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Day trips from Avignon - Early January 2026

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Hello fellow travelers!

Our family of four will be staying in Avignon for a few days in January, and plan to use public transportation for two possible day trips. We are considering one day for Arles and Les Baux, and another day to visit Nimes and pont d Gard. Both trips involve train and bus rides to get to the towns, and possibly taxi rides at the end of the day back to Avignon.

We are wondering if these plans are doable, or if they are too ambitious. Additionaly, I am second guessing the idea of public transportation considering that we are so off season and might have less choice for bus, train and taxi travel. We could consider renting a car, but have read about fast drivers and tight roads as well as parking challenges.

We are also aware that we could encouter the Mistral. Could you comment on how disruptive this could be for our plans?

Thanks so much for your help,
Chrsitne

Posted by
29657 posts

The Mistral situation would make me want to plan side trips as last-minute as possible. I haven't experienced the mistral myself, but I've run into some cold, strong winds in a few other places. Bundling up helps a lot.

Given how short the days will be in January, I myself wouldn't try to get to Arles and Les Baux on the same day. I think I spent a large part of a summer day in Arles; the archaeological museum is quite nice. I can't comment on the Nimes + Pont du Gard situation since I've been to neither.

I wouldn't expect transportation difficulties to Arles or Nimes, because train schedules don't vary that much from month to month. However, I suspect there may be less bus service out to Les Baux and the Pont du Gard in January. I'm sure one of our posters living in France will be able to comment.

Posted by
11431 posts

It's best to rent a car, especially in January. You don't want to be waiting at some bus stop in the Mistral wind for a bus that's late or doesn't show up. If you want to see Arles, Pont du Gard, Nîmes, Les Baux why don't you stay in Arles? It doesn't make sense to stay in Avignon. Just take the train to Avignon TGV station and rent a car there. Driving isn't difficult at all. I'm over 75 and do the driving for the family on the autoroutes, the departmental roads, and in towns. The tough part is in the city where we live because of the lanes for the buses, the bicycles, the cars, the trams, the scooters and pedestrians. The cities where you are going are easy to drive in.

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