La Provence
 

We are staying in Avignon on Oct.26 for 5 nights and then we are staying on Aix en Provence, we have several towns that we would <BR>like to visit or choose the most interesting they are: Nimes,Arles,St.Remy,Les Baux, Cavaillon,Gordes,Bonnieux,Chateauneur-du-pape <BR>Which do you think are worth the visit? <BR>

Marta, <BR> <BR>Of the towns you’ve mentioned I would favor St-Remy, Les Baux, and Bonnieux. While you’re near Bonnieux stop at Lacoste as well. It’s charming and has the ruined castle of the Marquis de Sade at the top. Wasn’t impressed with Gordes, however the view of the town from the road is quite a sight – look for all the cars and busses parked with people taking photos. Just before Gordes is the Borie village which is interesting and a couple of miles after Gordes is Senaque Abbey which is certainly worth a visit. Haven’t been to the others you mentioned. Drove through Cavillon on the way someplace and found it to be a large town with lots of traffic. If you go there buy some of their famous melons – quite delicious. <BR> <BR>Some towns you haven’t mentioned that I would recommend are: Seguret, Uzes, Roussillon, Venasque, Ils-sur-la-Sorgue, Lourmarin. <BR> <BR>Adrienne <BR> <BR>

Thank You Adrienne, very useful your <BR>information. We are going to check you <BR>recommended towns... <BR>Do you recommend Digne Les Bains? We <BR>have reservations to spend two days <BR>and are not sure??

Marta - I haven't been to Digne les Bains so I can't comment. I do know that during my research and travels in Provence it didn't come up on my top 10 list. If you need any further information please feel free to email me. <BR> <BR>Bonnes vacances, <BR> <BR>Adrienne <BR>

This past summer I visited Gordes, Les Baux, St. Remy as well as Aix and Avignon. The only one that wasn't absolutely wonderful was Avignon - the rampart walls were quite a site but other wise the feeling of Aix was nicer. Of the smaller towns St. Remy was the least touristy and probably nicest. Lex Baux was interesting (the ruins and all) but I didn't get the sense it was still a real town, just a tourist site. But the whole area is wonderful, very easy to drive around. The Abby near Gordes was the most spectacular thing I ever saw, but due largly to the lavender fields which were in full bloom in July.

Maarta - Of the towns you mention, my wife & I visited Seguret and Ils-sur-la-Sorgue (day trips), and Digne les Bains (1 night). I'd highly recommend the 1st two; excellent market day in -la-Sorgue. Digne was a disappointment. Just not much to see or do, and our web-reserved hotel was not so hot. Even the Michellin (sp?) guide did not have it rated it as a "place to see". They rate places in terms of must see, worth a detour, etc. Nothing for Digne. You'll still enjoy Provence. -- Steve