Les Baux-is it really worth it?

Les Baux is well worth it if you have a car. I can't answer your question about whether it is worth it if you don't have a car, because "worth it" is subjective and the decision also depends on how difficult and costly getting there would be without a car, which I don't know.

The only way I see to get there would be by taxi. I guess I'm thinking in terms of value, since obviously the taxi is a lot more expensive then the bus I'm taking to St. Remy. Thank you for responding!

Perhaps if you go to the Tourist Office in Avignon and inquire about tours of the region it may answer your problem.

Before you decide not to go to Les Baux, here's 2 pics of what you'd be missinghttp://www.panoramio.com/photo/11452188http://www.panoramio.com/photo/2216693It's a special place.

Kent I think you're right. It looks worth it to me to spend the extra $ and just do it. Thanks for your help!

Re taxi, I would think a taxi would be fairly easy to find in St Remy but I am speculating about that, I don't know. My personal experience is driving to Les Baux from Arles. It's only about 5 or 6 miles from St Remy to Les Baux, so if the taxi fare is based on distance that wouldn't be a huge cost. But then the driver has to return to St Remy, so for him it's a round trip but still say only 12 miles of driving for him. But obviously the problem would be how to arrange for getting back to St Remy, after you're done. I don't know whether it would be feasible to count on trying to arrange with the taxi driver (probably have to be done in French) to come back to pick you up at a set time? And obviously there's no way to confirm that through online research.Good idea from Norma: there must be bus or van tours from Avignon or Arles.Another idea is: You could do internet checking into whether there's a mini-van tour of Les Baux from St Remy instead of Arles or Avignon.

Kate,

Before you begin any extraordinary effort to get to Les Baux from Avignon, I would ask what the objection to driving would be. You could rent a car in Avignon (at a relatively low rate, say less than 35 Euros) and drive all over southwestern Provence (St. Remy, Les Baux, Arles and Pont du Gard) just to name a few destinations...personaly I like to spend more time at each location (we spent 4 nights in St Remy and visited all of the above and more). The car made visiting each destination a breeze...I can't imagine trying to do as much in such a limited time.

Same as Bill: a rental car's flexibility in reaching the rural Provence destinations makes a strong argument for considering a car, even if you don't usually drive in Europe. The downside is the pick up and return hassles, traffic wise. One strategy is to pick up/return from one of the TGV stations located outside the city centers.

One of the best days I've spent traveling was a day with a rental car from Arles from which I visited Les Baux, St. Remy, Fontaines des Vaucluse, Avignon, Pont du Gard and the Camargue. I still don't know how I really did it. But Provence is marvelous. I'd reconsider the rental car.

Les Baux is a unique site and I treasure my memories of it.

It's easy to pick up at rental car at the Avignon TGV station. Check out Eurocar for a good deal beforehand. Super-efficient engines and amazing mileage on the economy Renaults or Pugeots.

Thank you all for your help. The reason I wasn't going to rent a car is because I went on AutoEurope's site, which is usually who I rent from, and they wanted to charge me $168 for 1 day. I normally rent a car when I travel in France, but this trip I didn't really want to worry about a car or paying a ridiculous price like that. I'll try Eurocar and see what I find.

Thanks again!

I'm willing to bet there are tour buses running from Avignon to St. Remy and Les Baux - this could be a good solution for you. Check with the Tourist Office.

-Kevin

sounds like there has been a mistake...I haven't been to France in the last couple of years, but our last car rental in Italy was with Auto Europe(an Alfa Romeo 159 sportwagen) was only about $500/week (with all the insurance I can buy).

No, a single day's car rental can be expensive. Autoeurope is better for rentals of 5 days or more. But I think the money is worth it for a day in Provence,

We stayed for a week in St. Remy and would list Les Baux as one of our top attractions in Europe. (We do love history but it was much more than that.) Also, driving around Provence was very, very easy and we did not have a GPS. We have changed to more trains and buses and usually rent for only a day at a time for certain special sites, but if we were returning to Provence, we would defintely drive the whole time. George Werner, Pittsburgh, PA

Try to get there later in the day. We had it all to ourselves, except for one or two others. I think the mistral blew in that day, adding to the total atmosphere of the place. On the way from St. Remy we stopped at Cathedrale d'Images - another highlight! It's an old limestone quarry with images projected on the walls, floor, ceiling, everywhere. We saw China...this year it's Picasso which should be wonderful! http://www.lesbauxdeprovence.com/baux-of-provence/culture-monuments-baux-provence-museum-castle-architecture/cathedrale-images.html
Take a sweater; it's cold in there, which felt refreshing in July.

You MUST go to Les Baux. And you MUST go to Cathedrale d'Images. Rent the car and spend the money. You will not regret it....it's magical. Please see my blog post on Les Baux and Cathedrale d'Images. http://enchantedtraveler.wordpress.com/2008/11/24/cathedral-dimages-in-les-baux-de-provence/

It is the most incredible, unusual "museum" you will ever visit. Picasso is on display this year. Browse my site for other recommendations in Provence. Pont du Gard is another must see site! Enjoy!

Worth a trip, especially if you are already in the area and love history and ruins. One of the most popular tourist sites in France. Lots to see nearby as well. Many have commented already. Reconsider getting a car. And, by the way, one of the best restaurants IN THE WORLD is right there. Of course I am speaking of the one at Oustau de Baumaniere. Tres cher -- but worth it. Flawless from start to finish.

I love Les Baux and find it very unique. Try to go if you can! Has anyone taken a bus from Avignon to St. Remy? I would like information if you have. Thanks. Hope you have a great trip!

I realize it is now a couple of years since the post. However, I thought I would provide an for others interested in this topic. The bus from Saint-Remy to Les Baux, Cartreize (Lepilote), is line #59. In June and September it runs on Saturdays and Sundays. In July and August it runs every day.