Hi Everyone, I'm trying to plan a 3-week trip to France for next summer, and I am having trouble with my Provence section. I have two options, and would love to know which one the very experienced posters on this board would recommend: Option 1: Stay in Arles for 4 nights (3 full days) - Day 1: Visit Pont du Gard via Nimes - Day 2: Les Baux in the morning, Arles in the afternoon - Day 3: Avignon Option 2: Stay in Avignon for 4 nights (3 full days) - Day 1: Visit Pont du Gard - Day 2: Isle-sur-la-Sorgue in the morning, Avignon in the afternoon
- Day 3: Arles in the morning, time in Avignon in the afternoon if needed Basically, I am trying to decide between the better base - Avignon or Arles - and the better town to visit - Les Baux or Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. We will not have a car (we are too young to rent without paying crazy fees), but these options are relatively easy by public transportation, according to my research. I might be able to spend one extra day in Provence, so if you all think of other options for me, that's fine too. A bit about me - I am traveling with my best friend, we are both mid-20s, enjoy history, wandering through towns, hiking, etc. We have traveled together to Italy, England, and Ireland, and while I have been to France before, neither of us has been to Provence. Thanks in advance for your help and advice!
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1334 posts
Cait - I would choose Option 2. I vote for Isle sur la Sorgue over Les Baux and would visit on Sunday if possible to catch the market. I'd be flexible in Day 3 as you may want to spend more than half a day in Arles. It has a big market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Have fun!
Posted by
Reston, Virginia
403 posts
My wife and I did essentially your option 1, but we had a car. Using only trains and buses, I would stay in Avignon, which is more of a transport hub than Arles. Isle sur la Sorgue is a great little town, but try if you possibly can to be there on a market day...a fantastic experience, and easy to combine with a riverside picnic. Les Baux without a car...wow, too tough for me. But Nimes is great, and a short train ride from Avignon. You could do Aix en Provence or Orange by rail from Avignon. Taking the train to Arles is quick and easy, but when Rick says there are long mid-day gaps he isn't kidding. We were ready to come back to Arles about 1, and had to wait quite a while for a train. You might want to go in late afternoon, see the Ancient History Museum, then have drinks and dinner on Place du Forum and next to the Roman Arena, then return at night to Avignon. If you are young and fit, as your post suggests, consider renting a bike in Isle sur la Sorgue and cycling out into the countryside. Really, any time anywhere in Provence is great...don't stress, just make a choice and enjoy.
Posted by
OP
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
104 posts
Thanks for your opinions - I think we will stay in Avignon.