thegagers

We're staying just north of Avignon this July. One of our travelling companions really wants to visit the coast. Saint-Maries-de-la-Mer is about a 1.5 hour drive but gets mixed reviews. Cassis is about a 2 hour drive (depending on traffic) and would seem to be worth the effort. Any ideas for a day trip to the coast that wouldn't have us in the car all day?

sandi

If you leave early, you'll be south by 10:30am-11am. Spend the time at either, then return late evening.

St. Maries de la Mer is a typical beach community and will be crowded during the summer, but nearby is the lovely walled city of Aigues Mortes... about 40-minutes West.. we loved it.

Likewise at Cassis during summer will be crowded, but if you want to see the Med, you've got to drive there. So plan for a full day at either of these destinations; have dinner (which doesn't have to be the usualy 7:30pm seating, rather a cafe) in the areas and return to Avignon after.

Reminder, in France in summer it doesn't get dark till almost 10pm, so getting back to Avignon should be a non-event.

thegagers

Thank you. Good point regarding day light. We can plan on some very long days and still not have to drive home in the dark.

mpprh

Hi

Aigues Mortes (no longer on the coast !) and nearby Grau de Roi are worth a visit. Grand Motte is a 60's architect vision of the future - either love it or hate it. If you want sandy beaches think Camargue, L'Espiguette and grand Travers.

In July, it is better to avoid the peak traffic times.

Peter

PBProvence

To add to Peter's caution.... NEVER drive to Les Saintes, Aigues Mortes or the beaches on a Saturday or Sunday in the summer. The return trip could take you as long as four hours on the two lane roads through the Camargue.

Patricia

thegagers

Thanks, everyone. We will not go to the coast on a weekend. And we may try to go before Bastille Day. I understand that that is when places go from crowded to really crowded.

sfarah

Forget Saint-Maries-de-la-Mer. It's not worth the drive. Low brown and not very scenic. Cassis on other other hand is just lovely.

mpprh

Hi

just to add a little.

The main peak times are leaving the coast 16.00-18.00. Aigues Mortes now has a better road, but it is still very slow in the peak times. Better to leave early or late. Parking can be a problem in the popular spots.

All these towns are very busy in summer. I only visit them by boat in July / August. And there are problems with space in the marinas, too !

Peter




In these towns