What is your opinion of these places in Provence, France?
Aug 5th, 2005, 01:43 PM
#1
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What is your opinion of these places in Provence, France?
My DH and I are headed to Provence for five days in mid-October. I'm trying to narrow down some places to stay.
Here are a few I've come up with - so all you Provence experts I value your opinion!
La Demeure de Manon in Malaucene
Bastide la Combe in Vaison-la-Romaine
Chateau de Taulignan in Vaison-la-Romaine
La Bastide St. Georges in Forcalquier
Le Cadran Solaire in Graveson
Villa Mercedes in La Londe les Maures
If you have personal experience with these, let me know. Online, the rooms look pretty good- I believe they are all 3-stars. If you know the areas, and have any opinions good or bad, please tell me.
We're interested in Roman ruins, medieval sites, history, music. Food and nightlife are not that important. Quiet area, quiet inn, beautiful surroundings are important.
merci,
mom
Here are a few I've come up with - so all you Provence experts I value your opinion!
La Demeure de Manon in Malaucene
Bastide la Combe in Vaison-la-Romaine
Chateau de Taulignan in Vaison-la-Romaine
La Bastide St. Georges in Forcalquier
Le Cadran Solaire in Graveson
Villa Mercedes in La Londe les Maures
If you have personal experience with these, let me know. Online, the rooms look pretty good- I believe they are all 3-stars. If you know the areas, and have any opinions good or bad, please tell me.
We're interested in Roman ruins, medieval sites, history, music. Food and nightlife are not that important. Quiet area, quiet inn, beautiful surroundings are important.
merci,
mom
Aug 5th, 2005, 02:18 PM
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When we vacation in a general region like Provence, we pick an area we want to stay in (Luberon, Dentelles, Alpilles, Uzes, etc) and then find a hotel in that area. We don't pick a nice looking hotel, and then hope we like the area it's in.
My recommended areas for someone who has not been there a lot, is (in order of preference):
1. Luberon - Gordes, Bonnieux, Roussillon, etc
2. Dentelles - Vaison area
3. Alpilles - St Remy/Les Baux area
4. Uzes
Lots of people (perhaps the majority) would switch my second & third choices. I like the Dentelles because I think the countryside is prettier than the Alpilles.
Your choice in Forqaluier would be way too far away from the main attractions in Provence.
Malaucene is in a very nice area. So is Vaison, as long as there is not some ugly commerce close by (there is some near Vaison)
Graveson is not in an area I find as attractive as the four I mentioned above. It's centrally located, but I prefer to stay in an area that has more natural beauty.
Couldn't find Le Londe les Maures - is it in the Maures mountains behind St Tropez???
Stu Dudley
My recommended areas for someone who has not been there a lot, is (in order of preference):
1. Luberon - Gordes, Bonnieux, Roussillon, etc
2. Dentelles - Vaison area
3. Alpilles - St Remy/Les Baux area
4. Uzes
Lots of people (perhaps the majority) would switch my second & third choices. I like the Dentelles because I think the countryside is prettier than the Alpilles.
Your choice in Forqaluier would be way too far away from the main attractions in Provence.
Malaucene is in a very nice area. So is Vaison, as long as there is not some ugly commerce close by (there is some near Vaison)
Graveson is not in an area I find as attractive as the four I mentioned above. It's centrally located, but I prefer to stay in an area that has more natural beauty.
Couldn't find Le Londe les Maures - is it in the Maures mountains behind St Tropez???
Stu Dudley
Aug 5th, 2005, 02:51 PM
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Hi Stu - thanks for your input.
Yeah, I know I should pick an area and THEN choose the lodging but I'm having a tough time deciding where to base ourselves. I was hoping for some input on these towns to help make a decision.
Already you've helped with your comments about Malaucene, Forcalquier and Vaison.
Yeah, I know I should pick an area and THEN choose the lodging but I'm having a tough time deciding where to base ourselves. I was hoping for some input on these towns to help make a decision.
Already you've helped with your comments about Malaucene, Forcalquier and Vaison.
Aug 5th, 2005, 03:25 PM
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>>I'm having a tough time deciding where to base ourselves. I was hoping for some input on these towns to help make a decision.<<<
Describe what you want to do in Provence. For example, mainly concentrate on the cities like Arles, Nimes, Avignon, etc, or see beautiful countryside with lavender fields, sunflowers, natural beauty, remote villages, or historical sites like the Roman Ruins, or caves with stalactites & mites like in the Ardeche gorge, etc. If you say "all the above", plan on at least 6 days.
When we first decided to spend a lot of time in Provence (and after we retired early so we could have the time) we stayed 2 weeks in the Luberon near Gordes, two weeks in the Alpilles near St Remy, and two weeks in the Dentelles near Vaison. On return trips we stayed 2 more weeks near Gordes, two weeks near Uzes and two more weeks close to the Dentelles near Bedoin.
