Arles as a base?
 

Hi all,

We have 4 nights after we leave Burgundy and before our week in the Luberon. Would Arles make a good base for exploring west of the Luberon or are those easy day trips from Gordes? Seems liike that would be a lot of driving if we were tring to see some of that area while based in Gordes. I am hoping to spend the bulk of our week in the Luberon relaxing, exploring the hilltop villages or hiking and of couse drinking nice wine!
Thanks!

Arles or St Remy would be a good base for visiting the stuff west of the Rhone and around Less Baux. If you tried to visit the Pont du Gard & Uzes from Gordes - you would have to drive around Avignon - which is not a pleasant drive, IMO. It's 1 1/2 hrs from Gordes to Uzes. Same time to Nimes. But only 1 hr from Arles to Uzes and 35 mins Arles to Nimes.

Stu Dudley

I don't find Gordes to be a good base, as driving into and out of the Lubéron is complicated because of limited roads. So I think staying elsewhere would be a good idea; Arles is a good base is you want to go by train, but driving in the city can sometimes be difficult. You might consider instead staying near St-Remy or Tarascon, or perhaps Uzès or Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

I can't do much comparing, as I've only spent time in Avignon and a week in Uzes in an apartment on the edge of the town center and loved it. Although I didn't have a car, I did notice that Uzes would not have had the parking difficulties of larger towns. Uzes also has the advantage of being in the vicinity of Nimes, Arles and Avignon if those are places you plan to visit.

Uzes has plenty of parking difficulties, it seemed to me. There aren't that many places to park in many areas, and it's a small town. It took me a long time to even find a hotel with parking, and then it was rather excruciating given the tightness of their location and availability. I only drove in when arriving and out when leaving, thank goodness. Now if you are really staying outside Uzes, not dead center, I might agree.

It isn't clear what you want to see west of the Rhone, but I agree staying over there might be best before moving to Gordes.

Arles is ok if you are not in the mist of the tourist attractions like the forumn and the amphitheatre.
We stayed at the famous hotel, Nord Pinus because it has its own parking .But getting out it's a bit of traffic that we found bearable. If you stay in Arles be sure to visit the Arletan Museum founded by Mistral, displaying all aspects of Provencal life

Street parking can be difficult in Uzes, especially on market days, but there is a large underground car park that has reasonable rates per week.

Would it be more feasible to do that area as a three day road trip and not base in one particular area ?

>>Would it be more feasible to do that area as a three day road trip and not base in one particular area ?<<

Which "areas" are you asking about?? Be more specific, please.

Stu Dudley

Hi Stu,
Was referring to The area I mapped out below: http://mapq.st/1Ds4XE3
Not saying every town but this area in general.

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You can visit all of these places from one base near Aeles - except maybe Menerbes - which you can visit easily while in the Luberon.

Stu Dudley

Thanks everyone for the suggestions...seems like parking in Arles could be challenging so we may look around the St. Remy area for accommodations for those 4 nights. We will head to Menerbes after that where we will be staying for a week (not Gordes as I originally posted).

Any suggestions for hotels, B&B's or Inns in St Remy? Seems like there are quite a few listings for gites on VRBO as well.

We found a great place in St Remy so accommodations for our 4 week trip is mostly done now. Thanks again for all the suggestions and trip planning tips.