Four friends will be journeying through western Europe this winter. We will be in Paris on New Year's and in Venice on Christmas. Our makeshift itinerary has Aix and Arles in France to be visited during that last week in December. From searching the web it seems that these towns are essentially tourist towns that thrive in the summer. Those of you that have been to either place, do you suggest traveling there during this time of year? Are these cities best left to the warmer months? <BR> <BR>Hotel suggestions are always welcome, too. <BR> <BR>Thank you.

Arles is worth seeing for its Roman architecture and is not dependent on summer weather. Nearby Nimes can be combined. I think the nicest part of Aix is walking down the Cours Mirabeau and sitting outside in the cafes - Les Deux Garcons is besgt known. I really don't think you'd get the best feel for the place in December and, if you plan to return, may best be seen on another trip. Of course the whole area might best be seen at a better time, any season other than mid-winter, but at least there are things to do in Arles & Nime, if you're so inclined.

I can't comment on what the week between Christmas and New Year's Day would be like, but Aix is a big University city, with related activity during the academic year.

I second Karen's comment on Aix, which is a big city by itself and self-standing. So there will always be something going on. Arles on the other hand might be charming in tourist season, but otherwise... borderline depressing. I remember having been there in October, which is far from being as dead as January, and I must confess you really have to LOVE Roman antiquities to have a ball there at that time ! That said, Provence in the winter time is authentic and beautiful : I would stick to Aix, Nîmes, as previously posted. And one insider's tip, if you really want to be hip : Marseilles. It's France's second city, with a great mix of ethnic origins, now undergoing a definite cultural and economic renaissance. It's really fun, a kind of Mediterranean New York (all things considered ! ).

We visited both cities last year at the time you will be there. Stayed in Aix 3 days, and loved it - magical at any time of year. One lovely square, fountain, door, or building after another. Lots of good restaurants too. Yes,it did make us want to return during a warm and sunny time of year. We didn't get to walk as we would've liked - the Cezanne trail, and other places in the countryside, because it was rainy and windy. But still a wonderful experience even on a cold blustery day. The outdoor cafes have standing heaters, so you can enjoy the view and your cafe creme even in the winter. <BR>Arles was very interesting from both the Van Gogh and the Roman angle. We only spent a day there and would enjoy exploring it further. <BR>We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Quatre Dauphins in Aix - they are proud of being the smallest hotel in the city - 12 lovely rooms, and a charming breakfast/sitting room. It's right in the historic area. <BR>Enjoy!

St. Trophime in Arles is worth a long vist - - lovely medieval church wiht an impressive west front and cloister. The capitals in the latter tell the story of St. Margaret and the local dragon (Terasque?).

I just got back from France this week and loved Arles, Nimes, Aix and Orange. They are really neat cities to see and would make an impression at any time during the year. I suggest staying in one town and making day trips to the others as they are not too far away. Another neat place about 2 hours away is Carcassone. It is a medieval fortress with a city inside. It is worth a day trip. <BR> <BR>Have fun, <BR>Kim

We were in Provence in May (both Arles and Aix). Both cities are interesting and beautiful in very different ways. December would be limiting for some things but not impossible as noted in earlier posts. I do want to second the notion of a stop in Marseille. Having read and heard little positive about it, we were thoroughly surprised at how much it has to offer. You may email me directly if you are interested in details or suggestions. In Aix, we stayed at Des Augustin and were quite pleased -- especially with the location only a few steps off the Cours Mirabeau.