Provence: How to Escape in the French Countryside!
Join my wife and I as we explore the charming towns of Provence, France. With Avignon as our base, we’ll dive into the rich history, beautiful sights, and delicious food of this incredible region.
Day 1: Discovering Avignon
Stay: Avignon
Avignon is the largest town in the region and has the most to offer. Its well-connected train network makes it super easy to get around. We would suggest making this town your base as you explore the region.
Morning: A European History Lesson and Tasty Breakfast
We kicked off our day at the grand Place du Palais. This historic square is home to the Palais des Papes, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Once the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century, the palace has a rich history. Walking through its grand halls and courtyards, we felt transported back to a time of immense power and influence.
Next we headed to Salon De Thé for a delightful breakfast. Their coffee and pastries were a great way to start our morning. The croissants were buttery and flaky, just perfect!
We took a leisurely walk down the famous Rue de la République. This main street is lined with cute boutique stores and shops. We loved exploring the unique items and picking up a few souvenirs.
Midday: French Baguette Sandwiches and Beautiful Views
For lunch, we found a charming little place called Le Petit Baguette. Their sandwiches were delicious, and we especially enjoyed the classic jambon-beurre (ham and butter). Simple but incredibly satisfying!
We made our way to Rocher des Doms for a stunning view of the town. This park is a peaceful escape with panoramic views of the Rhône River and the famous Pont d’Avignon. The gardens were beautifully maintained, and the atmosphere was so relaxing.
Evening: Wandering the Streets Before an Elevated Dinner Experience
We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around the city. Getting lost in the quaint alleyways was a highlight of our day. Each corner seemed to reveal a new hidden gem, from charming cafes to historic buildings.
For dinner, we dined at Restaurant Le Violette, an elegant venue that offered an unforgettable dining experience. It was possibly our favorite dinner in France. The dishes were superb, and the ambiance was perfect for a romantic evening.
Day 2: A Day Trip to Arles
Morning: Catching the Train and Fueling with Crepes!
We caught an early train to Arles, just a short ride from Avignon. We started our day with some amazing crepes at the family-owned Le Petit Arles. The caramelized banana and Nutella crepes were a great way to start the day!
Our first stop was the Arles Arena, a historic Roman colosseum dating back to 90 AD. This impressive structure was used for gladiator battles and is still in use today for events like bullfighting and concerts. Walking through the ancient stone corridors, we could almost hear the echoes of the past!
Next, we visited the Roman Theatre nearby. We used Rick Steves’ audio guide to learn about its fascinating history and would highly recommend it if you’re interested in history. It’s like having your own personal tour guide in your ear, and it made the experience so much richer.
Midday: A Bright Lunch and Exploring the Rest of Arles
For lunch, we headed to Cuisine de Comptoir. They serve these really tasty toast-like flatbread dishes called tartines. It was a unique and delicious meal that we thoroughly enjoyed.
Our next stop was the Saint-Trophime Primatial Catholic Church. This huge church, built in Romanesque style, is absolutely stunning. The detailed carvings on the façade are incredible and worth taking some time to admire.
We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring more of Arles. This small town is packed with history and charm. As we wandered through its narrow streets, we felt like we were stepping back in time. Before we knew it, it was time to catch the train back to Avignon.
Day 3: Option 1 – Another Day in Avignon
Full Disclosure: On our trip to Provence we only had three days in the country side and had to decide between another day in Avignon or a day trip Nimes. Since we wanted to enjoy a more relaxing day we opted to stay in Avignon. We thought for the purposes of this blog it would be helpful to give two options for Day 3. This first option was our personal experience, while the second is based on our research and plans. We hope this is helpful!
Tip: If you decide to rent a car on your trip to the French country side, it would make it much easier to hop between towns. You could easily visit both towns in a day!
Morning: Window Shopping and Walking Along the Rhône River
We took a slow morning and walked around some shops and and cafe’s. We tried some bread from a bakery with jam and interesting fruit cheeses!
We walked along the Pont Saint-Bénézet, also known as the Pont d’Avignon. The Rhône River is really pretty and we learned the history of this iconic bridge from a Rick Steves audio guide
Midday: A Courtyard Lunch and Relaxing Afternoon
We got lunch at La Fourchette. This place is really cute and reasonably priced. We had a really interesting dish of steak and potato puree but we we’re not expecting the potatoes to be purple! Weird colored potatoes aside, it was still really good!
After this we headed back to our Airbnb for a nap. We woke up from it, inspired to cook something with the local ingredients. We ended up using fresh tomatoes to make bruschetta, olive oil and garlic for a simple pasta, and grabbed a bottle of wine for a fun night in!
Day 3: Option 2 – A Day Trip to Nîmes
Morning: Early Train Ride and Taking in the Roman History in France
Catch a morning train to Nîmes, another gem in Provence (about 30 minutes). Nîmes is known for its Roman architecture, so get ready for a day full of ancient history!
Your first stop will be the Maison Carrée, a beautifully preserved Roman temple. Spend some time marveling at its grandeur and learning about its history.
Next visit the Nîmes Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. Apparently, it’s even more impressive than the one in Arles. Climb to the top for a fantastic view of the city.
Midday: French Bistro Lunch and More Exploring
Hungry from your morning adventures, find a charming bistro – Le Bistrot Jacquemart is an option.
Walk the Jardins de la Fontaine, a stunning garden built around the ruins of an ancient Roman bath. Climb up to the Temple of Diana and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Evening: Taking It All In and Another Delicious French Dinner
Spend the evening strolling through the more modern parts of Nîmes. Browse some local shops, picking up a few souvenirs to remember your trip.
Nîmes offers some great dining options and we’re sad we didn’t get to try them!
Conclusion
We really enjoyed our time in Provence, France and got to experience a different side of French culture than you can get in Paris. The cute alleys and ancient architecture provide a really lovely and relaxing atmosphere. The cuisine was simple and organic, reflecting the region’s rich agricultural heritage. From savoring buttery croissants in Avignon to indulging in traditional tartines in Arles, every meal was a delightful journey through local flavors. Provence has truly captivated us with its blend of history, charm, and culinary delights, offering a tranquil escape that will remain etched in our memories for years to come.
