Hi. I am going to Avignon on business and have one day free. I plan on renting a car and do a full day driving tour myself. These are the two itineraries I%26#39;ve narrowed it down to and would like advice as to which to do... or if i am completely off base, advice as to something else...
Option 1
Avignon | L%26#39;Isle-sur-la Sorgue | Fontaine-de-Vaucluse | Gordes | Rousillon | Avignon
Option 2
Avignon | St. Remy de Provence | Les Baux-de-Provence| Arles | Avignon
I also hoped to catch a view of the Pont du Gard.
I know this all sounds like a lot so if advice is to shorten either, that advice would be welcome.
Thank you.
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While both options that you have laid out are really nice, I would probably go with #2 since it has the advantage of exposing you to somewhat more history.
I urge you to check out the Roman ruins on the outskirts of St. Remy and then drive through the awsomely dramatic craggy limestone Chaine des Alpilles to Les Baux. Then, from Maussane-les-Alpilles, continue on Rt. D-17 through Paradou and Fontvielle toward the Abbey of Montmajour (a beautiful and important Medieval monestary that is definitely worth a visit) on the way to Arles. Within a km or two from the Abbey and just a 5 minute walk from where you park your car you can visit the remnants of the Roman mill at Barbegal. This is where they used the power of the water that was being brought from far off hills via a series of aqueducts to grind the grain to feed the people of Arles, which can be seen in the distance.
Arles itself is full of wonderful historical sites including: the amphitheatre known as Les Arenes, the Baths of Constantin, the Alyscamps (a necropolis) and two wonderful museums - The Musee de l%26#39;Arles Antique and the Museon Arlaten which was created by Mistral to celebrate the Provencal way of life.
It is a potentially long and intense day, but I think that you will find it to be a day that you will remember.
Take a look at a good map (eg. Michcelin 340 Local) to get a good feel for the distances.
Hope this is helpful
AlpillesGal
PS - There is good parking (not too expensive) in Arles in a garage next to the Post Office on the Boulevard des Lices.
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What day of the week are you free? If it is a Sunday, I would be inclined to do the first, if a Wednesday, to do the second. Any other day, I think probably the second. If a Wednesday, you would need to count on not getting to Arles before about 3pm owing to market in St R. being so fantastic and the need to see Glanum and the monastere St Paul de Mausole which is wonderful.
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Dear ChicChantal and AlpillesGal.
Thank you both so much for your advice. In fact, I was able to squeeze both in. I went the first day through the Luberon to Apt and back and the second day, wednesday, to St. Remy, Les Baux and Arles. the market in St. Remy is indeed incredible and I spent the better part of 1/2 the day there with no regrets... I also went to the Abbaye de Montmajour where I was able to see a great photo exhibit organized by Christian LaCroix.
Thanks again for all the help!!!!
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