Hey everyone! How is the drive between the Arles area and Beaune? Is it worth it? It doesn't seem to be that long online, and the trains are at least 3 + hours anyway. And I"m sure the car return at Avignon and the car pick-up in Dijon, etc will take lots of time anyway... thoughts?

Any great stops in between the two? Vineyards, etc? After Beaune we will be going to Paris by train...

Thanks!

The drive from Arles to Beaune would be about four hours or so, depending on stops along the way--and you should make some! It's a beautiful drive, and there are several motorway stops with restaurants, caféterias, shops with local products, and so on. The quality of the food is quite good, but you can also buy things for a picnic, stopping at one of the pullovers that are like little parks with tables and benches.

I'd recommend a stop in Tournus to see the interesting cathedral and in the area around Vacqueras and Gigondas to do a bit of wine-sampling. Gigondas has a very nice tasting center, and the wines are delicious.

The pleasant little town of Montélimar would be a good place for lunch.

Go for it!