If you are going to spend 5-6 days there or more, move around a little. Stay 4 days near Gordes, and 3 days near St Remy - or something like that. I'm not a fan of driving through the area around Avignon - that's why I prefer to stay in the Luberon & tour that region, then St Remy & tour there, then the Vaison area.
If I had to stay in only 1 area, I would choose the Luberon near Gordes. That way it's equal distance to the sites near St Remy, and also to the sites near Vaison. You are close (30-40 mins) to Avignon also.
Stu Dudley
Describe what you want to do in Provence. For example, mainly concentrate on the cities like Arles, Nimes, Avignon, etc, or see beautiful countryside with lavender fields, sunflowers, natural beauty, remote villages, or historical sites like the Roman Ruins, or caves with stalactites & mites like in the Ardeche gorge, etc. If you say "all the above", plan on at least 6 days.
When we first decided to spend a lot of time in Provence (and after we retired early so we could have the time) we stayed 2 weeks in the Luberon near Gordes, two weeks in the Alpilles near St Remy, and two weeks in the Dentelles near Vaison. On return trips we stayed 2 more weeks near Gordes, two weeks near Uzes and two more weeks close to the Dentelles near Bedoin.
If you are going to spend 5-6 days there or more, move around a little. Stay 4 days near Gordes, and 3 days near St Remy - or something like that. I'm not a fan of driving through the area around Avignon - that's why I prefer to stay in the Luberon & tour that region, then St Remy & tour there, then the Vaison area.
If I had to stay in only 1 area, I would choose the Luberon near Gordes. That way it's equal distance to the sites near St Remy, and also to the sites near Vaison. You are close (30-40 mins) to Avignon also.
Stu Dudley
Aug 5th, 2005, 04:02 PM
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Again, Stu, thanks - just what I was looking for!
Unfortunately, we only have 5 days in Provence (and 3 in Paris). Maybe when the kids are out of college and my DH retires we'll have more time and money. Right now, we accept our limited time and will just "see what we can see." I think your idea of staying in two different locations might be worth a shot.
Merci!
Unfortunately, we only have 5 days in Provence (and 3 in Paris). Maybe when the kids are out of college and my DH retires we'll have more time and money. Right now, we accept our limited time and will just "see what we can see." I think your idea of staying in two different locations might be worth a shot.
Merci!
Aug 5th, 2005, 04:09 PM
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Well, my approach to deciding where to stay is to find a hotel that I like and work from there--but of course it must be near something that I want to see.
So, aggiemom, I think you need to settle on the major sights of interest and take it from there. You've already picked Vaison-la-Romaine, and that puts you near Roman ruins both in Vaison and in Orange. You could thus spend two days in Vaison and then move further south to pick up St-Rémy, Arles, and the Pont du Gard. You will find many hotel options in that area, and you can even go as far south as Marseilles, which has a fine archaeological museum.
So, aggiemom, I think you need to settle on the major sights of interest and take it from there. You've already picked Vaison-la-Romaine, and that puts you near Roman ruins both in Vaison and in Orange. You could thus spend two days in Vaison and then move further south to pick up St-Rémy, Arles, and the Pont du Gard. You will find many hotel options in that area, and you can even go as far south as Marseilles, which has a fine archaeological museum.
Aug 5th, 2005, 04:25 PM
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Underhill - thank you for ALL your help. I thought I'd throw this question out to the board just to get several views (and not bug you so much!).
I think a major problem in deciding is my DH. Love him though I do, he can be exasperating! He loves everything and wants to see everything (England has been his only other European experience) and will go, go, go while I fade after about 7:00 PM.
Since we have three teenage daughters, he is outnumbered in this house and is usually outvoted for anything, so I want to give him the first choices this trip.
Merci beaucoup.
I think a major problem in deciding is my DH. Love him though I do, he can be exasperating! He loves everything and wants to see everything (England has been his only other European experience) and will go, go, go while I fade after about 7:00 PM.
Since we have three teenage daughters, he is outnumbered in this house and is usually outvoted for anything, so I want to give him the first choices this trip.
Merci beaucoup.
Aug 5th, 2005, 05:33 PM
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If you decide on St Remy, I can recommend a nice place to stay that will meet your needs. The Mas des Carassins. It is very peaceful, wonderful grounds, comfortable lovely rooms and they serve outrageous dinners to guests each night. It is perfectly located - we used it as a base for Provence and were able to do day trips.
The Glanum site (roman ruins) and Les Baux (more ruins) are within a ten minute drive.
I posted a link to my pictures on Kodak gallery - you are welcome to look at them.
http://olympus.kodakgallery.com/I.js...0&y=vmk3hw
The Glanum site (roman ruins) and Les Baux (more ruins) are within a ten minute drive.
