Hi all! We're going to be based in Aix-En-Provence in May or about 10 days. We're trying to decide whether to rent a car for a week or possibly do the rail n' drive combo. Has anyone out there down one of these recently, how was your experience and if you rented a car, what did it really cost you for a week. Thanks so much!
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
If you want to drive, you might as well rent a car for the duration. The price per day comes down significantly when you rent for a week or more. A rail and drive combo pass wouldn't be worth it because point to point rail is cheap. The problem is, its hard to see Provence by rail. Also, are you wedded to Aix? It's a long ways from the best sites of Provence. St. Remy is better situated with a car.
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
My wife and I were in Provence 2 years ago and rented a car for 5 days, picking up in Arles and dropping in Beaune (we decided to drive to burgundy instead of dropping in Orange). We paid about $120 for the rental. Definitely worth it, since rail travel is pretty limited in Provence. Make sure you pick up some picnic supplies and make your way to Pont du Gard. You won't regret it.
Posted by
Park Ridge, IL
524 posts
France Wonderful to spend 10 days in Provence! I am with the previous writers. Rent a car for the entire time. Or at least the time you will not be sightseeing in Aix. Really it is impossible to see Provence without a car. The lovely hill towns, the countryside, stopping when and where we wanted. Do you already have paid accommodations in Aix? Other wise I would also suggest St. Remy. My husband and I stayed there when we visited. We loved the town, restaurants, and just walking around. Perfect!
And great base for seeing sites near and far. I know that previous writer said he rented a car for $120 for 5 days but check out Hertz or other websites for today's rates! Please let us know what you decide. Bobbie
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
I spent a week driving in the area a few years ago and had no trouble. Got the car in Marseille, and left it in Nice, driving to the Montpelier area, and then to Vaison La Romaine...fantstic scenery, easy driving on back roads and on the major highways as well. You will have more freedom in the area with a car as some places are not on the rail line. Rented from Auto Eurpoe, a Smart Car (it was a small one--says for "two", but not if you have luggage!), do not recall the fee, but reasonable. Make photos of the car when you get it and when you return it in case there may be a question of any damage - I had no problem.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, Wa, USA
7 posts
Thanks to all for sharing your experience! Aix will definitely be our home base, as I've arranged for a home exchange with a local. That will be our home base, and then we'll explore from there with mostly day trips. We are however planning to go to Nice at one point and spend a night or two there. I don't want to drive both ways, out to Nice and back, so I was thinking of taking the train to Nice, spending two nights, and then renting the car and doing one long scenic road trip, driving through the Gorges Du Verdon back to Aix. Is it possible to do that drive in a day? Originally we were going to do 1 hotel night in the Gorges and 1 in Nice, but it feels rushed in both and so I'm thinking now I'd rather just do the two nights in Nice and then take in the scenic Gorge with just small stops along the way. Has anyone done that drive, Nice to Aix? Is the idea of doing it in a day totally unrealistic?
Planning in Paris is easy, Provence, a little more complicated, appreciate all your tips and feedback!