Apt is located in close proximity to Roussillon and is another great stop on the Provence travel itinerary. Here are just a few examples of day trips by car from Aix-en-Provence: Aix-en-Provence Gordes Abbaye de Senanque Rousillon Apt back to Aix for dinner and a stroll down Cours Mirabeau. It encompasses various regions, including the mountains of Haute Provence and the stunning blue coastline of the French Riviera. These towns have train stations, ample bike rental and repair shops, and access to several cycling routes in the Luberon. While I observed the river, I can't say that I walked along it. Ultimately, where you base would depend on the cycling route you choose (more info in #6 below). Here are just a few other ideas on what to visit or do in Provence: Aix-en-Provence vs. Avignon? Shes often recommended by happy clients in Facebook groups. *As of this writing, only Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Marseille, and Nice have Uber in Provence. It's not technically In Provence, but depending on what trips you're taking, I'd also suggest Nmes. But frankly anywhere between Maussane and Isle-sur-la-Sorgue could do it. And there's such a tremendous variety of sites in the area that nobody . Avignon is pleasant long the river bank opposite the town (you can cross it via a busy bridge or with a free ferry across during the day). Well, others have given options for smaller places, if thats what you decide on. Theres no better feeling than showing up at the airport or train station, and theres someone holding up a sign with your name on it. Best base in provence - Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Forum Do you like the beach? Kayaking and rafting enthusiasts can explore the Verdon River and its rapids, which range from Class II to Class IV. I would say, it was refreshing. ), as well as the lavender fields, and of course explore within Avignon or Isle. Announcing the Winners: Autotrader's 10 Best New EV's for 2023 Beginner routes: Scenic and accessible tours, Intermediate routes: Discovering more of the countryside, Advanced routes: Challenging trails and panoramic views, Customized point-to-point routes: Whatever makes you happy. 2023 Best Providence Area Suburbs to Buy a House - Niche Drawing on our personal experience of two self-guided road trips to Provence, we thought wed offer our insights on where to stay in Provence with a car. (though some of my Arles not shots are nice.). Below are sample cycling routes and itineraries. But availability may be thin, so always check the schedules (learn more in #5 below). It is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fte nationale franaise - what to expect? I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. These towns have buses going to several villages. Which town is the best to stay in? But if you will rely heavily on buses, you can save travel time if youre coming directly from LIsle-sur-la-Sorgue (or Cavaillon). So we were so pleased to discover the Chapelle de LErmitage (a pilgrimage site in 1292) perched on a hill. EV sales grew from a share below 1% in 2018 to EVs representing 3.2% of sales in 2021, 5.8% in 2022, and 7.2% in the first quarter of 2023. After exploring 300+ villages in France and walking 600 km of the French Camino, Jenny is now focused on a fresh, juicy mission: To help you plan a fantastic Luberon vacay with honest, first-hand, no-BS content. There's a busy road on the Avignon side along the river, but from across the river, it's picturesque. Similar to Calanques, access to Camargue may be somewhat restricted during the summer months. Thanks all--you've really helped. It is a town on the hills, which means there is a lot of uphill walking. cruising the winding roads of the Luberon, making stops to take in the views or taste the cuisine. The shop sells local produce, including honeythe by-product of the lush lavender fields of the abbey. Read more to help you plan your Provence itinerary:The 5 Official Most Beautiful Villages in Luberon Worth Visiting 2023Match the Best Luberon Villages to Your Interests and Curiosity (30+ Possibilities in 2023). Any exploration you do in Provence will likely involve day trips (no return to your hotel for naps). more. Avignon Itineraries. Get ready to discover the charming Luberon area, car-free style! In the heat of the day, this can be quite a challenge. Are you searching for accommodations in Avignon? While the scenic French region boasts numerous sights worth seeing, the journey can easily turn into an exhausting driving marathon, leaving little time to explore historic villages, venture on scenic hikes, or sample the regions famous cuisine and wine. Best Base for Touring Provence 10 years ago Save We plan on taking 3 weeks to tour Provence in April and would like some advice on whether it is wise to use a single base for touring. Maussane is indeed a lovely village. However, its been months already, and I still havent gotten my refund. Settle in and stay in Vaucluse for this purpose.. To stay in Vaucluse to read the book? I love my job, and no, I did not quit it to travel the world. If youre not comfortable driving, you can also consider other transportation options such as buses, trains, and private tours. I know what the best Provence base is, but I'm not saying. While having a car is convenient and flexible, there are ways to explore Provence by train and bus. Aix-en-Provence is a perfect town to explore on foot. The tour company should take care of everything for youfrom airport transfers to accommodations. Get answers to your questions about Provence-Alpes-Cote Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Bed and Breakfast, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Vacation Rentals, Things to Do in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, Browse all 47,809 Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur topics , Re Lignes dAzur Paper Tickets after 1st July. Both have English versions. Saint-Rmy-de-Provence could also fit the bill. