We are going to be in Avignon the end of May. We want to go see Les Baux. We can get as far as St. Remy by bus. Our question: When we get to St. Remy we will have to get a taxi into Les Baux. Will there be taxi's there, or do we have to pre arrange one to be there to take us into Les Baux? Busses don't run to Les Baux until July... Has anyone out there done this, and is it worth the trouble???? Mike
Posted by
Luxembourg
69 posts
We once took the TGV to Avignon and rented a car and drove to St Remy - don't miss to see the hospital where the famous Van Gogh checked in and painted his olive groves! - and continued on what is supposed to be one of the most scenic drives in Europe towards Les Baux. Beautiful indeed! My impression is that since the area there is rural and in the true heart of Provence, to be dependent on buses, of which there are probably none, or taxis of which there are probably few, is not such a good idea. Rather, with a rental, you are really much more flexible and can save lots of time and money. We even managed to go to Arles to find the world famous cafe that Van Gogh painted. It still stands as in his painting - fantastic! Both Hertz, Avis and Europcar have offices at TGV Avignon, and I found the prices reasonable. Honestly, save yourself the trouble. Don't rely on taxi or buses in this part of France. Bon voyage!
Posted by
Sacramento, California, United States
253 posts
We did something similar, but rented a car. Not that a bus could take you there, but the region you will be visiting is easy to see via car and worth the minimal trouble in renting one for a day.
Posted by
Boston, MA, USA
250 posts
Strongly agree that renting a car is the way to go in that area. That will allow you to take in another stop, i.e. Ile sur-la-Sorgue.
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
Arlene, the other possibility is to take a day tour from Avignon. We did this recently. Tour took in Arles, Orange, St.Remy, Les Baux and a visit to a winery in the Chateau Neuf du Pape region at the end of the day. Wonderful day. We booked the tour on the net through Viator. Our guide was brilliant. The only down side with a tour of course, is you are limited to the amount of time you spend in each town.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
St Remy is a pretty small place, and I would not count on finding a driver just waiting about for business. You might luck out, and could probably scare one up if you are not in a big hurry. But why not arrange a ride in advance? The suggestions to just rent a car for a day, or longer if it makes sense, are worth considering. A car will greatly extend your reach and there is a lot worth seeing. Worth the trouble is your call. I think of Les Baux as one of the highlights of Provence, but one of the many highlights. That means it's worth visiting if you can, but if you can't, you haven't gone wrong if you visit someplace else instead. May should be wonderful, check out the Transhumance Festival in St Remy!