hopingtotravel

I'm still in the trip planning stage and there are so many things I want to see that the number of days on the road keeps spiralling out of control. One place I'm considering eliminating is an overnight in Aix. I guess I should say am planning two nights in St. Remy, at least one in Gordes, maybe St. Moustiers, St. Paul de Vence and St. Jean Cap Ferrat. I belong to the "rather unpack than drive the same road twice" theory. We usually try to avoid larger towns which also makes me wonder if Aix is one to postpone for a possible future trip. Or, could one pull in there for lunch on a day trip? Also, would two nights in Gordes be too much? It will be a short drive from St. Remy to Gordes but I would like to see Menerbes and Rousillon (sp). Also, is there any particular time of day that is best to see the Abbey at Senanque? I live in a tourist area. Last night I looked at the questions re: my home state. It is pathetically difficult to plan a trip to a strange place from books! One of the best laughs in Alaska is the tourists who ask "what time do they turn on the northern lights?"

hopingtotravel

ttt I must have worded my question too lengthy: 1) is an overnight in Aix in Provence a must? 2) do I need two days/two nights to see the area around Gordes and Menerbes, 3) any special time of day to plan to see Senanque Abbey?

kevin_widrow

Hoping -

1) overnight in Aix isn't a must. You can spend a pleasant day there and get a good feel for the city. Try to get there in the morning for the market (tues/Thurs/or Sat) - then lunch.
2)2 nights is not at all too much for the area around Gordes. You could easily spend two weeks and not have seen everything there is to see!
3)try to visit the Abbey either early or late in the day. Mostly to avoid the crowds. afterall, it is a place founded and based on quietude and reflection. it is gorgeous and well worth the visit.

hope that helps,
kevin

hopingtotravel

Thank you Kevin. I think I'm leaning towards 2 nights in Gordes to make sure my husband gets some relaxation time. Haven't decided on Aix yet. I just bought "Gardens in Provence" as my library doesn't have it. I think I could easily love spending 3 months in the area!

Underhill

I would suggest skipping Aix, spending 2 nights in the Gordes area, and then one night in Moustiers Ste-Marie, an area completely unlike the Lubéron. St-Paul-de-Vence would do for 2 nights; it's an easy drive over to St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and back.

wren

We went to Senanque late one day just as the sun was setting and as we were leaving Gordes to go back to our place. There was only one other car in the parking lot and this was in the middle of July. So based on my experience, I would say Kevin's suggestion proved true for us.
Btw, we never made it to Aix, but saw many small towns. There is just something so inviting about those little villages in Provence that we never felt like we were missing anything.