Sites in Provence

Hi Bill, If you only have one night in both Arles and Orange, I wouldn't try and do too much on the way, so that you have enough time to see the sites in each town (both have some great Roman ruins). Between Avignon and Arles, I suggest stopping at the Pont du Gard - the largest Roman Aqueduct ever constructed. From Arles to Orange, I'd stop at one of the smaller hill towns such as St-Remy or Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Between Orange and Avignon, you could stop at the Chateauneuf-du-Pape winery for some wine tasting.

Hello Bill,
Provence is a lovely little part of France. The obvious must see stop is Pont du Gard which you could fit in on your trek going in either direction. Along the way to Arles I recommend Les Baux. If you have time you may also enjoy the Carrières de Lumières near Les Baux.

See excerpt from our France guidebook:
This nearby cave offers a mesmerizing sound-and-slide show, with 48 projectors flashing countless images on expansive quarry walls, accompanied by music. The show lasts 40 minutes (dress warmly, as the cave is cool), and there’s a different program every year (the 2015 show is titled “Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael: The Giants of the Renaissance”). You can also visit part of the quarries.
Cost and Hours: €10, €15 combo-ticket with Les Baux castle, daily April-Sept 9:30-19:30, March and Oct-Dec 10:00-18:00, closed Jan-Feb, tel. 04 90 54 47 37, www.carrieres-lumieres.com.
If you are short on time or like to sleep in, then skip my suggestions. But if you have the time Les Baux and area is lovely!
Bon Voyage!

Attending a market highlights the beauty and bounty of Provence. We attended a small market near St Remy, at Eyguieres. The Alpilles (large hills/small mountains) formed a beautiful backdrop and the small town is scenic. A street musician was playing an accordian; a cliche perhaps but a wonderful vignette. We're not big shoppers but just wandering the market and talking with some of the vendors was wonderfully relaxing and pleasant. We were there early so the morning light was golden - got some great pictures. A market isn't a sight per se but I would list attending one as a must see.

On our trip we saw the Pont Du Gard, the antiquities and museums in Arles, Vaison La Romaine ruins/museum (fairly close to Orange), and Glanum ruins/museum near St Remy. (We have a lot of energy.) Pont Du Gard wowed everyone; the museum is world class. The antiquities museum in Arles and the sights are amazing. The bust of Caesar and the ancient boat at the museum are unique. If you see the Arles museum first it provides great context for seeing the rest of Arles. Glanum is small and quick and easy to see and it's site is atmospheric. It's very close to Les Baux and and right next to St Remy if you are already in that area anyway. Vaison La Romaine is also great for wandering about. It's larger and took us 2-3 hours to visit. It may overlap a bit with the experience in Arles in terms of Roman stuff.

At the Château des Baux we fired crossbows (we were the first in line to beat the crowds) and saw their trebuchet demonstration, which was cool and fun. They fired multiple types of trebuchet. Although unfortunately there was no English at the demonstration; my daughter speaks French and whispered translation to us. You can climb up into the castle, which is mostly ruined, for some amazing views. Wear sturdy shoes for the climb. I think large crowds would ruin this place, so I would try to get there when it's not as busy. It was interesting to contemplate the times that would require people to live in such a craggy fortress in order to survive.

Carrières de Lumières, mentioned above, was a highlight for everyone on our trip. It's a unique sensory experience and adds variety to your trip. It was a lot more wow for all of us than we expected. My younger daughter gets a little bored in museums but the artist in her adored Carrières de Lumières.

I also suggest that you make life easier on yourselves and stay in the same place the whole time.

Arles, Avignon, and Orange are practically right next to each other. Camp out in one spot and avoid a bunch of hassle

Yes, Orange, Arles, and Avignon are close enough to see from one home base; there's no need to change hotels each night. You'll also enjoy having three nights in one place.

Whether to stay in Arles (which I preferred) or Avignon (which is more central to other locations, as well as closer to the smaller villages) is up to you. But don't stay in Orange. While the Roman Theater, with its intact theatrical wall, is thrilling, the rest of the town is grungy.