My husband and I will be in Paris the last week of September and in Provence the first half of October. We are staying for about a week with a French friend in Villelaure and then have reservations in Hotel de la Muette in Arles for the remaining time till we return to Paris for our return flight. First, let me say that I do not want to run around trying to see all the sites. One of my priorities is relaxing and soaking up the ambiance and practicing my French and café-sitting. But, I haven't been in Provence in several years, and I'm trying to think of some interesting day trips and just want to add some options. We'll probably "play it by ear" a lot, but I'd like to gather your ideas. We already plan to take a day-trip to Fréjus with our friend in Villelaure. (I loved the cathedral in Fréjus when I was a student in Aix 40+ years ago, and I want my husband to see it.) We'll also probably make a day-trip to Aix, which has so many wonderful memories that I'm reluctant to skip it even for one visit! When we're in Arles, I'm thinking about the Camargue and the Saintes-Maries de la Mer (maybe; maybe not), Avignon (I don't think I've ever been there), les Baux, and of course we could probably spend the whole time just enjoying Arles. (I don't think I've ever been there either. Don't laugh: after 40 years, it gets a little vague. I know I haven't been there in the last few years on more recent trips.) Other favorites? Or comments on the relative merits of these? Many thanks for your suggestions!
Posted by
Atlanta
3267 posts
Hi Sue Ann, All of the places you mentioned (the Carmargue/Saintes-Maries de la Mer; Avignon, Aix and les Baux) are easy day trips from Arles. I think that you could easily "play it by ear." If if were me, I'd add St. Remy and delete Aix but that's just me. Rick Steves has a book specific for Provence and we found it really helpful for planning our two weeks in Provence. I'd recommend it! If you like markets there is a schedule for the locations of the morning markets in Arles and the villages nearby. Enjoy!
Posted by
Rochelle, IL
263 posts
I loved Pont du Gard, which is pretty close to Arles. We took a four hour tour through the Camarge, which was ok. I would have rather driven it myself, but we did not have a car. I think by going to Saintes Maries you will see a lot of the area. It is not a wilderness experience, but seeing the flamingoes, bulls and horses was pretty cool. Arles is a great town....the van gogh walking tour is pretty easy and there are plenty of places to stop and eat, which is a favorite activity of mine.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I love the Roman antiquities: Arles, Orange and the Pont du Gard are probably the most popular, but there is also Glanum in St. Remy, Nimes, and many other sites. The Luberon is justly popular. I like the Sorge valley, too. Camargue is easy and pretty, but not in the same league. I'd give low priority (but not no priority) to Avignon. You'll get a good sense once you are there. Sounds like a lovely trip, definitely a great time of year to do it.