Going to Provence
 

My husband and I are going to Provence for the first time at the end of June and would like any recommendations of must-see cities/villages for a 4 day itinerary. Thanks!

Neera, <BR> <BR>I've never been to Provence, but I've just planned a trip there for around the same time as you so I've done some research on it. I'm going for a bit longer. We'll spend 4 nights in Avignon, 2 nights in Arles and 3 nights in Aix. <BR> <BR>I think if you based yourself in Avignon, you could do some good day trips - north to Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Orange, east to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Gordes, south to St-Remy, Les Baux & Arles, southwest to Pont-du-Gard and Nimes. <BR> <BR>I'm not suggesting you can fit all that in, plus explore Avignon in 4 days, but those are some of the towns that seemed intriguing to me. <BR> <BR>I've also read on this board that there is a lot of traffic getting into and out of Avignon, so if that is a concern, you might want to stay elsewhere - I think St-Remy was recommended. <BR> <BR>Good luck!

Because of your timing (the end of June) I would suggest staying somewhere other than Avignon. July 1st is the beginning of the month long International Theatre Festival, so reservations will be hard to come by, and the city becomes a nightmare to navigate. <BR> <BR>If I can help you with recommendations, feel free to email me with an idea of your interests and I will be happy to give you some ideas. <BR> <BR>PB

Christine,<BR>Thanks for the info and suggestions! We've decided to stay in St. Remy at a cute little three star hotel called Le Castellet des Alpilles-it's family run and supposed to have great panoramic views from the balonies in the rooms. <BR>As you mentioned, I think it'll be a good central location to explore nearby villages without being in the middle of all the touristy congestion that we would have experienced in Avignon. <BR>You're so lucky that you are going for 9 days though- I don't know how we're going to have the heart to leave after only 4 days.<BR>Have a wonderful trip and thanks again!<BR>Neera

by the way, that's balconies...not balonies!<BR>