My friend and I are traveling through Provence and have scheduled time in Arles, Avignon and a visit to the Pont Du Gard. After overnighting in Arles, we have a free morning hours before visiting Pont Du Gard, after which will will end to Avignon.

We are trying to decide between a visit to Les Baux or Uzes before going to the Pont Du Gard. Les Baux seems like a not-to-be-missed and more touristy stop, while Uzes sounds very appealing with its upscale, small town atmosphere.

Does anyone have a preference?

I think you just named it yourself, sort of. Les Baux is a historic site, you go there for that reason, not to stroll shops or a village. So it depends what kind of visit you want, they are just completely different sites that serve different purposes. If you have no interest in history, I'd go to Uzes, I guess, although I didn't consider it at all unique in terms of small French towns. I did enjoy touring that palace there, I guess that's what it was. But I like history. I don't go to places too much for no reason, just because it is a small town, and I never go anyplace because it is upscale. But we are just different on that score.

Les Baux is pretty upscale FWIW, as far as I'm concerned. Try staying there one night, and check out the prices of restaurants and hotels. I went there for the history and uniqueness of that site and the various archeological things you can see. Uzes is full of tourists, by the way.

Since you're visiting Arles & Avignon - I would choose a "non-city" and visit les Baux. Get there as soon as it opens in the morning to avoid the tourists.

Stu Dudley

Les Baux IMO is an exceptionally unique site and Uzes is an exceptionally old-world looking town but not toally unique for this area - being one of dozens i have been too

and with Les Baux you can easily twin it with nearby St Remy-de-Provence, a sleepy quintessential plane-tree shaded streets Provencal town - can check out the asylum where Van Gogh went after slicing off his ear in Arles - he did many now famous canvasses and where he executed them reproductions are placed there - really need town to me.

Les Baux is a high rocky plateau with views for miles around - the Old City up top - not the unremarkable modern village below though it does have a ***-star Michelin restaurant i guess.

If sans car there is limited bus service from Arles (or Avignon) to Les Baux and onto St Remy and back to Avignon or Arles.

http://www.beyond.fr/villages/st-rem...ce-france.html

Thanks for the advice. I agree with both of you. Les Baux seems very unique and scenically beautiful, and I like the idea of adding St. Remy as well, time permitting.

I only wish we could fit it all in--so much to see in Provence!

I would not characterize St Remy as a "sleepy" town - especially in the summer. I actually prefer Uzes over St Remy.

Stu Dudley

Les Baux is well worth the visit - really beautiful and interesting. Definitely more worthwhile to see than Uzes, in my opinion.

I agree with Christina, les Baux is unique, after the day trippers leave , like anywhere else, such as Mount St Michel it can be magical at night. I enjoyed Uzes, liked staying there, a great Saturday morning market but the two are
SO-o-o- different.

We were in Provence in summer when it was very hot. We hit les Baux first thing in the morning when it was cool. Very interesting, nice views.