509 posts
"The market at Isle sur la Sorgue": Also on Thursday, but smaller. Sunday is terrific, but either arrive early or plan to spend some time looking for convenient parking. If you could arrange to stay in Sorgue on Saturday night, July 1, you will awake to an amazing scene without parking concerns.
Posted by
winston salem, nc, usa
1078 posts
Since you are traveling from Nice to Avignon, really would urge you to take a slight detour and put the Grasse perfume factory on your itinerary-it is well worth the visit and am sure you guys would all find it interesting-plus the ladies will really enjoy playing with the scents at the end of the tour-it's free-until you get to the shop at the end of the tour. They have scents only available there, one of which my DD asked us to bring back as it's not available in the U.S.
Also, you might check out Utzes, close to both the Pont du Garde and Avignon rather than staying in Avignon, which is a lot less touristy.