Our time in Provence will be tight, and it seems hard for us to justify visits to both cities. If you had to pick one, which and why?

If they're a toss-up, which has the better photo ops?

[Background data: 40-ish couple w/ 13-year-old, staying nearby in St. Remy, driving a car]

We went to both. Arles is probably a little cuter, but it was pretty empty. But we were there during a bullfighting festival in Nimes, so that was amazing. When are you going? Will there be a festival at all in either at the time? Even if you don't like bullfighting, the food and crowd and sangria are all a blast.

Photo-op-wise - Arles is on the river and they show you where Van Gogh painted some of his scenes. Their arena is nice.

Nimes - the old Roman building they have is great and their arena is bigger I believe.

Arles empty? That's novel! I've spent a fair amount of time in Arles and empty is one of the last adjectives I'd use to describe it. O'n market day it's positively teeming.

They're both nice cities, duly representative of the roman and provençal cultures, both with fine arenas, good restaurants, nice gardens, etc. I think Nîmes is a bit more photogenic in parts, but Arles has more to offer in the way of sights to visit.

Arles is closer, so I think for that reason alone I'd choose it. And enjoy all the towns along the way - Maussane, Fontveille, etc.

Tough choice. I've been to both and liked them both. If you do choose Arles, I recommend the cloisters at St-Trophime as an excellent photo opportunity. They have beautiful vaulting and arcades that beg to be photgraphed. Choose a sunny day and you'll also get some very interesting shadows.

Anselm

I've only been to Arles. I really enjoyed it. I second Anselm's recommendation of the cloister at St-Trophime. Also, your 13 year old might enjoy the Cryptoportiques (hope I've got that right). I was there in January of last year--and it was blissfully empty except on market day, StCirque --and not being able to find the exit, down there alone in the Cryptoportiques was one of the scary highlights of my trip.

Thanks for the input, everyone. I suppose I should have mentioned that we will be there in June...hopefully on a brilliant, sunny day!

I would prefer Arles myself, but that's because of the things I enjoyed seeing there, such as the local Arlesien folklore museum, and I guess just to see some of Van Gogh's haunts.

In reality, I do think Nimes may be a little more scenic and photogenic. There are some nice areas around the park there.

Maybe it was empty because they were all at the festival in Nimes!

Nimes is a much bigger city - uninspiring modern city ringing the old town with several fantastic sights - mainly very intact Roman relics - theatre - old building, etc.
Arles is smaller but not small and just seems nicer to me. Since they are only a few minutes apart by train or car maybe see both.

Eep! How to decide?! Flip a coin, you'll be happy with whatever one you decide on.

They're both great!

Cheers,
Crissy

TTT any other input?

mr_go no doubt has been there, done that since June has come and gone. I wonder which he chose.

For Judyrem then I guess, we stayed in Arles and visited Nimes from there. We loved Arles. Stayed at Hotel le Calendal steps from the Roman arena and theater. We also visited the Camargue and took a short nature hike. I'd vote for Arles if that's what you're asking Judyrem. What else do you wish to know?

My vote goes to Arles too. If you hit Nîmes on a hot, windy, dusty day when a feria is on it can be crowded and uncomfortable.

We picked Arles and liked it very much - in fact, more than we thought we would - particularly the arena, the cloister at St. Trophime, and hanging out in the Place Republic watching the bridal parties arrive at city hall.

Here is the thing, I have my trip planned out, but have been tweeking things a bit. 6 days in St Remy at the Hotel du Soleil's apartments, 3 days Gordes at the Mas des Romarins, THEN either 3 days in Arles or Nimes(or maybe even Avignon), and 2 days in Aix at the Grand Hotel Mercure, then flying from Marseille. I wanted someting differant from Gordes and St Remy and thought a city would be be a nice change of pace. So input from you is appreciated!!!

Given the age of your kid, I would pick Nimes hands down because of the unique opportunity to visit such beautifully preserved Roman amphitheater. You will see many "cute French towns", but I found very doubtful that your 13-year old will get lots of opportunities of visiting such a unique city.

Viajero: mr_go's 13-year-old went to Arles in June (see post above). We are now trying to help Judyrem make a decision--no kid involved.

The cathedral (St. Trophime) in Arles is my favorite church in the whole world I think. I also stayed at the Calendal and loved it. Also very much enjoyed the square with the Van Gogh's "night cafe." Overall, however, Arles has a bit of an end of the world lost feeling about it that keeps it from being a favorite of mine (kind of empty when I was there one April). Have not been to Nimes...

Well, Judyrem can get her post I guess....

Arles over Nimes and not even close IMO for first time traveler.