Arles or Nimes as a base?
Sep 22nd, 1999 | 04:32 AM
#1
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Arles or Nimes as a base?
On our drive from northern Italy to Spain next July, we plan to spend 2 or 3 days to explore the area enclosed by Arles, Avignon, Orange and Nimes before going on to Barcelona. We're inclined to set our base in Arles ... Any thoughts? <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR>
Sep 23rd, 1999 | 10:06 AM
#2
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I used Arles as a base to see towns like Le Baux. Some other villages like Gordes and Rousillon are a little closer to Avignon. Some people just swear by a small town called St. Remy de Provence. I passed through there and it is in fact, in the center of everything. Not appropriate though if you don't have a car. If you are in Arles for the Saturday morning market, you are in for a treat! <BR>Ellen
Sep 23rd, 1999 | 12:28 PM
#3
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I've seen the references to St. Remy, Ellen, and we'll have a car. But we'll also have our two girls (18 and 20) comming along and they want to be on their own after the daily sightseeing (they'll actually be lodged separately) . My wife likes to "relax" in the late afternoon touring shops. So, I guess that a very small town simply won't do ... unless it's very lively in the evening. Eventually Avignon could fit the bill but the Theatre Festival might be already on when we get there and the action may be a bit too much. Thanks for the market hint. If we decide for Arles we'll try to fit a Saturday in. <BR>Paulo <BR> <BR>
Sep 23rd, 1999 | 01:09 PM
#4
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Arles and St. Remy are the same size--they are both tiny towns with one tiny main street and no action in the evening whatsoever. In Arles, the Saturday market is the height of the action in the town. I wish I could be more helpful, but the only town I'm familiar with is Aix-en-Provence and I think that's out of the way for you.
Sep 23rd, 1999 | 11:58 PM
#5
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If you were travelling off-season, I would rather recommend a bigger town, such as Avignon, because Saint-Rémy is really dead. But in July, I've been to Saint-Rémy, and it's a really a nice and lively provençal little town, more in the middle of things than Arles. I would also say it's more "authentic", Arles being invaded by Van Gogh lovers. Nevertheless, Arles is OK too and only 30 km away. But for a stay I'd say Saint-Rémy is more fun.
