Visiting Nimes and Pont du Gard from Arles

We did the train to Avignon, got the bus to Pont du Gard, and bused back to Nimes, and bus back to Arles. Had tickets for the train from Nimes but rail strike got in the way of that plan. Only confusing part was where to pick up the bus in Avignon. Bus depot is right next door to train station, but we didn't realize at first we had to wait in the actual parking garage.

Are you not comfortable renting a car? That is certainly the most convenient way to see Pont du Gard.

These are easy to see on your own. Rick's book has directions. Coming from Arles, you may have to go through Avignon (I was there over 10 years ago and don't remember exact details).

If you're interesting in Roman ruins, don't miss the Roman theater in Orange. Though the rest of Orange is a bit grungy, the theater has a huge and intact theatrical wall (apparently one of only three remaining), and is thrilling.

The arena in Arles has been taken apart for its stone, so only part of it is still left (like so many others all over, including the Colosseum in Rome). But the one in Nimes is almost completely intact, and as a bonus, has a great guidebook with lots of information. So, yes, if you're interested in these things (I was), it's a must.

I should clarify. When I say "Rick's book has directions," I mean his Provence And The French Riviera book. His general France book has much less information on this region, and I'm not sure it covers all the places you want to see (the other book definitely does).

As I recall, the amphitheater in Nimes is larger than the one in Arles. I was more impressed by the amphitheater in Nimes. Also, the Maison Carree in Nimes is one of the best preserved Roman temple facades in Europe.

I see I made another mistake in my post. The Roman arena in Nimes has a great audioguide, not guide book. It really is one of the best I've used; plus, I had just used the awful one for the Place of the Popes in Avignon, so it seemed even better by contrast.