My quandry is a lot like Lisa's. Thanks for the Michelin site info. We are going to be in Barcelona and trainiung to Provence. I have had so many opinions about wherein Provence to jump off. Perpignan to Carsconne. I think maybe train to Nimes, do Pont amphitheater, Arles and then get car and drive the rest. What route? and stay in one spot for three days or stay somewhere different each night? We are planning on leaving the car at Dijon or Lyon and train to Caen. 2 nights in Normandy then train to Paris for 3 days. Then we are off to Cotswolds and London by cheap air. Is any of this doable or make sense. Any advice gratefully received. We are starting in Spain. Good luck Lisa, hope you have a great trip. Sheila
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Sheila, you do not say how much time you will have all together, or between Barcelona and your train trip to Caen, or when you will be traveling. Your plan sounds good, but other good plans may be possible too. The train trip to Caen will be long.
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
One option would be to fly (for budget airline options check, www.whichbudget.com) from Barcelona to Marseilles. Train the short distance to Avignon. You can pick up your rental car in Avignon and then tour Provence. Depending on where you want to go, choose a central location for several nights (Arles or St. Remy, for example.) When you finish touring Provence, drop off your rental car in Avignon and train to Lyon, Paris, and beyond.
Posted by
OP
Middleszex, NJ, USA
15 posts
THanks Adam. Just shows where my brain is. We are leaving Barcelona on Sept. 19 and will be in Provence and need to be in Paris by thew 29th of Sept. So long train trips are not a problem. My husband prefers that to flying. We will be flying from Paris to Birmingham for our Br4itish leg.
Posted by
OP
Middleszex, NJ, USA
15 posts
Thanks Sharon. I think what you say sounds very practical. How many days in Provence to make it a meaningful trip. I hate going home and wishing I had seen some charming place. Sheila
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
There are so many charming villages in Provence that it's difficult to say how what's a good amount of time for exploring them. We rented a house in May and spent 2 weeks traveling around and still could have spent more time. Rick's Provence book has great information about each town/village that would be helpful in planning your trip if you don't already have a copy. I especially enjoyed market days in the villages plus the Roman ruins near St. Remy, in Arles, and Pont du Gard.
Posted by
OP
Middleszex, NJ, USA
15 posts
Thanks again. I do have the BOOK. I always have his books. Your places that you cite are all ones that I know we have to see. Where did you stay? I have booked a place in St. Remy that is refundable if I want to cancel. Do you think we could tour from there by car on a daily basis. I know there is piublic trans from there to Avignon and Arles where parking may be difficult. Whatdo you think? Also any favorite food places.
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
Sheila, We traveled with friends and stayed in a farmhouse not so far from St. Remy - I'd keep your current reservation as IMO it's a great location for touring Provence. Touring the region by car works well. I'm not sure about public transportation from St. Remy to Arles or Avignon - we went by car and always found a place to park. Parking areas are usually well marked. If you have time, Cassis and the Carmargue are other interesting day trips from the region.