My husband and I be in Provence from Sept. 30 to Oct. 5. After reviewing lots of recommendations, we were thinking that we'd like to stay in St. Remy. We will have a car and had heard it was a good base. I read recently that a festival called Les Fetes Votives will be held on at least some of those days. I haven't been able to find much information about it online. Does anyone have experience with this festival, and would you recommend that we stay somewhere else while it's underway? Wondering about crowds, etc. Thanks!
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I have stayed in Saint-Rémy annually for over 20 years, more often than not in September-October. Les Fêtes Votives is a 3-day event held around the third or last weekend in September, and yes, it is very disruptive, albeit a great opportunity to see how the locals celebrate! If your accommodation is in the town center, it will be difficult with a car as the main ring road is mostly barricaded. If you are a bit farther out, there are ways to get around. There will definitely be crowds. If you enjoy a carnivalesque atmosphere and are ready to go with the flow for a couple of days, you will be fine. Otherwise, I would avoid the town during the festivities.
A lovely small town a few minutes South of Saint-Rémy is Maussanne les Alpilles (its Fête Votive is in August). You won't get the restaurant/shopping experience like in Saint-Rémy, but the location is just as practical as a base and honestly, much more authentic and less touristy.
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OP
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Thank you so much for your reply.