We've almost decided where we want to go next year and are looking for advice on campsites (only one of our selection is reviewed here) and also for off-beat things to see and do (we've thoroughly studied Rough Guide and other books)..
AVIGNON - Camping Bagatelle has good reviews here; any others?
AIX - Airotel Camping Chantecler & Camping Arc-en-Ciel not reviewed
AUPS - Camping Les Prés ?
DIGNE - Les Eaux Chaudes ?
Cheers.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
St. Remy de Provence is fantastic. There are three sites in town and probably not much difference between them. Good location and about 20 mins to the Luberon for days out in that direction.
------------- Ollie
2016
Monplaisir - Provence
Camping Les Gorges du Loup
Digne's a bit out of the way from the others. That'll be my review, we weren't thrilled with the site, it's not that close to the town, or anywhere else for that matter.
Aups is a nice interesting old town. We have stayed at a site not far out, but it was some years back, and I don't remember which it was.
We did an overnight at Bagatelle. We weren't that impressed to be honest. It has the look and feel of a municipal site thats in need of a make-over. There's a youth hostel attached. A pretty mediocre cafe. But the best view across to the Papal Palace etc. And a quick walk across the bridge to get there. Wouldn't return.
Aix is beautiful - just spend a day walking the squares and looking at the front doors - honestly!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Aix might be the best centre, you can get around easily from there.
We like the old villages, Oppede, Bonnieux, Fontaine de Vaucluse, Gordes, Roussillon. Sat market in Apt. (Good campsite there). Sunday brocante at L'Isle sur la Sorgue.
If you are a bit further east, drive the Gorge du Verdun, and visit Moustiers Ste Marie.
get a Michelin and follow the green routes into the Collines. Wonderful scenery.
Arles is well worth a visit. We went on market day - massive - and stayed on to watch a show by the trainee matadors in the Roman amphitheatre. The bulls aren't hurt in any way. The lads have to put ribbons on their horns.
Roman theatre in Orange is worth a visit, too.
We spent a couple of hours at Senaque Abbey. The tour is fascinating.
Camping Le Bregoux at Aubignan just north of Carpentras is very good. Walking distance from village, very good facilities. Lots of attractions only a short drive away. Views of Mount Ventoux (i think tour de france passes next year). Popular site but usually a pitch available. we went once for a few days and this yr was our 6th!!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Paul. If you decide on Avignon then I think that Camping du Pont d'Avignon (www.camping-avignon.com) is better than the one you mentioned, though all the Avignon sites are very busy during the summer Arts festival. But there are others a little further from the city centre if you look at "Caravan Europe" guide. But the other suggestions that others have already given are all good.
Quote: Originally posted by Berriow on 28/10/2012
Paul. If you decide on Avignon then I think that Camping du Pont d'Avignon (www.camping-avignon.com) is better than the one you mentioned, though all the Avignon sites are very busy during the summer Arts festival. But there are others a little further from the city centre if you look at "Caravan Europe" guide. But the other suggestions that others have already given are all good.
I agree, Bagatelle is a very tired site and Pont d'Avignon is a bit more salubrious.
Agree with comments about Bagatelle, we were in Graveson in September and cycled to Avignon from there. Had a look at the site, and were not impressed! Very busy, because it's within walking distance of the town and also there is a free ferry across the river. Personally I wouldn't stay there, but it is a means to an end of course.
Other sites in the area we've stayed at are La Sorguette at Isle sur La Sorgue, an ACSI site, walking distance of a lovely little town with one of the most wonderful markets! On Thursdays and Sundays. Will do a reivew soon. Great site for the local area.
Another site is the municipal at Apt, great location, walking distance of town, and as already mentioned, market on Saturdays, well worth a visit!
The site at Graveson is also an ACSI site, with pool, and very close to St Remy, but quieter. We cucled it easy to St Remy and preferred that site to the ones in St Remy itself.
------------- Ina
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Many thanks for all the helpful comments - I'll probably be back on some of them!
Meanwhile, a supplementary: we're intending to spend a couple of our days in Aix visiting Marseille. Any comments on the journey and what are the not-to-be-missed things there - we have the big gallery/museum and the botanical gardens down but there seem far too many other things to see in two days.
Thanks. The stay at Digne is partly for Sisteron but mainly for a day-trip on the train to Nice! We're suckers for railways and mountains. Their web-site says 800m to the town centre?
Aups seems to have at least 3 campsites. The one I quoted was from the Rough Guide so we're a bit spoiled for choice there .....
Quote: Originally posted by franbee on 27/10/2012
Digne's a bit out of the way from the others. That'll be my review, we weren't thrilled with the site, it's not that close to the town, or anywhere else for that matter.
Aups is a nice interesting old town. We have stayed at a site not far out, but it was some years back, and I don't remember which it was.
Thanks but we've been to Arles for a week in the past - might go back for a day .... We'll certainly visit Orange from Avignon. Senaque sounds interesting.
Quote: Originally posted by alan29 on 27/10/2012
...... Arles is well worth a visit. We went on market day - massive - and stayed on to watch a show by the trainee matadors in the Roman amphitheatre. The bulls aren't hurt in any way. The lads have to put ribbons on their horns. Roman theatre in Orange is worth a visit, too. We spent a couple of hours at Senaque Abbey. The tour is fascinating.
.... and it's always uphill when you're returning from a big meal and bottle of wine!
A week in Avignon, wending our way with (probably) 3 x 4 day stops to Digne. The more I read about Digne the more convinced it's unmissable - 9 museums and in a Geological nature reserve.
Yes, shall keep looking at the reviews, thanks.;
Quote: Originally posted by franbee on 28/10/2012
Might be 800m to the town, but it's downhill/uphill.
When do you plan to go, and for how long? Do you intend to have one main site, or will you move around?
Think the site we used in Aups was Les Pres.
Carpe Diem at Vaison la Romaine is good, and handy for the town.
Have a look at my reviews, we've stayed at lots of site in Provence and visited lots of places.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Western Provence - advice, tips &c please
