Trying to select a base for a one week trip to Provence: St Remy or Maussane les Alpilles? I am afraid that Maussane will be too small to sustain our interest. My husband has mobility issues so long walks are not an option. We will have a car for exploring the countryside and surrounding towns.
Posted by
Paris
7300 posts
Maussane is spread out, so you have to be careful of your accommodation's location. If you are withing walking distance of this square, then it's OK, you will have easy access to all of the village's services. If not, you will have to drive everywhere.
Saint Rémy is significantly larger and has more restaurants, shops etc. There are a few sights but the main ones are far enough out of town (St Paul de Mausoleo, Glanum) that you would need to drive. It is also spread out, so you have to try to stay close to the boulevard that loops around the old town (but do not stay inside, vehicle access is complicated).
My dry prose might not convey this, but both places are quite charming: I would decide according to accommodation quality and convenience.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
I’ve never been to Maussane-les-Alpilles but this thread might be helpful for St Rémy-de-Provence.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/rousillion-or-st-remy-as-a-base