Avignon vs Aix-En-Provence

It depends on what you want. Avignon is big and the center of town is very touristy with everyone visiting the pope's palace and the bridge. I really enjoyed Aix a lot more--quiet, picture perfect with lots of little streets to walk around. Also, as a college town, it has a younger, more vibrant feel about it. The Cours Mirabou (sp?) is just so much fun.

For an authentic provencal experience, you might try Rouission (sp?) or somewhere in the Languedoc--Minerbes, for example.

But of those two, I would like Aix much more.

Arles would be another city to consider for an authentic "provencial" experience. It's smaller than Aix or Avingnon and close enough that you could do a day trip to one or both.

I agree with Sue and recommend Aix over Avignon. I found Aix to be more laid back and it has great markets. Great place to walk around and just enjoy the town, fountains, life.

Thanks, Everyone. Any suggestions on where to stay in Aix? I wont be having a car - so anything centrally located would be ideal. Thanks again for all the insights.

Try the Maison Carlotta - it's a lovely B&B right in the center of Aix run by a very friendly and personable lady. Couldn't ask for a more typical Provencal home - and very reasonably priced for the center of Aix...

-Kevin

Three years ago I stayed at Hotel Cezanne, 40 , Ave. Victor-Hugo in Aix. Nice and very convenient. I believe that they have a website. It may be listed as Hotel Paul Cezanne which is why I included the address.

I don't think Aix is very "authentic". It's too big, too distant from most sights of Provence, and full of chain clothing and perfume stores. I would recommend Arles or, with a car, St. Remy.

Avignon is at least closer to classic Provence.

With only 3 days for Provence, I would pick Avignon as it has good connections for touring points of interest. It is a very short drive to the Luberon, Vaison-La-Romaine, St-REmy,Pont-du-Gard etc. If you don't have a car, there is some public transportation and there are local buses as well as day tours you can take.All the villages have markets on different days.I went to Carpentras on Friday morning and to L'isle sur Sorgue on Thursday.(train service available).

Aix is a lovely city but it is like an island and you are quite distant from ths interesting bits in Provence. And yes it does have chain stores..I was amazed to see a American chain there!

If you want too see all the things people usually associate with Provence, you are better off staying in Avigon or Arles, although I prefer Avignon for its centrality. I spent 5 very happy days there. There was an amazing magician in the central square
on Sat. night and it was a lovely evening. Look at
the Guidebook Feedback page for some hints on restaurants and hotels. And DON'T pay to go on the
famous bridge..a complete waste of money.

Alternte suggestion -- Vaison la Romain...has the weekly town market which has been in existence since the 1500's -- stay in the citie medieval, high on the mountain...fabulous!!! Hotel Eveche ---but otherwise I would choose Aix...

Arles, Arles, Arles! It's to die for. Already planning next trip back. Oodles of charm. You will love it.

Vaison la Romain was wonderful and very authentic. Another option is Orange. I loved Arles but it was a "city", same with Avignon. I never made it to Aix although after watching the RS video about Provence it didn't seem to have what I was interested in.