My husband and I are arriving in Nice mid May, renting a car and spending seven days exploring before heading to Paris for our last three days.. We’ve been to Nice and the nearby towns so not interested in them. We’ve booked our first night in Frejus and the next three nights in the Luberon area so we can explore.
We have five more nights before heading back to Nice. Our plan is to drive west and some towns that interest us are Avignon, Orange and if time, perhaps travel as far Carcassone. Then head down to the coast and stop at some
Coastal towns on our way back to Nice (Sete, up to Arles, Cassis, etc) looking for suggestions on nice towns to visit and stay in allowing some time to walk, relax and enjoy.
Then three nights in Paris before heading back home. Open to ideas, suggestions, places to avoid, etc. Not drawn so much to cities but interested in history so happy to visit if worthwhile. Thanks!
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1327 posts
susanjva5,
With just five days, I wouldn't try to go as far as Carcassone. I also think Sete is too far for your time limit. And unless you want this to be a lot of time in the car, seeing the roads, I wouldn't try to go to so many places in that time. To be honest, many parts of Provence, which I love, although lovely in their own way, are not spectacularly scenic, as is the Dordogne or the Basse Alpes. Among those places you mention, Arles or Aix-en-Provence are more charming than Avignon. So is Orange, in my opinion. On the coast, I like Bandol or Sanary sur Mer. Cassis is also nice.
By the way, when reading about time to drive between places, you will probably be given the fastest time, using the autoroutes. If you don't want to spend your time on the autoroute, and want to see southern France more close up, take the D roads....more scenic and accessible to the small towns. They are slower, but worth it. Go to viamichelin.com for route options between places. They will give you about three options, and indicate the scenic routes, autoroute options with toll costs, etc. (You should factor in some extra time for gassing up and bathroom stops to their times.) Also, you could order the Michelin map for the area from Amazon. Open it up, spread it out, and take a look at the big picture. You will have a better idea of your choices. (And marking your route on the map makes it a great souvenir of your trip!) Michelin orange map #527 will cover your areas. About $14.00.
For my choice, I would stay in St. Remy de Provence, Arles and Bandol. I love Provence. When on the smaller D roads you will feel you are truly in France. On the autoroute you might as well be in California (which I also love!) Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Hi Judy, thanks so much for the information.
After our first night in Frejus, we are spending three nights in L’Isle-sur-La-Sorgue. We will definitely check out the towns you suggested!
Hoping to meander and not go crazy trying to fit everything in. Somewhat playing it by ear and letting things happen as they happen.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1327 posts
That is a good way to go!
Posted by
santa cruz, California, USA
135 posts
In the luberon area, I'd recommend staying in gordes - interesting hill town, weekly or more market, great views, and then you are close to abbaye de senanque, lots of other hill towns, wineries, etc. nick