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. When it comes to tasting candied fruits, similar to tasting cheeses, there are some recommendations to follow. 7 reviews 7 helpful votes Best base in provence Aug 4, 2022, 3:31 PM Save Hi all, I've gone down a minefield on Google and TripAdvisor and can't decide where would be best as a base for exploring Provence by car. Contact Us - Are you searching for accommodations in Aix-en-Provence? So availability depends on someone going from point A to B.On the other hand, BlaBlaCar buses are mostly for regional trips, often from city to city (e.g. I'm a Luberon-based travel writer, wine drinker, and wife to a lucky Frenchman. For first-time motards (motorbikers) in Provence, consider an all-inclusive, guided trip. That is way too risky for me. What are the best Luberon villages to reach by bus? This is what I've ended up with: Day zero: Genoa to Nice, lunch and Chagall museum in Nice, onward to Avignon by train Plus, it contains a section with easy to apply, one-click presets for desktop and mobile Lightroom. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Both of us have day jobs (Inessa is a screenwriter, and Natalie is a photographer), and whenever possible, we try to fit traveling into our schedules. Both hikes are fairly simple but require suitable footwear, a hat, a water bottle, sunscreen, and covered shoulders if you visit during the summer. French Riviera day trips and stops along the way. Look for organized day trips or hire a private chauffeur that will take you to the blooming spots. Can I visit lavender fields without a car? They've put a lot of effort into revitalizing their centre ville, and the history there is fascinating. You can explore Provence without a car as there are buses, trains, and taxis in major cities like Marseille, Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence. 1 Can you get around Provence without a car? Ah, it makes me so happy! Or if youre pressed for time, use the table of contents below to skip to parts that are most relevant to you. The town, though relatively small, has a lot to offer. Aix-en-Provence Camargue Calanques du Cassis back to Aix to recharge. If youre interested in learning more about the history and production of candied fruits, you can visit the Musee de lAptesien, a small museum located in the heart of Apt. One of the reasons I chose Arles was to avoid the traffic of Avignon. But, do NOT fully trust the schedules on the app. Its popular in France and can be a great option for travelers looking for an affordable, social, and flexible way to explore the Luberon villages. Required fields are marked *. Many choices for eating and sitting around having a quiet drink to soak up the atmosphere and warm evenings. Yes! Archive - We'll arrive from Carcassonne in the morning of the first day and the last day will see us. I see different countries in my spare time. Bus from Avignon Some villages you can visit from Avignon that has 3 bus stops:Avignon Saint Chamand: Bus 920 to LIsle-sur-la-SorgueAvignon PEM: Bus 915 to Coustellet, Goult, Apt and Line 906 to LIsle-sur-la-SorgueAvignon Gare TGV: Bus 915 to Coustellet, Goult, Pont Julien, AptFor complete routes and schedules, please check the Zou! With time, it has adapted to the modern economy and is now not only a place of worship but also a business. Plus, I like the villages restaurant and caf culture (you cant go hungry!). This is an active monastery with two lovely lavender fields and a cozy park with old trees that provide much-needed shade on the roads and hills. From there, take a local bus to the villages (see #5 of the list). You can go to popular villages such as Gordes, Roussillon, Oppde, Mnerbes, Lacoste, and Bonnieux. Personally, this is what I would do if I were a tourist with no car. Bus to Pont du Gard is easy from Nimes. So its best to already be in the Luberon villages when you start your cycling trip. Its nice to plan breaks between days behind the wheel and spend them wandering around the city. Friday: Cassis by train and boat? We once did 600 km (373 mi) of the Saint Jacques de Compostelle (Camino Frances), from Vzelay in Burgundy to Prigueux in Dordogne. There is no Uber in the Luberon villages, but you can always book a taxi company.By the way, if youre not driving, forget Nice airport. It will save you time and spare you from stress.Below is a list of English-speaking trip planners. The Grand Luberon Circuit (236 km): A challenging route for experienced cyclists, taking you through the heart of the Luberon Regional Natural Park and offering panoramic views of the region. Cannes or St.Tropez as a day trip destination from Nice, Organised excursions to perfume factories or public transpor, Getting mugged on the tram at Nice airport T2. If youre planning to go to a village on market day, aim to get there before 9 am. It features travel guides to both popular and underrated travel destinations and features personal stories. If so, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is accessible and worthwhile. I'm not sure I understand your plans. Like Skatterfly, we enjoyed Arles a lot. We are thinking of staying for ~4 days, before catching the train to Nice. On one trip without a rental car and using exclusively train and bus, we stayed in Arles and enjoyed it a lot. Help choosing a base in Provence I'll be traveling in Provence for 5 days in May, 2015, with a car. Is Arles or Avignon the best base for us to explore Provence? These filters will add volume and aesthetics to pictures taken on all types of cameras. The Gordes Loop (45 km): A moderate route offering stunning views of the Luberon Valley, passing through hilltop villages. As a storyteller, I believe that