We want to spend a few days in Provence. I have reduced mobility making it hard to walk long distances or up hills. So do we 1. Stay in Avignon and take the train to Arles, St. Remy, Aix. 2. Rent a car and stay in Arles or St. Remy? How easy is it to find parking at tourist attractions?
Remember limiting strenuous walking is my goal and most important to me. Thank you
Posted by
Seattle, WA
689 posts
I think Arles would be difficult. There is very limited auto access to the center of town, where the sights are--it's mostly pedestrian. It's also quite hilly. Hotels have their guests park outside the center in a garage, though they will allow you to be dropped off. I haven't been to St Remy, but I've been to many small towns in Provence, and most would be problematic for you. You may find it easier to NOT stay in a town, but in the countryside, at a b and b or inn which has parking on site. Then you can tailor your sightseeing to the sights that you can manage, and that have parking on site. I would, in general, recommend renting a car. I've traveled with my mother in law, who has limited mobility, and a car was the only way she could get around. Train stations usually have stairs and often don't have elevators, so imagine handling your luggage in that situation.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
Each town is unique. For example, St. Remy is basically flat; Les Baux is on a steep hilltop. Yet they are only 11 kilometers apart. Get a good guidebook and read a description of each town you think you want to see. Guidebooks will usually tell you which towns are steep or hilly. Parking generally isn't a big problem, unless you're hitting a town on market day. In France you'll never have a problem finding little cafes where you can sit and take a break. Provence is definitely more easily seen by car than by train. I don't even know how you'd do it by train.