Hi guys,
So... I took advantage of Ryan Air sale and snapped up return flights for my partner and to the South of France in late May.
We are a 22 year old Aussie couple living in Switzerland -- and a getaway to the South of France sounded enticing.
The question now begs -- where, what and how?
We fly into Marseille/Provence airport at Lunch time on thursday and out VERY early on the Monday morning.
Key questions.
1. Transport -- Is it worth hiring a car to explore this region?
2. If we were going to stay 2 nights in a coastal town and two nights a little bit more inland where would you advise? Somewhere near Toulon and near Aix maybe? We would be looking to stay in small b %26amp; b%26#39;s
3. Temperatures around this time -- is beach/pool a realistic proposition or still too cold?
4. Which towns would be the best if we want a mix of relaxing romantic and a bit of fun as well?
Any other tips for Provence first timers would be great!
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p.s.
Very interested in markets too -- particularly flea markets (although I realise this isn%26#39;t Provence%26#39;s speciality).
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Hi
I would recommend a car.
For a Provence tour. Head up towards Avignon which is about 1 hour from the airport. Then explore the area from a central point.
The more popular spots would be Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape, the Pont du Gard (near Nimes), Arles and Aix en Provence. For something different I would recommend a hike through the ochre quarry in Rousillon and Fontaine de Vaucluse.
There is enough to see to keep you busy.
The temperature is unlikely to be warm enough for swimming and going to the beach.
For a coastal experience you might consider Ste. Maxime (which is across the bay from St. Tropez)or Frejus.
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Hi everyone..
So we ended up booking 4 days in a b %26amp; B just outside of Provence as a base. The owner is picking us up and dropping off at the airport...but here is a plan I had would love comments:
Day 1 (half day) - Relax in b %26amp; b and head to Aix for dinner
Day 2 Check out Aix
Day 3 Hire car and head somewhere inland????
Day 4 Hire car and go coastal?
Does this sound like a good plan and if so where would people advise we headed on the two days to coast and inland with the car -- they are a saturday and sunday!
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Hi we were in the Toulon area last October it is very nice and a very nice place to stay is Six-fours there are some very nice apartments in this area and another place very close is sannery sur mer a small ST tropez very nice and we are looking forward to going back this year.For the apartments try Keycamp.co.uk and go into the apartments page and you will find six fours.I hope you enjoy it when it comes.
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Hi,
Since you have stated that you love Markets, the Sunday market in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is an absolute must. In addition to having virtually %26quot;all things Provencal,%26quot; it also has an area that is devoted to antiques and a small flea market area as well.
Western Provence is relatively compact and virtually no place is that far away, if you have chosen a really central location as a base. Accordingly, you may want to consider just staying in one place and doing a series of day-trips rather than re-locating for nights 3-4. However, if you decide to re-locate, it would be helpful if you could tell us where you will be staying for the first few nights - this will enable Forum members to make valid recommendations regarding where you may want to spend your last couple of nights.
AlpillesGal
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I would second Alpilles gal re the markets at L%26#39;Isle sur la Sorgue on the Sunday. Great little town and a fantastic market. If you want bed or table linen great for this too.
Then push on a bit and visit Fontaine de Vaucluse for the source of the Sorgue River coming out of a bottomless pool and gushing out from under rocks everywhere. Most impressive.
There are a myriad of pertty little towns around that you can look at if you have a car.
Some ideas from our sojourn in the area
www.nickbooth.id.au/France08/LIsle.html
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Hi guys...Thanks for the replies! This is my new account...
So, booked just outside of Aix as a base...this considered what do people think should be our plan of attack?
The Sunday markets sound great...particularly considering there is a small flea market section too!
Maybe on the Saturday we could head down Toulon/St Tropez way and pretend to be movie stars!
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The Sunday flea market in isle-sur-la-Sorgue, plus the waterwheels are unique. There%26#39;s a lovely restaurant I like, Le Jardin du Quai it%26#39;s next to the train station. Inland is completely different from the coast. You must visit a perche village
Unique are Roussillon and Les Baux.
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We went to Cassis the day we visited Aix (we were based in Avignon). Cassis was beautiful. There is a beach and although it looked rocky there were people in suits. There are boat trips to the Calanques which are unique. There is a road to the top of the cliffs that gives a beautiful view. Unfortunately, we only got part way up because of the wind but you could check it out. I am sure many other places along the Mediterranean are beautiful too!
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Hi everyone!
What is people%26#39;s thoughts on the issue of car v no car and which areas do you need a car to visit and which not so important? It adds quite a bit to the budget.
We were thinking of hiring a car for Saturday to head coastal and Sunday to go inland do the markets suggested and other activities.
Guess a core question is whether or not we need a car for both/either of these and how much better the experience would be?
Could we for example do coastal without a car and just have the car for the Sunday trip into the hills?
Which coastal areas are accessible by public transport from Aix?
Any thougths would be great!
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