it is the emotional journey that matters the most. Day 3: Lavender Fields of Valensole, Verdon Gorges National Park. So, the options are either to leave the car at the nearest parking area and carry bags/gear to the rented apartment or hotel or rent outside of the historic center. These are circular routes, which means they start and end at the same point. We highly recommend putting it on your Provence road trip itinerary. While cities Aix-en-Provence and Avignon may seem tempting as starting points for your bike trip, you might want to skip the highway. Another lovely fountain not to miss is the Fontaine de la Rotonde. The lake was not cold at all. You can get to St-Remy quite easily by bus, but you will need the car for Les Baux. We prefer quieter cities with fewer people around, but will be using public transportation and want to be able to return to the hotel easily for afternoon naps. So park this idea in case youre looking for a cheap, spontaneous trip after Provence. Without a doubt, Valensole is the top spot to see lavender in Provence in July. They have maps, itineraries, and relevant information you need for your cycling journey (e.g. Should we go for the quiet of Arles or the convenience of Avignon? I based a few nights in Arles and day tripped to Avignon and from there to Pont du Guard. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114578735', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car. This makes life easier as you dont have to worry about transport on your way back. If youre arriving in Provence from train stations (Avignon or Aix-en-Provence), taxi is the fastest way to reach your village base. The key to creating the perfect Provence road trip itinerary when traveling by car is selecting the right base. This stop includes a rather long hike from the parking lot to the seaside, and, for the safety of tourists, local authorities sometimes prohibit visits. Additionally, it is a convenient base for exploring nearby areas such as Grasse, the Cascades de Clars, and the Verdon Natural Park. I visited both Arles and Avignon in 2009, so I DO have some sense (albeit dated) of the area, and I do have Rick Steves' books on the area. Best town in Provence area for base while exploring area? Has anyone stayed in Hotel D'Europe in Avignon? We will be catching the train from Paris to Avignon, where we will then pick up a rental car. These towns have public transportation links, restaurants, and shops that you wont find in small villages. Europe - Best Base in Provence without a car (besides Avignon!) From hilltop villages and forests to olive groves and vineyards, the Luberons paths are varied and lovely. You have 45 mins to shop at Super U Puyvert (see schedule below).And if youre lazy? You can check out her website for small group tours. We took a bus to Les Baux. Although it may not have many historic attractions, it is a very authentic place suitable for walks. Relying on public transportation, however, I think your best bet will be Avignon. I'm sure it can be done. However, this also means taking lower speed limits, serpentine roads, and numerous roundabouts into consideration. I guess I tend to gravitate to pretty/old buildings more than scenery, though I do like the latter. One of the less popular things to do at the Senanque Abbey is to have lunch on one of the parks hills. I am a photographer based in Kyiv, Ukraine. Note to travelers: the routes around the area may include winding roads, roads through villages, and plenty of roundabouts. Cookie Policy - I live in Kyiv, Ukraine. Compare prices and book your car in advance to ensure that you have a stress-free experience. TIP:Check the BlaBlaCar website and download the app. In addition, there are plenty of great guided tours of Roussillon available. This elegant square and its buildings were once the headquarters for the most influential aristocratic family in the area. Youll need to combine train rides with other modes of transport, ideally bus or ride sharing (more on this in #10 below).If youre based in Aix-en-Provence or Avignon, take a train to LIsle-sur-la-Sorgue or Cavaillon. We are a mid 30s couple with a one year old, love to walk but not long hikes with baby, seeing picturesque villages and scenery and good food and drink. You write such substantial articles! TIP: Be sure to book train tickets in advance to get the best fares and seat reservations, especially during peak travel seasons. I was there Sunday and Monday nights, and on Monday in particular many restaurants seemed closed up. We have included the locations we explored, and this may serve as a nice illustration of how a road trip itinerary can work. I also provide professional photography tips to help the readers bring home some beautiful photo memories. Aix-en-Provence Cote dAzur back to Aix to shop at the local fare. If we are in the old part of Avignon, will it be pretty to be in and stroll around? We went swimming, but I also saw people kayaking from the river of Vintgar Gorge (another possible activity to add to that list of things to try). Book day trips with tour companiesI like Get Your Guide as an aggregator app and have used it in many countries. Thank you so much for your advice skatterfly! Browse through a selection of hotels and other available lodging options, Compare prices and make a reservation in advance, Check out the exciting tours to the lavender fields, Road Trip in Provence: Choosing the Best Base in Provence when Travelling by Car (+ Itinerary Recommendations from Travelers). I preferred Arles too. Apt, Lourmarin, Cadenet).Remember, BlaBlaCar drivers are private individuals who offer up their car to co-travelers. After reading Rick's book on Provence, I switched a 7 day reservation from Arles to Avignon (hotel L'Europe). Today, Apt is still home to several factories and shops producing and selling candied fruits. