5D in Provence - Luberon or St Remy first on Sun/Mon?
 

Hi everyone, we have approx 6D in Provence (from 16 June) before we TGV back to Paris CDG. Essentially, we can only hit Avignon on a Sunday at noon - which we can't change due to a prior engagement in Dijon/Burgundy. Will rent a car for the entire duration.

Given that Sunday and Monday are quieter and our first 2 days, where would experience travelers choose as the first 'base'? (We intend to have 2 bases - one of the Luberon villages and the other near/around/in St- Remy so it's easier to visit the respective sites)

I am undecided since I understand that that Gourdes, Rousillon will still be lively enough on Sun/Mon(?), but am getting many mixed responses about St Remy/Les Baux given that I reach on a Sunday noon.

My original plan was -
Sun: Still researching somewhere for lunch... St Remy (get our bearings), Les Baux
Mon: Early morning walk to Glanum, Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, Pont du gard, (I hear that Arles, Nimes and Uzes are somewhat shut so I've read that I'm better off doing these 'sites')
Tues noon - Fri: Luberon
We will do the suggested lavender drives, Abbey, visit villages, Gourdes/Rousillon/Bonnieux markets on Tues-Thurs, browsing shops if they present themselves and generally take it easy.

Thoughts? Should I opt for the reverse?

Also, we are from Singapore, and really, we don't get outdoor markets in this form in my backyard. A bit disappointed that we'll miss the market at Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. We love trawling antiques, only interested in housewares, paintings and love sampling food. Will the market in St Remy on Wednesday, or those in Gourdes, Bonnieux and Rousiilon compare?

I must thank Stu for his comprehensive itinerary - alas, I still have those niggling questions that determine my dates for booking either location. I don't know if in the next few years we'll be able to make it back, so I'm trying to plan it with the best information I can get! Thank you for any help. I'll be sure to post my report when I'm back.

Laureen

First of all, Provence is a most beautiful region with lots to do and to see - scenery, wine, historic cities and Roman heritage. I have been there for about 20 times, and I will go back there next summer.

Secondly, do not overplan your trip. There are many attraction, but you do not have to see them all. Take a more relaxing pace.

The area of St. Remy/Les Baux/Arles is good as a base. There are some picturesque Roman ruins right there (Les Antiques, Glanum) and Les Baux is a fascinating place.

See also Arles (with the amphitheatre), Pont du Gard (very unique and impressing) and the Papal Palace in Avignon. All these destinations are in easy reach from St. Remy/Les Baux/Arles.

Actually, you can access the Luberon from that base easily. From St. Remy to Gordes it is just 40 minutes - and driving in Provence is scenic and relaxing. But if you want to change bases, Gordes would be my first choice.

Regarding markets: There are markets everywhere (but not every day), but every day you will find a market in your area. The markets are from morning until noon and they are pretty similar. In fact, you will find the same dealers and the same products on all markets in Provence. So do not worry too much about the markets.

I forget to write about the weekdays. In fact, it does not make much difference for sightseeing. Most attractions are open on Sundays and Mondays (some museums are closed on Tuesdays). I do not really understand what "quieter" means - except that offices are closed on Sundays.

Les Baux is a tourist attraction, I can't imagine what possible difference it makes as to the day of the week or what you even mean about it being too quiet. Of course Les Baux has some places to eat in it (and I think a hotel) but you don't go to Les Baux for liveliness. I would never go to Les Baux for lunch, it's up on a hill, you know.

Thank you, I suppose it doesn't make too much of a difference!