My wife and I are traveling to France in June. We are planning on spending three weeks, dividing our time between Paris, Loire Valley, and Provence. Can Provence be experienced without a car? From what I have read most hilltop villages are not accessible by public transportation. Is that true? I appreciate any suggestions.

Is there a particular reason you don't want to rent a car? You can see various larger towns by train, but you miss some of the really scenic picturesque areas in Provence. For that matter, the sights in the Loire valley are much more easily accessible in a car.

You would be able to tour Avignon, Arles and Aix without a car. But, the wonderful villages like Gordes, Le Baux, Rousillon and others would not be easy, if not impossible. I too was hesitant about a car rental but did it and it worked out so well. The roads are easy to navigate. If you decide to not rent a car, I have bookmarked some tour companies which will take you to those villages I mentioned. If you e-mail me directly I can hyperlink them to you. The Loire Valley without a car would also be very, very difficult. <BR>Ellen

From Nice you can get buses to villages like St Paul de Vence, and the trains run to cities like Monte Carlo and Cannes. A car is advantageous, but you can still see a lot of Provence via public transportation. The Loire Valley can also be seen by public transportation - including bus tours and rented bicycles. <BR>Don't give up your plans if you decide to not rent a car. Your trip is still doable and enjoyable without one.

Discover Provence by car....amazing!