In my next trip to France we are going for the first time to Southern France. We are going to Nice mostly but will stop on the way in either Aix on Provence or Avignon. Which would you recommend?

Avignon: much more of itnerest.

We just got home from France this morning! Loved Aix. Didn't love Avignon. Aix was charming, busy, full of markets and university students but it's true that there are no really 'important' monuments, museums or cathedrals. It's just a charming, lively town and the markets are gorgeous.

Avignon, home of the Chateaux des Papes, is probably historically more interesting but we found it much dirtier, full of graffiti and less welcoming.

Like Underhill, though, several Fodorites seem to really like Avignon, so I guess it's just a matter of personal preference and what sort of sights you're looking for. Avignon was our last stop and we'd seen more than our fair share of historical sights (and sites) so maybe we were just cathedraled out.

hdm, you're right; it is a matter of personal taste. I'm inclined to see it your way. We've used Avignon as a very convenient entry-point to Provence, but have always found it a bit cool. Aix-en-Provence, on the other hand, certainly struck me as being more animated and welcoming.

Welcome home, by the way. Trip report in the offing, by any chance?

Anselm

Thanks, AA. Right now it's 8:30 p.m. at home and 2:30 a.m., Paris time. I'm just trying to stay awake till about 10 so I can go to sleep at a 'normal' time. I'll try to do a trip report in the next day or two, when my thoughts are more organized. We had a fabulous time, though!

"We had a fabulous time, though!"

Ah, perfect words to hear after a vacation! Sleep well.

AA

Hi C,

You will have more luck in your searching if you spell it "Aix EN Provence".

Enjoy your visit.

Glad you are home safe and sound and that you had a great time. Can't wait to read the trip report!