My older brother and I are spending some extra time in Southern France after 1 week in Nice with our parents. Where should we go? We only have three days until we need to return to Nice for our flight and we would like to go to either one city or several cities that are close together. I've researched Montpellier, Arles, Nimes, Avignon. Does anyone have any reccomendations? What is there to do?

I have been to all the cities you mentioned except Montepellier. Arles and Avignon are much easier to stroll than Nimes. It was congested and more difficult to get around in. Telling us what you most like to do would probably mean you would get more specific answers. Do you want to simply see the old city? Are you looking for museums? Do you want places that have an exciting evening life? PJK

We are mostly looking to explore the old towns and visit a few of the primary museums. I've heard about bullfighting in both Nimes and Arles, which sounds interesting. We are 17 and 23 so is there anything active to do?

You probably won't be able to rent a car, given your ages, and so will need to focus on cities that are easily reachable by train. I'd recommend Avignon and Arles, as they are not far apart and are both very lively.

Arles has interesting Roman ruins, a fine Provençal museum, and a number of churches notable for their architecture. In Avignon you will, of course, be able to see the Papal Palace and the famous bridge; there is also an excellent fine arts museum. Wandering around both towns will give you a good feel of Provence.

Depends what you do in Nice and what you like. And if you like walking and possibly arts. My husband and I based ourselves in Vence, in the hills an hour by bus above Nice. It's a walled village, lots of arts and crafts, but great walking in the hills. You can go to other villages by bus, do a day walk, and then return to Vence at night. The instructions on the walks are sometimes a bit confusing, but we survived, and you can see some great more remote areas, with great smells of lavendar and rosemary. Or could do a round trip: bus Vence, thence Grasse (perfume making), then to Cannes, and back to Nice. All depends on your preferences as PJK said. Or go out from Bezier (get there by train) and go Kayaking etc. Have fun.

I agree with Underhill. And as touristy as it sounds, it was a thrill to dine down the block from the cafe Van Gogh painted and realize that one is really walking on the same path he walked. I loved both Avignon and Arles. If you stay in Avignon, stay inside the old walled city. Hotel Blauvac was a good value.

Hi TT,

You can be on the Cinque Terre in 5 hr by train.

See http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

Also see
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