Avignon or Arles?

We spent 3 nights in Arles a few years ago and did a day trip from there to Avignon. We had a car but took the train. Although Arles was very nice, quiet and affordable, IMO we wished we had stayed in Avignon instead (with a day trip to Arles from there). Seems there's more to do in Avignon. It's really a beautiful city. We also missed going to Pont du Gard and really regret it. If you will not have a car, look into some day trip tours by bus some hotels can provide info. Whatever you decide, have fun. Anywhere in Provence is amazing.

We were there and stayed in both locations and we preferred Arles but I don't think that either is a bad choice. We were also headed to Nice and you can catch the train in Arles as well. One thing that we really enjoyed was the Saturday morning market. It was a peek into their everyday lives and it was visually just "eye-candy". We rented a car in Arles as well to allow us to go through the Cotes du Rhone area (closer to Avignon) and we also drove to LesBaux. Both we enjoyable ways to spend a day trip.

In my subjective view Arles has more charm and interesting Roman antiquities. It's very good logistically, with easy rail connections to (for instance) Avignon, Orange, Nimes, Marseilles, and Nice. Avignon is more central in some ways, but do those ways matter to you and your trip? You've only got two days. Do you plan to visit the Luberon? You might find some buses from Avignon, also there is a bus to the Pont du Gard. Arles in season also has buses to some places, including the Camargue. But I think in two days you might just stay in the rail-served towns anyway. If so, I'd stay in Arles.

Arles is great--have stayed in both places. Avignon may have more nightlife, but Arles has more interesting sights--it depends on how you want to spend your time.

I agree. More interesting sights and charm in Arles. I used this as a "home base" and took a morning train into Avignon and book a wine tour to see some of Provence's countryside and wineries. The tour also included the Pont du Gard.

We stayed at Arles when we were down there and we sort of wished we stayed at Avignon for our need. We are (26-31) couple and the streets of Arles is full of dog poop and just old people. But totally charming. The only thing that stays open at night is around the Van Gogh cafe area. Avignon is city like, Arles is a smaller town, both has their charms. My suggestion is to take a look at your itinerary and see which city is more convenient. They are about 15 minutes apart by train, so either one won't waste you any time. If you want to go to Pont du Gard, I'd stay at Avignon than Arles especially if you have a limited amount of time.

I loved Arles but thought Avignon was mostly a dump. On the other hand, you can get to lots of places from Avignon by bus. And I'm sure there are plenty of good restaurants there also.

You can easily fill two days in either Arles or Avignon; have a look at Rick Steves France book to see which appeals to you. I spent several nights in each and definitely preferred Arles, but better than either for me was Nimes. I also found the Roman theater in Orange fascinating. The Palace of the Popes in Avignon was the definite "lowlight" of the region -boring beyond belief, despite the drama behind it, because none of the story is visible in the empty rooms or told on the dry-as-dust audioguide. You speak of Avignon as a transport hub, but with only two days, you won't have much time for outside trips, particularly if you won't have a car. The "Provence" of the movies, the small towns and lavender fields outside the cities I mentioned in the above paragraph, is mostly off the public transit routes (which is why, lacking a car myself, I didn't see it, but instead saw the places I mentioned). As mentioned, Arles and Avignon aren't far apart.

I prefer Arles (ie Roman Arena)but have seen Avignon as well. Do what is convenmient for you , it is all enjoyable.

I agree with the last comment. Despite my prior comment calling Avignon a "dump," if someone said: Here's 2 airline tickets to France plus hotel accommodations for a week, but the catch is you have to stay in Avignon, I'd say: "How soon can I leave?"

We absolutely loved Arles. We were traveling by train and it was no problem. Pont du Garde is a must see in my opinion. Also, we booked a wine tour with Francois (Avignon Wine Tours). By far, the best money we spent and he took us everywhere including Pont du Garde (tho it wasn't on the itinerary) Happy travels!

Although I didn't stay in either, spent some time in both. I liked Arles a little more than Avignon. I followed the Van Gogh trail, had a pastis at the cafe, explored the ruins, went to the Camargue (sp) all in/from Arles. Maybe I didn't give Avignon enough exploration, but I did dance on the bridge and tour the pope's palace....just liked Arles more. And don't miss Pont Gard....it is amazing.

We preferred Arles to Avignon, but maybe that's because we kept getting lost (and frustrated) in Avignon. We felt that Arles was less touristy, but more tourist-friendly. Shopping was much better and cheaper. The Pope's palace in Avignon was a disappointment, but pictures of Pont du Gard don't begin to do it justice.

Hi Andy, Before I say anything, I'll preface this by saying regardless of which one you stay in, go to Pont du Gard. Load up some picnic supplies at a market in whichever town your staying, then head to the Pont! Picnic on the shore while taking in the scenery and you will never regret it. Now, I've been to both town, but stayed in Arles for 3 days. Yes it has a bit more sights, but it felt a bit kitchey, with the yellow Van Gogh awning and all. If it's roman architecture that you want to see, skip the sights in Arles, and head to Nimes. This is probably the best Roman arena tour that I've taken in Europe (WAY better than the Colosseum in Rome...). While the Papal Palace in Avignon is underwhelming, I toured it and appreciated the history, albeit the vacant rooms were a disappointment. Avignon just felt more genuine vs. Arles. Like Rick says, Arles is for Italophiles while Avignon is for Poodles. If I would do it again, I'd stay in Avignon.
To reiterate: Don't miss Pont du Gard!

if you rely on public transportation only, and plan to visit small towns/villages, don't stay in arles. avigon has a bus barn much easy to use - bus services in this area is not reliable. arles train station is also smaller.