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Hi travel helpers,
We are traveling from Paris by train to Avignon in Mid May. We would like to base ourselves in one area central to main sights. We will be tired upon arrival since we are arriving from New York and then catching a train to Avignon.
Could anyone suggest a great base to stay since we only have 5 nights. We would like to see Gordes, Rousillion as well as Pont du Gard and possibly go to Cassis or somewhere on the coast that may be closer. Does anyone out there have any suggestions as to the best area to stay with a car to maximize our time. We were thinkging of Isle sur la Sorge but not sure if staying in Avignon would be better and more convenient. Thanks to you all.
France-Western Provence
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l'Isle sur la Sorgue is fine. Many people like St Remy as a base. Getting in & out of Avignon is a hassle and also unsightly.
Stu Dudley
Thanks Stu, Do you thing St. Remy would be a better location, in your opinion and if so do you have anywhere in particular you like to stay. Also, just wondering how long it takes to get from the train station in Avignon to St. Remy?
I've had no problem getting out of Avignon,It's a fine location to visit all except Cassis, Aix would be closer.
I like L'Hotel on the main street of St remy with it's own car park.
I think smaller places would be easier to stay with a car, also, although I think there are a few hotels in Avignon that are on the outskirts. I think St Remy or Isle sur la Sorgue are both fine for what you want. How long from the train station to St Remy? It's not that far, maybe an hour considering everything (getting car, figuring things out, etc). It's only about 20 km away.
l'Isle sur la Sorgue is closer to Gordes & Roussillon, but St Remy is closer to the Pont du Gard. I think most people would prefer St Remy because there is a little more "action" there during any day of the week except Sunday, when l'Isle sur la Sorgue has its huge market. St Remy is perhaps 20-25 mins from the Avignon TGV station.
St Remy & l'Isle sur la Sorgue are both easier to access by car than Avignon, IMO. Shops are open on Sunday in St Remy, but most are closed on Sunday in Avignon.
Do you have my 27 page itinerary for provence & Cote d'Azur? If not, e-mail me at StuDudley@aol.com & I'll attach one to the reply e-mail. I've sent it to over 3,000 people on Fodors.
Stu Dudley
St. Remy makes a perfect base for visiting the cities/sites you want to see. There are lots of hotels here in all price ranges. To see some of my favorites, go to my site ProvencePost.com and click the tab up top that says HOTELS I LOVE. Getting from the TGV station in Avignon to St. Remy is just a bit tricky if you're tired, so if you can remember this: follow the signs to BEAUCAIRE/TARASCON and then pretty soon you'll start seeing signs for St. Remy. You could also consider cabbing to St. Remy from the TGV station in Avignon...spending a day or two exploring in town, then going back for your rental car. There used to be a rental car place here in St. Remy and I've been meaning to check and see if they're still there. Drop me a note to: provenceblog@aol.com if this idea interests you and I'll find out for you. Have fun!
>> St. Remy ........spending a day or two exploring in town<<
If I were only going to be in Provence for 5 nights/4 1/2 days, I would not want to spend 2 of those days exploring just St Remy. I always suggest that if someone is staying in a town (like St Remy), they'll see enough of the town in the early mornings, late afternoons and evenings before they start or end day-trips to other sites. That's the best time of day to visit St Remy anyway.
IMO, St Remy is only a half-day visit if you're staying somewhere else.
Stu Dudley
Also - I find the TGV from CDG to be VERY relaxing. A great way to catch a few winks. We fly to CDG/Provence from the US west coast.
Stu Dudley
Thanks All,
Stu,love the itinerary.
Does anyone have suggestions for a good St. Remy
place to stay that wont break the bank.
Hi Fran,
The TGV trip is a great idea after a long flight - it is our favorite route to Provence. The good news is that you can get to all the places you are talking about within about an hour and a half's drive, so you're within easy reach of all of the areas you mentioned. They're great - enjoy them. The main thing to decide is if you want to stay right in a larger town or in a smaller village close to everything, out of the way of the tour buses. You may want to check out St Remy, which is lovely, but also look at some smaller villages about 10 mins away (they may also be a bit more reasonably priced).
Bon voyage!