It seems a long drive from Sarlat to Provence, so my husband and I are considering breaking up the trip by staying overnight midway. Any suggestions as to where? Also, where would you suggest staying in Provence - Arles or Aix-en-Provence. We want to chill on in a relaxing place on the last leg of our vacation. Thanks!
Posted by
Dallas
1022 posts
Millau's an attractive town in a scenic spot and the Viaduc is truly spectacular. Haven't stayed, but Chateau de Creissels gets good reviews. Between your Provence alternatives, I would choose Arles as it is historic and charming, plus handy for day trips into the Camargue, to the Luberon, Avignon, Pont du Gard and Uzes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and more.
But for true chilling, I would pick one of the Luberon villages except in July-August when the area's overrun (I hear). How long do you have?
Posted by
OP
Miami Beach
15 posts
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll definitely look into those towns en route. We're staying in Provence for just three days, then departing from Nice. I'd like to not rush to sight see but enjoy cafes and beautiful scenery/places. It sounds like Arles is most central, though we can see a few major sights on the way in from the Dordogne.
Posted by
Austin
976 posts
Nancy, We drove from Montignac ( fairly near Sarlat) to Arles in a long day and had plenty of time to visit Carcassonne on the way. That's a southern route; Millau is a northern route. If you are going during the summer you will have those wonderful long hours of light until 10 or 10.30 so you don't have to stop unless you really want to. We stayed just outside Arles in a ( nonblooming at that time) field of lavender which was a nice change from city experiences. Found the hotel on Venere and drove into Arles, Avignon, for day trips.
Have you looked at viamichelin.com for times and suggested routes?
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I would not call Aix a place to 'chill out'. It was much busier and bigger than I thought. Even Arles is not what I consider a 'chill out' place. You might try any of the villages mentioned or my favorite St. Remy...central to most of what you want to see in Provence. Great food, shopping, markets and easy drive in and out of town.
Posted by
OP
Miami Beach
15 posts
You know, Chateaux de Creissells was a perfect suggestion because my husband has been talking about seeing that "bridge"/viaduc for years, and the Chateaux has views of it from the rooms! I would probably prefer Carcassonne, but it works out beautifully for him, and that's fine. We'll likely stay overnight. We drove too much in Ireland, and felt it would've been better for us to take our time and enjoy the sights. Yes, I've been using the Michelin guide on line to chart routes and distances and may well buy one. Great suggestion! I will check out the smaller towns, including St. Remy. Sounds ideal. Thank you all so much for your suggestions. Really appreciate them, and open for more.