Vaison la Romaine looks like a fabulous place. We are trying to decide our base for Provence and wonder if this would meet our needs. The size and number of interesting amenities looks right BUT if one has some mobility challenges would it work? Can you take a car between sections of the town or must you go up to the old part on foot? Would we be better off in a flatter town even if it is smaller and has less to offer?
Posted by
1038 posts
I LOVED Vaison-la-Romaine and was there for a few days without a car. As a base, it may be a little far north for day trips to the Luberon, Avignon, or Arles. At least, I would not want to be doing that everyday. There is plenty to see around there imo, it just depends on your priorities. (The theatre in Orange is phenomenal.) Mobility issues may impact your ability to enjoy the towns along the mountains here, like Gigondas, but there are similar stone towns on the valley floor such as Sablet that might be easier to explore.
The river splits the old and new town. The “new” town is the side that has the Roman Ruins along with most of the accommodations, shops and restaurants. The new town is the bulk of Vaison. It’s quite nice actually and you won’t mind spending time here. It is relatively flat and well paved as I recall. I would recommend staying in this area. The old town is almost immediately steep up the hill, though there’s a good pizza place and a few other restaurants at or near the bridge level. You’d probably end up walking over here, there’s not much in the way of parking.
If you can, try to be in Vaison for their market day (and be wary about arriving during one.) The market is incredible, and takes over almost every street in the new town. Since you’re tied to your car, you’ll need to be cognizant of parking. It also means you’d be kind of stuck in town that day, but that’s a good reason to be stuck there.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1862 posts
I did a lot of research before our France trip, trying to find the perfect place in Provence. I finally chose this place. It was located on the edge of a small village which had two excellent restaurants. We stayed there four nights and did day trips in three directions. It has a swimming pool, useful in Provence which gets very hot, even in September when we visited.
La Bastide St. Didier
Posted by
755 posts
It’s a great town but too far away from a lot of towns in Provence to be practical for day trips.
The lower town is fairly flat but the upper town of course rises. I think I recall seeing cars in the upper town so you can probably drive there.
Posted by
Nice, France & San Francisco
712 posts
i was just there in the Fall, and it was a lovely town. But the old medieval town appears to be closed down to local traffic --- I don't recall people driving through. It is quite steep even if you could drive in --- the path to the castle ruins is more of a goat scramble than a path.
The older town is more feasible, but still slightly sloped. There is parking within the down although the main visitor lot is outside, and bit of a walk uphill, upstream from the bridge.
Given the distance to the sites and transport reasons, I'd pick a location that is more accessible and closer.