I'm planning to travel from Paris to Provence via the TGV. I've never been there, and I'm thinking of spending 3 nights in Avignon, 2 nights in Arles, and 2 nights in Aix-En-Provence. (I'd take trains from Avignon to Arles, Arles to Aix, and the TGV from Aix to Paris). I will not use a rental car on this trip. Any recommendations in changing the cities I'm visiting, or the number of nights in each place? (Would you recommend staying in just two of the cities, more or less nights in each city?) And please suggest any things to do, see, and places to stay and eat. Thanks.
Posted by
Williamsburg, Virginia
94 posts
The magic of Provence is in the hilltop villages. Any reason why you are not renting a car for a day or two to really explore this region? You will be missing out if you limit yourself to those 3 cities.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
No car, eh? Sights on the rail line include Nimes and the Roman theater in Orange. I'd also look into the bus system--I know there are buses to the Pont du Garde and probably to Les Baux and the Camargue, and Luberon towns.
You might also consider renting a bicycle and even walking--I think there is a hike from St. Remy (on a bus line) over the Alpiles to Les Baux. And you might consider hiring a driver, if you don't want to hire a car.
Rail service between Arles and Avignon is so good you don't really need to shift your hotel, though perhaps you'd like to anyway. Of the two I think Arles has more charm and Avignon has the better transit connections.
Aix is a gorgeous town without really any special sights other than itself (OK, there's Gaugan's studio, if you are a big fan). It would make a good base, I guess, for exploring Marseilles, or for a day trip to Cassis (where I have never been) on the coast.
Depending on time of year there might be events and festivals--big arty things in Avignon, small traditional celebrations in the towns.
Seven days is a nice amount of time to spend in this region. If you had a car, you could explore more and even stay in one of these small towns. But you've probably thought about all that, I won't belabor the point.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Paris, France
81 posts
The itinerary sounds great and moving around by TGV is a breeze. I agree with others that it would be worth visiting some of the country side - lavender fields, vineyards, small villages... One option is to get on a day tour out - you can get an idea of what's possible on sites like isango.com or triptoe.com.