We will be in the Avignon area from 9/24, a Thursday afternoon, to Monday morning -- 9/28. Originally, I wanted to do a self-guided bike tour for 3 days, but think that might be a little pricey now. ($150 per person per day, with hotel included.) I called Avis to check car rentals and that is $168/day or $285 for 2 days, without insurance. All these are on the high side for us. Does anyone have thoughts on cheaper ways to experience the area? Would train trips by day to Arles or St. Remy, for example, be a hassle. Any sense if it would it be not much fun without a car or a bike to get around? I was thinking to maybe base in Arles and just rent a bike for one day, and another day train to somewhere. Any thoughts on whether that is a good idea much appreciated. Also, would appreciate any tips on good value accommodation in the area. Thanks!
Posted by
Winnipeg
590 posts
We were base in Arles and went to Avignon for a day trip by train. I cant remember what it cost me but it wasn't alot. We stayed at the Hotel des cloitres (sp?) and we were happy with it for the price we paid. I prefered Arles over Avignon as it felt more laid back and quieter. Had plenty of time to see what I wanted to see in Avignon during the day that I was out there.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
There's lots to see that is accessible by rail and, to a lesser extent, bus. What you mostly give up is the countryside, which is a shame. Some destinations, such as St. Remy, may take so long to get to that you find they are not worth the effort.
Are you sure you want to give up so easily on the cycling idea? I won't say that $150/day sounds so unreasonable, depending on what is included, but a cheaper option is a do-it-yourself guided tour, where you make all your own arrangements and just rent bicycles.
See if your $150-per-day folks will give you a quote, and you can shop around too. (In Burgundy, you can rent a decent bike for around $25/day).
In any case, do stop in Provence, wheels or no.
Arles makes a great base.
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, CA, US
12 posts
Thanks so much. I like the idea of doing a self-guided, self-arranged biking tour. One more question. Have any of you ridden in that area? I understand the area is pretty hilly. Does that mean that a person on a bike would be pretty much always on hills? Thinking of Avignon - St. Remy - Arles - Avignon, but would love to hear any good (less hilly) routes/towns. Thanks again for the thoughtful responses!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
689 posts
$150 for that sounds like a very good deal! So good in fact I'd make sure the company is reputable.
Have you asked for a quote from Auto Europe? Use their website and you might be able to do better. Read RS advice or look online here regarding insurance--many of us rely on our credit card insurance and do not purchase the extra from the rental company.
You could always just rent a car for one day and see sights not accessible otherwise--the Pont du Gard, for example (don't miss it!), or small villages, wineries, etc.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Haven't ridden in there (sadly), only in Burgundy. There are some real hills in Provence, but the area around the Rhone is mostly flat.
I think the biggest climb on your proposed route would be the pass through the Alpilles, if you go that way, south from St. Remy on the way to Arles via Les Baux. You could of course bypass the whole thing, but a shame to miss Les Baux.
It doesn't look too difficult to me--the pass cuts pretty deep--but you should consult a good topo map and decide for yourself. Most bikes that you rent in France come with a full set of gears, some very low for conquering hills.
Alternatively there is a flat route from St. Remy to Arles.
For advice on hills and roads, you can't beat the folks who rent you your machines. Be sure to review your plans with them.
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
Hi Yolanda,
I was just in France a little while ago, and we rented a car for 4 days (picked up in Arles, returned in Beaune) for $118 (europecar). We arranged it in the states, from Arles on the phone, but that was our rate. So, don't give up on the car, yet.
However, with that being said, we were in Arles without a Car for 2 days, trained to Avignon and Nimes very easily and cheaply, so that works too. We also biked in the luberon (it is hilly, and the roads are narrow, but traffic isn't too bad). My vote would be to bike in burgundy if you are going to be there (beaune, biking on the well signed wine cart paths is spectacular).
You'll need a car to see Pont du Gard, though, and you shouldn't miss it.
Darren
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, CA, US
12 posts
Thanks so much. I think we've decided to go without the car, partly because neither of us are that comfortable driving period, so especially not psyched about driving in Europe. I had researched a lot and saw a lot of bad stories about Europcar, but you sound like you had a great experience, and price! We have found a very friendly bike shop in Arles and will rent bikes for a day or couple of days and just toodle around. Can't wait! Any tips for good restaurants, to do's in the area around Arles?
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
Hi Yolanda - Wednesday and Saturday are market days in Arles and worth experiencing if you're there on those days. If you like Van Gogh, visit Espace Van Gogh and see the garden that he painted, which is just the same as it was in his time. Two good restaurants in Arles are Au Brin du Thym and Le Grillon. For ice cream, don't miss Soleilei. Check to see if there's a concert or other event at the Antique Theater. I went to a concert there which was unforgettable. I don't know if there is transportation available to the Pont du Gard, but that is a must-see if you can get there. Have a wonderful trip!