Colors of Provence

Provence Getaway: Avignon, Nîmes, Arles & Montpellier (France)

Passengers: 2 adults, 0 children

Itinerary and included services

• Avignon (3 nights)
• Hotel: 3 nights at Mercure Avignon Centre Palais des Papes
• - Premium central location facing the Palais des Papes and close to the famous Pont d’Avignon.
• - Comfortable double room with private bathroom and daily housekeeping.
• - Daily breakfast buffet with hot and cold options.
• - 24/7 reception and luggage storage for early arrivals or late departures.
• Local experiences in Avignon (time at leisure)
• - Stroll through the medieval streets, visit the Palais des Papes and the historic city walls.
• - Optional wine tasting excursions to Châteauneuf-du-Pape or the surrounding vineyards.
• - Evening walks along the Rhône riverfront with plenty of restaurant options nearby.
• Transportation: Avignon (Le Pontet) → Nîmes
• - Ground transportation from Avignon (Le Pontet) to Nîmes.
• - Comfortable vehicle with space for luggage.
• - Approximate travel time: 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
• Arles (2 nights)
• Hotel: 2 nights at Hôtel Arles Plaza in Arles (France)
• - Well-located hotel within walking distance of the Roman amphitheatre and the historic center.
• - Double room with modern amenities (Wi‑Fi, air conditioning).
• - Access to hotel facilities (subject to availability), such as pool or lounge areas.
• - Daily breakfast included.
• Discovering Arles & the Camargue (time at leisure)
• - Explore Van Gogh’s Arles, Roman ruins, and charming cafés.
• - Optional day trips to the Camargue: salt marshes, white horses, and Mediterranean beaches.
• - Local markets for regional products and Provençal specialties.
• Transportation: Nîmes → Montpellier (Sud de France)
• - Ground transportation from Nîmes to Montpellier (Sud de France).
• - Comfortable, pre-arranged transfer with space for luggage.
• - Approximate travel time: 45–60 minutes.
• Montpellier (2 nights)
• Hotel: 2 nights at Odalys City Apartment Hotel - Montpellier Centre Gare Saint Roch
• - Modern aparthotel near the city center and main train station.
• - Studio or apartment-style accommodation with kitchenette for added flexibility.
• - Wi‑Fi included and easy access to tram and local transport.
• - Optional breakfast service available on site (depending on selected rate).
• Exploring Montpellier (time at leisure)
• - Discover the lively historic center, Place de la Comédie and its cafés.
• - Easy access by tram or train for a day at the Mediterranean coast.
• - Wide choice of restaurants, wine bars and cultural activities.

Trip overview

This itinerary is designed as a relaxed, romantic journey through some of the most atmospheric cities in Provence and Occitanie. You start in Avignon, immersed in medieval architecture and papal history, then continue to the Roman heritage of Nîmes and Arles, before ending in lively, modern Montpellier with its Mediterranean flair.

The itinerary combines well-located hotels, comfortable ground transportation between cities, and plenty of free time so you can explore at your own pace. It is ideal for two adults seeking a mix of culture, gastronomy, and soft discovery, with the flexibility to add wine tastings, guided tours, or seaside excursions along the way.

Recommended guides and books to prepare your trip

• Travel guides
• - Lonely Planet Provence & the Côte d’Azur: Excellent for practical information, maps, and walking routes in Avignon, Arles, Nîmes, and Montpellier.
• - Rick Steves Provence & the French Riviera: Clear city walks, museum tips, and restaurant recommendations, especially suited for first-time visitors.
• Cultural and background reading
• - Van Gogh in Provence (various authors): To understand the artist’s connection with Arles and the surrounding landscapes.
• - A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle: A light, entertaining introduction to the lifestyle, food, and character of the region.
• Maps and apps
• - Detailed regional map of Provence & Languedoc for scenic drives and day trips.
• - Download offline maps (Google Maps or similar) for Avignon, Arles and Montpellier, plus official city tourism apps for updated events and museum information.