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There's very little info on Villeneuve on the Fodor's site. I'd love to hear feedback from people who've stayed there. I don't think we'd enjoy staying in Avignon itself, but Villeneuve looks interesting, i.e. hopefully cleaner, quieter, more relaxing.
The other possibility for a base would be Aix. High priority for us is peaceful, quiet, very nice surroundings. We're in our 70's, have less energy than we used to, need more rest between excursions.
Planning on spending around a week in the area (before a cruise embarkation in Monaco). Thinking perhaps to split stay between St Remy and Aix or Villeneuve.
Thanks for help!
Villeneuve les Avignon? Aix?
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We spent several days there and enjoyed it very much. We used it as a sbase to take day trips in the area.
We were in St.Remy in November of '07. Rented an apartment as we were there for a week. Used St.Remy as our point of reference and went to different places from there for the day. We found that taking the local bus system was a hassle as it took forever to get to some places. Take Aix, for example,as we spent the day there. It is a great city to visit, but not a quiet place by any means: it is a university city with lots of people and things going on. St Remy is a pretty little town and quiet compared to Avignon or Aix. But remember in St. Remy and other french towns the shops and stores that sell food items are closed on Sunday and Monday. A few are open but not very many. Do as the French do or stay home..also you can only get a meal at scheduled hours in the restaurants. They don't serve meals inbetween hours as in the US. Because we didn't want to rent a car we hired a driver to take us from Avignon to St. Remy, To Nimes (great Roman ruins), Aix, La Baux. Provence doesn't have train service between these towns. We hired Skovgaard Europe out of St. Remy: finn@skovgaard-Europe.com. He was very reliable and reasonably priced. Also recommend going to Uze, Avignon and Arles for the day. There is a lot to see in St. Remy and they have a good tourist website. It is a great town for walking. But remember in October and November you have the cold winds that can sweep down and you never know what day that will be. We liked it as the tourist season was over and the prices were less for an apartment which we got through Homeaway.com
I haven't been to Villeneuve, but I did do a few day trips to Aix. Aix is a medium sized city, not too touristy, with a pleasant downtown. While the city itself is not particularly scenic, the surrounding countryside is very beautiful.While Aix is nice enough, I'm not sure if it could be considered quiet since it is a city. We used Lourmarin as our base, and loved it. Small enough to easily get in and out, but large enough to have a handful of restaurants and shops. Lourmarin is a little touristy, but very quiet and relaxing. Even though it is only 1/2 hour away form the spectacular hill towns of the Luberon, Lourmarin itself is in a flatter area, so it's very easy to get around.
I spent over two weeks there at the lovely old Le Prieuré but it has been sold to Mr Chariel of LÓustau de Baumaniere and La Cabra D'Or in Les Baux and he has completely moderized it. I'll miss the old world charm. There's a famous Provençal garden there at St Andre Abbey and a very good flea market on Saturdays.
We have lived in Villeneuve les Avignon for the last 14 months and have loved it. It is not bustling like Avignon, but it still has plenty to do and see. The Thursday morning market is wonderful as is the Saturday bric-brac market. As far as touring, V les A has a small church, a monastery, a neat tower where the Avignon bridge once connected the two cities, and a wonderful fort--not to mention a couple narrow side streets great for small town window shopping and getting a feel for everyday life here. They have an English version of their tourism website here http://www.villeneuvelesavignon.fr/tourisme/gb/index.asp
It is also easy to hop the bus over the Rhone into Avignon. The tourism office is just beside the bus pick up, and they would be happy to talk you through tickets and such.
If you have a car, the Pont du Gard is a must see. I know that bus trips go in and out of Avignon, but I don't have any information on that. Les Baux is also a great hilltop treat.
Before moving here we stayed at the Hotel de l'Atelier right in downtown. The hotel was full of history and charm (but no elevator, as is common in older buildings). They had a resident cat and a fire going in the evenings. Breakfast was good but basic. The service was outstanding!! Everyone was thrilled to offer help and advice--and they spoke English with a smile! Here is the hotel website http://www.hoteldelatelier.com/
For a special treat, we ate at the Restaurant Aubertin--pricey, but absolutely amazing. We were treated like guests in his home and I will never forget the lobster mousse with shaved truffles! We also like to pop into the Cour Célestine for local flavors.
Good luck with your planning!