My husband and I plan to spend a month in Provence in March 2010. We would like to get by without a car, except for occasional day trips. I am considering Avignon, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Aix. Any thoughts on what the "unpolished edges" of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue might refer to? We welcome any advice, or suggestions of other locations.
Posted by
Lamanon
7 posts
Hi Mary. I actually live right in the middle of all the towns you just named and I can tell you with %100 certainty that you will want to stay in Aix. It will provide you with days of wondering the streets and the public transit out of that city to check out day trips is great. There is a TGV station there and lots of buses. Definitely definitely do not spend a month in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, you would be dying of boredom within about 3 days. Isle-Sorgue is a good day trip.
Have fun planning. It's a wonderful place with TONS to see. I've lived here a year and a half and I haven't come close to seeing it all.
Posted by
Lebanon
711 posts
We are photographers and spend several months a year in France. Personally, I would think it difficult to see all the little villages without a car. There is no way to get to the vineyards, some of the villages , etc.Aix is lovely, but we stay in Isle-sur -la Sorgue. We loved it. The Sunday antique market should not be missed, however, parking is next to impossible if you are not staying there. If you do go, go early to get a spot. We also drive down to the Var and stay in Cotignac... lovely market on the square on Mondays.
Posted by
Lamanon
7 posts
Right, I agree with the above posting. It will be impossible to see everything without a car.
So, if you're going to be car-less base yourself out of Aix where there is more to see and do without a car but is still a very walkable city and has lots of access out of the city.
Posted by
Mpls, MN
1003 posts
On our last trip to France we really enjoyed our stay in L'Isle Sur la Sorgue and especially the Sunday market. (Love my market basket I got here!) We had a car and did daytrips around the region so I think a car would really be a necessity. On another trip we visited Aix and that was lovely also. Either one would make a nice place to stay. What do you mean by "unpolished edges" of L'Isle? We thought it was a lovely town and were there during the World Cup games in 2006. Things were very lively at night when France won one of the games and even more exciting being in Sorrento when Italy won the W. Cup!