avignon or nice?
 

A friend and I will be traveling through France going from Barcelona to Florence in June. We have one day/one night to either spend in avignon or nice. Can anyone help us decide? What are "must-dos" or "must-sees" in either place? Not at all interested in art museums but anything else would be a go for us; ie architecture, good food, historic monuments, etc. I know of the "pope's palace" in Avignon and have seen pictures of cafe-filled streets that look great to roam. Opinions on these?
I know I am vague so anything anyone has would be great!
Thank you so much!

I would suggest Nice for its beautiful setting, with Vieux Nice in which to wander and absorb the architecture of the centuries. There are interesting Roman ruins in the Cimiez district as well, not to mention the wonderful open-air market in the Cours Saléya and the adjacent cafés and restaurant.

I love Avignon and recommend it highly. However, if Nice is a more direct route (it seems so in my mind's eye), that would be lovely as well. In Avignon, just wandering the city and touring the Palace de Papes will keep you busy for a day.

It really depends on what you want to see and do. However, just to provide some information, if you are traveling by car, Avignon presents a bit of a detour, whereas Nice is almost along the way during your travel from Barcelona to Florence.

Another possiblity is stopping at Aix-en-Provence, instead. A charming universtiy town along the driving route and with the architecture and good food that you said you're looking for.

If you are going by train, then Avignon is definitely possible.

We are going by train, so either town is just as convenient. Thanks for the advice so far!

I'd suggest Nice too. While there is no pope's palace in Nice, Vieux Nice (the old part of town) has picturesque cafe-filled streets that are great to roam. The pastel-colored buildings with their green shutters also give Vieux Nice a very Italian feel (not surprising since this region of France was part of Italy for a period of time.)

Here's my 2 cents....depends on where you're coming from. I come from Hawaii, so when I went to Nice it was not a big deal. I enjoyed Avignon much more for that reason.

What a nice choice to have to make!
I haven't been to Nice, but spent 4 days in Avignon last month.

I found it to be very relaxing town with affordable resturants, good shopping and interesting architecture. It's very laid-back and do-able in a day.
Enjoy
J