Avignon vs Arles

About as strong as a hurricane, you're right in the area, fortunatley they're mostly in the winter. Quit worrying.

I'd ditch both cities and stay in Nimes and visit what you want. Nimes has more to see than either -- and is more fun at the end of the day. If you're going with one of your two ideas, make it Arles (which I really don't like one bit, but it beats Avignon). After a half day in Avignon, you're looking for the door.

I'd try to fit in Orange and Pont du Gard while I was in he area.

Two variables make a difference - 1. will you have a car? And, 2. Small town or small city?

With a car and a preference for small cities, I'd stay in St. Remy. Avignon and Arles - and Nimes - are a hassle to drive and park in. Also, look into Uzes.

My personal experience is the same as Doug's, re driving in Avignon, Arles, or Nimes. A car is useful to see parts of Provence not efficiently connected by train, but I leave the car at the hotel and use trains to get from Avignon to Arles to Nimes.

I enjoyed Arles much more than Avignon, so Arles gets my vote. If you're there on market day, be sure to go. It's really interesting, and I bought some of the best Cotes du Rhone I've ever had at the market for only 3.50 euro per bottle.

I agree with Frank. But if you'll have a car, it opens up a whole of of other choices too.

Trying to think of arguments for Avignon, though. It has slightly better rail and bus connections (though it depends where you want to go). Also in August there are often different cultural events and festivals there; if those interest you there's something to be said for being able to just walk back to your hotel at night.

(I still prefer Arles.)

Got to agree with Frank and Adam. We had a car and stayed in Arles last summer, and used it as a base to explore the rest of the region.

We loved staying in Arles, and really enjoyed the markets! The markets were awesome: we loaded our lugugge down with lo-cost French table cloths. We bought some wonderful wine for only 4 $$$, and had a great pizza at the market for another $4.

Sine we were staying in the middle of town we walked to dinner each nite. We had our choice of many great and lo-cost restaurants.

Now for the bad part. I would not even attempt to navigate cental Arles withourt a GPS, but we drove directly to our hotel using only the signs that were posted at corners. RS is correct; the streets are NARROW, but the rewards are worth the trouble.

Another vote for Arles. The mistral shouldn't be an issue in the summer.