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. more, French Riviera - Cote d'Azur, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Destination Experts. What is the best season to visit Provence? If you want the itinerary and logistics taken care for you, hire a trip planner. This is a small Provencal town with an old square, a town hall, and charming cafes. We don't want a modern city but don't want anywhere too quiet. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Photography is an endless source of inspiration for me. We don't want a modern city but don't want anywhere too quiet. day 4 Luberon villages (rental car days 4 and 5: I'll drive if DH won't) Any trail in and around Lourmarin (spontaneous)The hills around Lourmarin offer fantastic views of the vineyards and mansions below. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-114590280', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Aix-en-Provence! This can be a useful tool for planning your visit and ensuring that you get to see the lavender at its peak. Youll discover under-the-radar gems such as ancient caves, abandoned villages, chapels, or in the case of our dogwild boar skeletons. The Abbey itself dates back to the 12th century. "Viilage in the Vaucluse" is a book worth reading. In our experience, the best base when visiting Provence with a car is Aix-en-Provence. We don't want to spend the week in Nice because we will have just spent a week in a fair-sized city (Genoa). It all comes down to smart planning, creativity, and a sense of adventure. I personally am considering renting a place in Avignon for my upcoming trip in autumn, on a mission to explore Marseilles-Calanques-Camargue. Spending multiple days in this location alone is a must-do road trip itinerary that includes camping in the park, swimming in the clear blue waters of the lake, driving the breathtaking Route de Cretes, and having dinner at Moustier Sainte Marie. You have many options to choose from. 7 Is it better to stay in Avignon or Aix en Provence? What to do and see in Gordes, France? Its also well-connected to other parts of Provence by public transportation. For travelers wondering where to stay in Provence without a car, the Cote dAzur is a great option due to its extensive network of train lines that make it easy to travel between cities and towns. Come find a great deal on used Cars in Providence today! Also any must sees or does would be greatly appreciated. One caveat though is to check for big events when you're going--there's a theater festival in Avignon that brings a lot of people, which you may want to avoid. We will be flying into Nice but don't mind a longer drive for somewhere suitable. If youre not renting a car and will only rely on public transportation, there are several possibilities: If you will come from Paris by SNCF train, good bases are Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, LIsle-sur-la-Sorgue, or Cavaillon. To access the Route des Cretes, turn onto the D23 from the D952 road. Itineraries in Provence, suggested places and routes, by - Beyond You can either drive through the gorge or take the circular Route des Cretes, an old road that leads to panoramic views. The free one is on the upper road, though its slightly inconvenient as youll need to walk up and down the road to reach your car. You can easily drive to the villages of the Luberon from Maussane, to Avignon, Nimes and spectacular Pont du Gard. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | CST# 2086743 | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. It's already an exhilarating drive, and the 50 extra horsepower and the .5-seconds-quicker 0-60 time of the Cayman S . At the end of our stay we took the TGV from Avignon to Paris. However, Marseille may be a good option for those prioritizing the Camargue and the Calanques, as well as those who want to visit the Cote dAzur. Few people know this (even locals): Theres a free shuttle service in certain villages. Avignon is a close second when it comes to choosing the best place to stay in Provence with a car. If you will enter Provence by plane, the closest international airport to the Luberon is Marseille (1 hour). Deciding where to stay in Provence with a car can be a tricky question as it depends greatly on ones travel style, budget, and time. Help choosing a base in Provence - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Train to Avignon What's the largest and safest parking in the city? Can you go swimming there? A good idea would be to choose your trail first, then book an accommodation near the starting point (read #8 below). Also, public transportation from either city is limited but better from Avignon (a bus to Isle sur la Sorgue, not sure what else). In #2 below, I mention 5-star hotels in Gordes and Gargas that you might want to consider. If you will join an all-inclusive group tour, dont worry about where to stay. Thursday: rent car and go to Le Baux and St Remy I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Gorgeous architecture, markets, easy to organise day trips to visit Cassis, Les Calanques, Marseille, Camp des Milles. The Cathdrale St Sauveur has a 5th century baptismal font, there are fountains everywhere, beautiful, shaded Cours Mirabeau, the main boulevard, colorful markets, such ambience! This is a hassle-free option, as all you need to do is book a small group tour, show up at the pick-up point, and enjoy the sightseeing. I dont trust paying through the app. You may not need that much time there--I'm not sure. As mentioned earlier in the post, less is more. Its aim is to inspire to explore our planet and to open our hearts to the people we share it with. The inviting lake offers plenty of opportunities to swim, relax under the shade of old big trees, and rent a boat or catamaran.
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