Huitres

Has anyone taken public transportation (bus) from Arles out to Les Baux de Provence? I will be in Arles next month and would like to see this site. Has anyone gone in the winter and what can I expect at that time?

mamc

I have never taken a bus to Les Baux and have never been in winter. We stayed in Les Baux a few years ago. I must warn you that the most interesting part of Les Baux is the medieval fortress (?) at the top of a bluff. The walk to the top is very nice with shops and cafes. The winds at the top are very strong and in winter, you risk a mistral. The fortress and the views of the valley below are spectacular but you will have to be carefull of the weather. Otherwise, Les Baux has lovely accommodations and restaurants, mostly upscale, but the town itself doesn't amount to much.

StCirq

Haven't taken public transportation there, but have been a bunch of times and just wanted to add that you risk the mistral at any time of year, not just in winter. That mistral seems to kick up the moment I set foot in Provence.
Les Baux is well worth a visit.

cigalechanta

I haven't from Arles but I did my first visit by bus from Avignon.

Betsy

StC, when are you going to Provence? Not in May, I hope. I want to avoid the mistral.

mamc

While the mistral can occur at any time, it is particularly wicked in the winter as the temperature is much lower!

StCirq

I'll be there again in April. I'll let you know the dates when I figure them out. The mistral usually starts up within 24 hours of my setting foot there, and it usually lasts a good 6 days (you know they say it blows for 3-day periods). You definitely want to stay out of my way!

sandi

If you're staying at a hotel in Arles, contact them (email) and inquire as to whether there is bus service to Les Baux, when - days, time, both directions and the price.

If staying with friends, have them check out this information for you.

But do keep in mind the weather in February as mentioned by the other posters. It can be quite cold and windy and while Les Baux is a charming town to visit, it's the fortress, which, as mamc says, is the most interesting site there.

Underhill

And I, for one, would NOT want to be up on the clifftop in a high wind!

Huitres

Thank you all for your tips, help. I read that there is bus service from Arles out there, but wasn't sure if it only operated in the warm seasons (excluding winter). I will inquire when I arrive; and I certainly won't risk going if the mistral is in full force!