Provence

We spent 2 weeks in Provence last spring. We rented a house with friends and were based near a small village, Mouries, very near Les Baux. From our travels around the region, we thought that for a future trip, St. Remy would be a good base. From where we were, we took day trips. The highlights were Arles, Avignon, Cassis, the Camargue, St. Remy, Nimes/Pont du Gard, and L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. We were not so impressed with Aix and didn't get to Gorde or Uzes--hopefully next time. I agree with Kent--the places that you want to visit are a little spread out. The roads in the region are excellent but I'd recommend a GPS and a Michelin map of the region for easier navigation. Rick Steves' Provence book was an excellent resource for our trip planning!

The inclusion on your list of Uzes (on the west) and Aix (on the southeast) results in your itinerary being spread out geographically. You'll want a car for this itinerary, I hope that goes without saying. With a rental car, it's best to avoid traffic congested/difficult overnight parking cities such as Avignon and even Arles (though Arles is much smaller, it is not the best choice with a car). Since you'll have a car, look on a map and pick a location not in a city/large town that is centrally located with respect to your itinerary locations and select a lodging that specifically and clearly offers secure overnight parking. Consider a smaller town between Avignon and the Luberon, perhaps Roussillon or Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

Kent, Have you done a trip like this? I have been to Provence but I am traveling with a friend who has not. I have only done it via bus tours. We will have a car and I agree about the larger towns. What are your highlight, do not miss places in Provence?
Thanks, Sue

I think Kent is right to suggest avoiding Arles and Avignon as bases with a car...we found parking our rental car in Arles not very easy, and we didn't even try to drive in Arles. I would vote for Isle sur la Sorgue, both because I enjoyed it more than Roussillon, and because I think it is slightly more central. Must sees.....well, for sure Avignon and the Pont du Gard; the Ancient History Museum at Arles and an evening in Arles with dinner near the Arena and a stroll to the Place du Forum for an after dinner drink; the drive up to Mt Ventoux by way of Sault to gasp at the lavender fields (only mid June to late July); market day at Isle sur la Sorgue; Les Baux. Other than the Pont du Gard, the best thing about Provence isn't so much this or that "sight", but the food, wine, flowers, the beauty of the countryside and the little towns that dot it. Make sure to spend some time just chilling, drink in hand, soaking in where you are-don't just rush place to place.

I think Arles is manageable with a car, at least if your hotel includes parking. But smaller towns are nice too, and since it is on your list you might consider St. Remy. It is the most-centrally located (in relation to your list) of your list.

We were in Provence in September. We stayed at a B&B outside Uzes and from there pretty easily visited Arles, Avignon, Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, St. Remy, Les Baux, Vaison-la-Romaine, the Pont du Gard, Sommieres, and Montpelier. We did not go as far as Aix. I think you could base out of any of the smaller towns and be fine. In Arles we parked in the parking garage near the postoffice (it's easy to find) & from there saw everything on foot. In Avignon we found the parking garage near the papal palace & from there we saw a lot of that town on foot as well. We had a GPS - a Tomtom we brought from home - and it was a huge help.

Yes, we will have 3 full days. So far St. Remy sounds wonderful as a base. I had some other friends recommend it also. Any hotel ideas? I am looking forward to smelling the flowers, sipping the wine and really getting a sense of living in Provence. After Provence, we head back up to Paris to start Rick Steve's Heart of France tour.

Just have to put in a word that we found Arles very convenient and easy to base from with a car. We stayed at Hotel le Regence just inside the old city gates on the North. There was plenty of free, safe parking just on the other side of the gates. And from there, it was a straight shot out of town.

For a vacation from our vacation,( 3 weeks in France) we spent 3 nights at Hotel Auberge du Mas de la Fenière, actually in Raphèle-lès-Arles, which was quiet and convenient just outside Arles. Car necessary. It's a 3 star, booked thru venere.com and is a former Relais du Silence. Has a small pool, small charming gardens and is in the middle of quiet fields. Breakfast was fine, and in August the airconditioning was very welcome. There were several BnB's, other hotels,and a bakery( of course!)nearby

St. Remy is a perfect town as home base. Large enough to offer everything you want, yet not all the congestion of Arles or Avignon. And the beautiful drive down the lane of tree into the town is picture perfet. Market is great. Easy drive to Les Baux. Aix is a bigger city than I thought, and Gordes was amazing. There are lots hotels in a variety of price ranges. All the surrounding villages are amazing. I have photographs from numerous trips there and you can see what you have in store for you if you go to terrykathrynlawrence.com. Just driving the countryside and finding wonderful unexpected surprises and stopping in little towns that no one has heard of is such fun. We also took early morning walks to the 'hospital grounds' where VanGogh spent time. St. Remy is a perfect blend of tourists and real life for me.

Sue - I recommend visiting Mas de la Dame vineyard right outside Les Baux, on the road to St Remy. They have tastings every day. I would spend at least one day exploring some of the Luberon hill towns. Les Baux, Pont du Gard, St Remy, and Uzes would be high on my list too. Hope you have a great time.

St. Remy is a good location. I have been to Provence several times and have always stayed in St. Remy. It has nice restaurants and is easy to get to wherever you want to go. Stayed at Charlet des Alphies a couple of times. Had room with balcony. It's located in a quiet area only a few blocks from the center of town. Easy access to town by walking and has own parking area which is secured.
Not real fancy but reasonable and clean.

Hi Bill, Did you spell that hotel right? I am having a hard time finding it. What was nightly cost? Any restaurant suggestions?
Thanks for your help.