theresac

My husband I have the opportunity to rent a house in Arles very affordably for two weeks next March, We don't need to be on the go every minute, so the idea of a more relaxed time there is very appealing,

What day trips would you recommend to us that would be easily driven from Arles? I guess no more than a two hour drive each way would fall into my catergory of a " day trip".

macanimals

You certainly are in no hurry--have you consulted any guide books, visited the library (they have videos and films), gone to a bookstore and checked out the travel section? What are your interests--markets, ancient ruins, archeology, food, wine, music, pageants, outdoor activities? All of these things are prevalent and easily reachable from Arles--but you will want to have a car.

You will get a lot of suggestions as you will be in the heart of a wonderful area but you need to give us a little direction. Its easy to relax as well but what do you like to do while relaxing?

Some destinations within 1 1/2 hr one-way: Nimes, Pont du Gard, Uzes, Avignon, Les Baux, St Remy, Aix, Comargue, L'isle Sur le Sourgue, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the villages of the Luberon-Bonnieux, Gordes, Roussillon--it goes on and on. You can be as active or laid back as you want but what do you want?

theresac

Thank you , mac -yes, we will have a car.
I know my question is quite open-ended. I haven't bought books yet, just have been reading on tourists sites for the area as well as previous posts here on Fodors.

I'm wondering if there are enough destinations within a reasonable drive of Arles to warrent staying two weeks in one location. Someone had posted earlier that the countryside is quiet at that time of year.

No surprises on what we enjoy - wine and good food, wandering around towns, poking around some shops, but we are not dedicated shoppers by any stretch. We are definetly more interested in the history and the feel of the region than in the markets (other than food items) and shops.

Gretchen

Of course there is enough to do for 2 weeks, if you want to. The first thing I'd do is hope Stu Dudley sees this and offers to send you his notebook of things to do. And yes, it is definitely "out of season" so many things may be closed.

macanimals

There is plenty "to do" for two weeks. Most of us enjoy week long stays in various sections of the countryside--St Remy, Vaison-la-Romaine and Bonnieux for instance but you can get to all those from Arles. We like Arles--its history both ancient and medieval and it has several excellent restaurants ( L'Atelier Rabanel) and it is fairly easy to get in and out of with a car. I can't address March weather or activity but if you have good accomodations--go for it!

You can get a lot of info on this site by using the search functions. The variety of activities in the area is incredible--would you believe I've got a gliding trip in mind at an aerodrome between St Remy and Eygalieres?! And its very near an organic winery in an old castle ruin--sweet!

cigalechanta

you can also rent horses in Eygaliers.
Pont du Gard,
Uzes, the Camargue, Avignon, and a few perche villages are all easy drives

Underhill

The twin towns of Beaucaire and Tarascon would be an eary day trip, even a half-day trip unless you want to visit the Soulieado fabric works in addition. They make some of thefinest Provençal fabrics and have a museum.