Provence Itinerary - Need Help
 

Hello,
We are a family of 7 adults and 3 kids (ages 5, 2 and 11 months) traveling to France. We have a villa in St.Remy, with a private car and chauffer from July 14-28th.

Here is what I have planned so far. My Father is older and not able to fully walk, so lots of this will be drive by vs. getting out and actually seeing the inside of the places. Also we are not doing museums, and such on this trip, impossible with kids and heat. Its about sights, sounds, food and family leisure time. This has been overwhelming for me as we are planning a total of 7 week vacation in France. I truly appreciate all the posts and help. @stududley as with all those who have responded. All your help was immense and thank you to all who have responded. As I am new I am only able to send 3 posts to the group a day! (Maybe a good thing)

July 14th - Arrive in St.Remy from St. Tropez. Earlier in the day we plan to stop in Casis, and visit the Calanques - is half a day enough for this?
July 15th - Kids, My father and Nanny stay at home and unwind while the rest of us do a cooking class
July 16th - Head to The Senanque Abbey, do the Lavender Road to Sault, squeeze in Rousillon and Bonniex
July 17th - Lourmarin - Fountain de Vaucluse, Castle, Menerbes, La Coste, Rousillon (if not covered)
July 18th - AIX - cours de Mirabeau, Atelier Cezanne, Tapestry Museum
July 19th - Avignon - Palais de Pope, Pont Du Gard, Notre Dam Cathedral, perhaps lunch on the Rhone River, Petit Train
July 20th - Arles - walking Van Gogh Tour, Roman Arena, Route de Oliviers Alpiles, Les Baux Carriers de Lumieres
July 21st - Uzes - TBD - what can we do on this day?
July 22nd - Valensole Plateau, Gorges du Verdon? Can we swim here and what would be the best place to do so
July 23rd - Lyon- likely walk around, would like some great suggestions for restaurants

I'd put Pont du Gard with day to Uzes - Avignon day is way too loaded already - Pont du Gard demands 3-4 hours once there.

Usually, cities like Uzes will have shops closed on Sunday. But several years ago a guy who had a house near Uzes said this was not true. But I'm a little suspect of that. The Pont du Gard, of course, will be open. That Sunday might be a good day for St Remy, Les Baux, and the Alpilles. Of you you like farmer's markets and antiques - go to the one in l'Isle sur la Sorgue. But get there by 8am unless you like huge crowds.


Stu Dudley

Check to see that whatever you want to visit on July 14th is open.
It's also a Saturday. Saturdays in July are extremely busy on the roads, so don't make any firm plans or reservations since you do not know how long the drive will be.
St Tropez is always tricky to drive in and out of.