My husband and I are taking the TGV from Paris to Avignon on 28 Aug and renting a car in Avignon to visit the Provence and Cote d'Azur region until 2 Sept. (6 days total) when we will turn in the car and take a late afternoon flight out of Nice. In order for us to get as much local flavor of the region as possible while also seeing highlights of the Cote d'Azur, what are your lodging suggestions? We have friends of friends who have a home in La Garde Freinet that may possibly be available for rent. I realize this is close to St. Tropez and Nice and that it could be a good launching spot for Nice and the Cote d'Azur, but is it advisable to also choose a place that is closer to Avignon/Arles/Nimes to be able to more fully explore that part of Provence? Or could one central spot cover not only Provence but the Cote d'Azur as well? And finally, lodging recommendations that are not too pricey?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
123 posts
I would split your time between the two regions, say three nights in each if you have that many. That is still a little rushed but it would give you a chance to see Avignon, Arles, the Pont du Gard and maybe another small town in that area such as Les Baux, then spend a couple days lazing around the beaches. Since it's about three hours between that region and Nice, I would then pick another base somewhere on the coast. Your friends of a friend's place is a little more than halfway between the two and is convenient to the coastal towns so that is definitely a good option.
Rick's Provence & the French Riviera guidebook (available here: http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=158&id=165) has a lot of great hotel, B&B and farmhouse recommendations. When I was there recently, I liked being based in a smaller town close to both Avignon and Arles which gave me a chance to also see the countryside. Two places I stayed were Mas du Petit Grava (http://www.masdupetitgrava.net/) and Le Mazet des Alpilles (www.alpilles.com/mazet.htm) and they had such lovely, helpful owners. It's nice to stay in a smaller place where the owners can share their favorite places in the area.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks Rosie for your great suggestion of dividing our time between the two regions. Mas de Petit Grava looks like a wonderful spot near Arles. I have also heard of of a renovated farmhouse, now small hotel called La Ferme de la Huppe near Gordes. Each of them appears to be approximately 45 minutes from Avignon but in different directions. For that portion of the trip when we are near Avignon, would you suggest the Arles region or the Gordes area for more diverse and interesting sights?
Also, the spot in Gordes has air conditioning in the rooms but the one in Arles does not. Is that important in late August?
Thank you.
Judy
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
123 posts
I would probably stay more in the Arles area as I felt there was access to more interesting towns and sights. I would, however, say that air conditioning would be really important in August. While you won't be spending the majority of your time in your room, it can get pretty hot down there at that time of year and that could make sleeping a miserable experience.