We are staying near Orange next month and will be visiting Nimes, Avignon, Arles and the Pont du Garde as day trips (probably over two days). I'm trying to organize efficiently based on geography, but also the relative "weight" of each destination. In other words, I don't want to pair Arles and Avignon on the same day just because they are physically close. Thoughts?
Posted by
winston salem, nc, usa
1078 posts
Yes--you can throw a rock to the world class caves at Chateau neuf du pape! If you like reds, they are the class(in my opinion)Plus, the main cave sells a white you cannot find in the US. You are surrounded by terrific boutique vineyards if you get off the main track.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Orange and Nimes should get most of your time. Nimes the most of all.
Pont du Garde takes a bit over an hour (maybe two)because of the long walk in.
Avignon is mostly the stump of a bridge and the papal palace. Add a couple of hours for the rest of the town and and a half-day does it.
I'm unimpressed by Arles, others think highly of it. No comment.
You might want to toss Aiques Mortes (25 mi south of Nimes) into the mix. Nobody seems to know about it.
Do it in driving/geographic order to make the best use of your time. For perspective, Orange to Nimes is about a half hour on the freeway.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I would combine Nimes and the Pont du Gard into one day and, despite your misgivings, Arles and Avignon into another. I'm assuming you will visit Orange another day.
If you'd prefer to be less hurried, and you certainly could, then you'll have to leave something out.