I posted a link to my pictures on Kodak gallery - you are welcome to look at them.
http://olympus.kodakgallery.com/I.js...0&y=vmk3hw
Aug 5th, 2005, 06:18 PM
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If your husband wants to see everything, you might think of doing one- or two-night stands. I know, I know, many Fodoroties abhor those, but it's a good way to cover a lot of ground and get in a lot of sightseeing. If you keep your luggage to a minimum and pack to make unpacking for the night quick, the in-and-out option can work very nicely.
We haven't discussed how you're getting from paris to Provence--if you're going to Paris at all?
We haven't discussed how you're getting from paris to Provence--if you're going to Paris at all?
Aug 5th, 2005, 06:49 PM
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Underhill - I know my husband wants to move around every night or so! I did one and two night stays in Amsterdam/Germany in May with my Mom and I was exhausted. Of course, I was the "leader" in that trip and DH will take over for France.
I really wanted to stay put for the five days but it looks like I may concede to two days one place and three in another.
We are landing at CDG and taking the TGV to Avignon and renting a car (unless another city is more convenient - still just in the planning stage). We'll return to Paris and spend three nights there. Of course, that's not enough time to devote to Paris, but DH wants to see more of the south of France and I've been to Paris twice before, so we don't mind. We're staying at Le Meridien Montparnasse.
I really wanted to stay put for the five days but it looks like I may concede to two days one place and three in another.
We are landing at CDG and taking the TGV to Avignon and renting a car (unless another city is more convenient - still just in the planning stage). We'll return to Paris and spend three nights there. Of course, that's not enough time to devote to Paris, but DH wants to see more of the south of France and I've been to Paris twice before, so we don't mind. We're staying at Le Meridien Montparnasse.
Aug 5th, 2005, 07:41 PM
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Instead of taking the TGV all the way to Avignon, get off at Montélimar (a very pretty town) and pick your car up there. Then you can head straight across to Le Poët-Laval and Dieulefit and on down through Nyons to Vaison-la-Romaine for the night. That will give you a very nice drive and the chance to see a few of the perched medieval villages--and do a little shopping in Dieulefit and Nyons, for olive products.
The next morning you can visit the Roman ruins and arena in Vaison (don't miss the church as well), see the amphitheater in Orange, and finish up around St-Rémy for the next two nights.
The following day you can explore the Roman ruins around St-Rémy, visit the Pont du Gard, see Uzès, and relax for a while.
On your next day, run over to Arles for the day to see the Roman ruins, the splendid church and cloisters, and the folk-art museum. Back to St-Rémy for the night.
On your last day head back to Avignon to look around and spend the night to be ready for the train back to Paris on the following day.
You won't really be covering all that much ground in terms of driving time, and you should be able to be back at your hotel by late afternoon each day.
The next morning you can visit the Roman ruins and arena in Vaison (don't miss the church as well), see the amphitheater in Orange, and finish up around St-Rémy for the next two nights.
The following day you can explore the Roman ruins around St-Rémy, visit the Pont du Gard, see Uzès, and relax for a while.
On your next day, run over to Arles for the day to see the Roman ruins, the splendid church and cloisters, and the folk-art museum. Back to St-Rémy for the night.
On your last day head back to Avignon to look around and spend the night to be ready for the train back to Paris on the following day.
You won't really be covering all that much ground in terms of driving time, and you should be able to be back at your hotel by late afternoon each day.
Aug 5th, 2005, 08:18 PM
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U - I think your plan sounds great but may be a little too ambitious for our timeframe.
We land at CDG at 10:00AM and I'm assuming we won't be able to get the TGV until 1:00 PM or so, (though we will be doing carry on bags only). Then I believe it's a 2-1/2 to 3 hour ride to Avignon (don't know how far to Montelimar).
My DH is much more hardy than I am so I think he could do the drive, but I'm kind of a wuss when it comes to moving so much - 9-1/2 hr flight plus 2-1/2 train, then driving? I'm not sure I could take it. I wish I could do it but I know from experience I'm toast after 12+ hours of travel. And since I'm the only French speaker I'd be the navigator to translate signs, etc.
But, I'm interested to know if you mean we should spend one night in Vaison, then two nights St-Remy and two nights somewhere else? Or have I misunderstood? One night Vaison, 4 nights St-Remy?
We land at CDG at 10:00AM and I'm assuming we won't be able to get the TGV until 1:00 PM or so, (though we will be doing carry on bags only). Then I believe it's a 2-1/2 to 3 hour ride to Avignon (don't know how far to Montelimar).
My DH is much more hardy than I am so I think he could do the drive, but I'm kind of a wuss when it comes to moving so much - 9-1/2 hr flight plus 2-1/2 train, then driving? I'm not sure I could take it. I wish I could do it but I know from experience I'm toast after 12+ hours of travel. And since I'm the only French speaker I'd be the navigator to translate signs, etc.
But, I'm interested to know if you mean we should spend one night in Vaison, then two nights St-Remy and two nights somewhere else? Or have I misunderstood? One night Vaison, 4 nights St-Remy?
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