I have been trying to figure out a 'slower' trip for myself (and potentially my sister). I have spent some time in Alsace (Colmar,Strasbourg) and Burgundy (Beane) and last year in Provence (home base of Avignon). I was thinking about doing a trip spending about 4 nights in Nice and then 4 nights in Arles. Although I have seen some sights in the Provence area I do feel that I would enjoy going back to see more of the hill towns and more small villages etc (there is so many of everyone's favorites listed on here too!). Also, my sister is an artist and I thought both places would appeal to her. My requirements for this trip really are the following: slower travel/more relaxed, sights via trains/buses (not renting a car), art museums, coastal, warmer temperatures and some wine tasting. Do you think 4 nights is too much in either or both places? I have both France and Provence books and am really looking for opinions based on your experience in Nice given I have spent some time in Arles. (Although feel free to given any and all opinions on Arles as well!)
Posted by
Orlando
516 posts
Spent a couple weeks in Nice last year and loved the area. Great daytrips to VilleFranche, St. Paul DeVence,
Antibes, and Eze. All small towns, relaxed and easy to walk around in. Great transportation with train and bus from Nice to the area. Went to Monte Carlo but it was my least favorite. I think 4 days as a minimum for Nice and the surrounding area.
Posted by
Arlington, VA, USA
123 posts
We spent 3 nights in Arles a few years ago and used it as a "base" to explore the area but we had a rental car. However, you may want to look into visiting Rodez. Lovely town, beautiful Cathedral, Notre Dame de L'Annonciation. Very large, Gothic, Flying Butresses. The stained glass in a number of windows by artist Stephane Belzere were amazing. Very modern, vivid colors and concepts were so very out of character for the building but somehow they seemed to belong there. Also went to Cordes sur Ciel - ancient stone village with fabulous views, nice little shops. Only stayed about 4 hours total. Lovely. Puycelsi also was fantastic little place - lovely little church from th 14th/15th century unfortunately we got lost both coming & going and so our temperments were a bit strained! Also, if you haven't been to Albi, you should try to get there. We spent 2 nights there and were very glad we did. Toulouse Latrec Museum, Cathedral of St Cecile a massive fortress-like gargantuan structure. I believe it's listed as being the largest brick structure in the world. We stayed at "Hotel la Regence George V" . pretty inexpensive, huge room, nice little breakfast and very helpful & friendly staff. Have you been to Carcassone? We stayed in a B&B out in the countryside (Caunes Minervois) and drove into Carcassone but I know Rick mentions some places in Carcassone if you don't have a car. Let me know if you need any other tips.
Posted by
Solon, Iowa, United States
8 posts
I have a similar question. Want to travel from Nice to Dignes on the Chemin de Fer, a private train that goes there and back four times daily. Very scenic. Rather than returning to Nice, I would like to travel from Digne to Grenoble. It looks like part of the journey would be by bus but I cannot find evidence on the train or bus web sites.