Hi, we're new to this forum but it seems that everyone is so helpful we thought we'd give it a try. We are going to Paris in May and staying at a time share there for 7 days. We have about three more days (Thursday-Sunday) and we thought we'd try and get a taste of Provence. I have no unrealistic plans of trying to see everything and so we need a suggestion for one city to stay in with my 4 children (ages 7-16) and 2 aunts (8 people total). The 2 aunts will be staying longer but we need to be back in Paris by Saturday night so we can fly out on Sunday. We are planning on taking the train and renting a car. I'm assuming we will be tired after a week in Paris so I couple a few short day trips, a market visit, and then some relaxing time in a "typical" provence town. I've heard Aix is great. Maybe Arles with the wildlife refuge (my kids). Or perhaps in Luberon area? ( my husband and son would live ruins and castles.) I would just like to eat a chocolate croissant and bask in the May sun. Any advice on which town and which hotel would be great. I've looked at some gits but they are mostly by the week rental...Thanks in advance!

( my husband and son would live ruins and castles.)

Les Baux! Les Baux! Les Baux!

TGV to Avignon, then by rental car to Saint-Rémy for lodging.
Les Baux is nearby. Also nearby is Arles and Saturday is market day there. Return the car in nearby Avignon on Saturday evening for the TGV return to Paris.

Hi,

I will be in Paris for a onth, arriving April 15th. I am a great fan of Provence, with a great fondness for the Alpilles and Les Baux area. I decided to add a bit of Provence to my trip. I am taking the TGV to Avignon on Monday the 20th, picking up my car and driving to a most special spot for me, here: www.riboto-de-taven.fr
There are many other places around, too.

You can see their lovely grounds. You do not know the tourist attraction is even nearby. You can walk there after the tourist crowds have gone for the realy beauty of the place. The Alpilles and surrounding area with olive tress is spectacular. Also many Roman ruins. A bit of everything that you mention.

I lucked out and have 1st class, upper level seats on the TGV for 120 euros R/T. Could have bought lower class seats for less, but decided to go 1st class!

Check it out..enjoy your planning.

Joan

I was in Paris for business in December and my husband joined me and after my business we went to Nice where we stayed in an apartment. Day trips from there include Monte Carlo and even into Italy, Cannes and many seashore towns in between and, for a taste of real Provence, there's Antibes and St. Paul de Vence, Grasse (where all the world's perfume is made)and several other "typical" Provence villages. The good thing about staying in Nice is that when the day is done and you don't want to navigate the (very) windy roads of Provence, you're back in Nice which is a real city with lots of restaurants and very walkable. Bon Voyage!

I did that in such a hurry..for whatever it is worth, I am only spending 3 nights in Les Baux. I am quite familiar with the whole area, so know all that I want to do while there..some special places to me. I will be in Paris for one month, with this little trip to Les Baux away from Paris.

Joan

Thanks for all your input. I think that Les Baux is definately on the top of the list. I wish I could get tickets as cheap-paying for 6 of us really hurts. Do you thing a van will be okay driving through the windy roads? Any thoughts on hotels? Thanks.

These are wonderful suggestions, and I know you want to see the best of the area in a compressed time window. Add to Tuck H and check out the possibility of visiting the Roman ruin Glanum just outside of St.Remy. My daughter and son in law were in awe of this site. It was their first, but I can honestly say I have been to many ancient history sites and this one is quite impressive. Prepare for wind in Le Baux--just a light coat should be Ok in May. In any case, enjoy your wonderful vacation.

You asked for some area hotels...I now only stay in the La Riboto that I mentioned. I have stayed in Oustau de Baumaniere and their other La Cabro d'Or. There is a Mas del'Oulivie and Auberge de la Benvengudo. I do not know anything about them. Others may be able to help. There are many in and around St. Remy. I have stayed in Le Chateau des Alpilles. I'm sure you will receive help with additional lodging spots.

The roads in this area should be fine with a van. Hope you can do as well as I did with the TGV.

Joan

We stayed in Arles at the most lovely hotel - one of my all time favorites! It is called Hotel Particulier (http://www.hotel-particulier.com/v2/en/). This hotel just screams french charm and understated elegance. It is a true hidden gem (and I mean hidden - it is very hard to find tucked into a maze of little alleyways). It is walking distance to the city center and very close to the Market on Market Day. If you want a very fancy dinner experience in Arles, try L'atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel. We didn't eat there, but several of our "foodie" friends have and rave about it.

We had a rental car and made a couple of side trips. We went to Les Baux one day. I don't remember that road being too windy/scary. The castle at Les Baux is definitely worth seeing, but it is kind of touristy with lots of souvenir shops nestled into the old castle rooms.

We also visited St. Remy which was very charming. We had a delicious lunch at L'Assiette de Marie in the old village.

The really, really scary driving was from Arles to St. Tropez - you are basically clinging to the side of a cliff on a 1 and 1/2 lane road with people passing you! My husband was white-knuckled when we pulled over for lunch in Grimaud Village. We stumbled upon a wonderful little pizza place called Restaurant Pizzeria du Chateau. When we returned to our car, our GPS quit working, and we had to navigate ourselves to Nice (tip: always pack a back-up map even if you have a GPS system!)

Have a wonderful trip!

Except for the climb up to and over the hill where Les Baux is situated, you'll encounter no hilly or windy roads.

During your visit to Arles, be sure to take in the still-in-use Roman Arena there - not a castle nor a ruin. Another goody for husband and son...

Your whole family would enjoy going to a local arena for a Course Camarquaise Razeteurs if one when you are there.

I went to one in the Maussane arena. It was really fun. I think you root for the bull!! No, killing or hurting the bull. I could not go to one of those. Don't even like to think of them.

Check with tourist offices for all area places that might have one. Would probably be on a Saturday..

Here is a little video to see a bit about it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFpRMWaMj_Q

Joan

Just outside of St Remy There is Glanum and Les Antiques. Les antiques on the right side of the road, A commemorative arch and mausoleum, amazing stone work. Glanum, across the road,
was once a santuary city and later in Roman times a commerce center. It was destroyed in the 3rd century. Evacuations continue.

Your ideas help so much. It can be overwhelming to plan such a short trip from such a distance. Our plans for Paris aren't nearly as hard because we have more time to explore. Thanks again.