gaelle

We have 2 ideas for a day tour leaving from Avignon. Which would be more doable? We have a car.

Plan A: Arles; Pont du Gard; Wine area (chateauneuf du pape)

Plan B: Pont du Gard, Orange, Wine area (chateauneuf du pape)

I have read on this forum that Orange is not all that great a destination so that is why Arles is in its place. However, Arles looks pretty far from the wine area.
We could skip the wine area but my husband thinks it would be nice to see.. Should we go to Gigondas or the town of Chateauneuf du pape?

We have other days planned for the towns like Gordes, Roussillon and then we'll be visiting Aix and Cassis, etc. So I just need help with the itinerary above.

merci!

bilboburgler

CdP is a bit touristy, I'd go to Gigondas if it were me

Have you thought about the Camargue? Also Nimes is good

kerouac

Well, the Pont du Gard is a must if you have never seen it. Since I go to Avignon every year, I have seen just about everything surrounding Avignon as well -- Arles, Les Baux, Saint Rémy, the Mont Ventoux, the Camargue, Aigues Mortes, etc.

This year I covered some new ground by going to Gordes: http://tinyurl.com/k3glk6k

MmePerdu

Pont du Gard, combined with Uzes on one of the market days (or not if you like it quiet) also makes a very nice day.

Christina

I'd do Plan B, but I agree adding Uzes would be nice also (instead of Arles). I've been to Orange and enjoyed it, not sure why it would be seen as so bad. The main attraction is the Roman theatre, of course (which really was spectacular). I was there on a day they had a street market, which I quite enjoyed, however. It's just as good a place to visit as many others, I enjoyed it more than those burgs where there is nothign to do or see, in particular (like Gordes). I visited the Gigondas area myself.

Of course Arles has the Van Gogh connection and I love their regional museum, but I think it's closed now, not sure.

gaelle

Thanks for all your suggestions. Will add Uzes. Racine lived there!

grandmere

And Charles Gide was born there!