Ancient Avignon lies on the banks of the Rhône and has a lovely southern air about it. There is a greater choice of shops and restaurants and the town has several festivals and events throughout the year, including an international music and theatre festival in July.

A day can easily be spent just walking around seeing the riches of Arles. They are everywhere. The Roman obelisk in the place de la République made from Egyptian stone, the church of St Trophime with its famous façade and cloisters around an enchanting garden, the remarkably well preserved amphitheatre or the Van Gogh museum.

Nîmes (28 kms) has an 18-hole golf course and lots of shops and restaurants. The city has some excellent museums and its own Roman amphitheatre, not as large as the one in Arles, but still used for mock gladiator fights and chariot races and various other events. Try to see the ornamental 18th century gardens in the quai de la Fontaine, which also has a ruined Temple of Diana. The Tour Magne nearby, an octagonal watchtower built in the 1st century, has wonderful views from the top.

A total contrast is the wild natural beauty of the Cevennes hills, peppered with underground caves, some as big as a cathedral. Or the Camargue on the coast, a rice farming, wild life reserve with pink flamingos and if you are lucky enough to see them, herds of wild horses and bulls. There are some good seafood restaurants in Saintes Marie de la Mer.