18 Hours in Saint Remy de Provence
📍 Saint Remy de Provence, France
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Trips can be too short. Sometimes you find yourself in a destination for a mere 24 hours, and it’s just not enough time! On our road trip through Provence, we had even less time while staying in the beautiful town of Saint Remy de Provence. The 18 hours here were jam-packed and very well spent. Rich with Ancient Roman landmarks, epicurean delights, and artful history, there’s something here that every kind of traveler can enjoy. Here’s just a quick look at our 18 hours in Saint Remy de Provence.
Daydream in the Town Square
We arrived at Saint Remy de Provence sun-kissed after an incredible lunch at a nearby winery. Knowing we had such little time to explore and see the town, we hit the ground running. Like many European towns, the pulse of Saint Remy is in the historic center. Amongst the narrow streets, you can wander by seemingly endless boutiques. Here you can also find the birthplace of 16th-century author Nostradamus at a fairly nondescript apartment on Rue Hoche. Just be sure to finish your shopping by 7:00 pm. The businesses close up as soon as the clock strikes, and dinner service begins for many locals.
Stay at Le Saint-Rémy
Le Saint-Rémy Hotel was our overnight home for the evening, and I cannot recommend it enough! This luxury, 31-room hotel is located right in the heart of town and housed in a spacious 19th-century townhouse. The understated glamour and effortlessly bohemian aesthetic made it feel more like a spa retreat! Perched above the outdoor terrace is a heated rooftop pool with several cabanas and excellent sun. I only wished I could have stayed here for just a few more days to really unwind.
Relax at the Bar Lounge
After a full day of exploring in the sun, I was really looking forward to a relaxed and mellow dinner. While Saint Remy de Provence has several Michelin-starred restaurants in town, we opted for cocktails and tapas at the Bar Lounge of our hotel. We sat in plush seats in their beautiful courtyard and watched the laidback nightlife begin. If you want a little more evening activity, look no further than the courtyard’s pétanque court. Similar to bocce, it’s an easy way to chat with the other guests and let your competitive side come out.
Walk the Van Gogh Trail
Le Saint-Rémy just had such an incredible location! In fact, it’s situated directly on the Van Gogh Trail. At a leisurely pace, you can be at the Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole in just 15 minutes. Walk a little further, and you’ll see the elements of the town’s Roman Empire history come to life. Saint Remy de Provence is actually on the same site as the ancient city of Glanum. It was pivotal to connect France and Spain to Rome. Not much is left of Glanum, which was destroyed in 260 AD, but you can still find incredibly well-preserved monuments, including the triumphal arch. If you want to experience both the Van Gogh Trail and Glanum Monuments but are really short on time, you can rent an electric bike from the hotel.
Although we’ve been home from Provence for nearly a month, I daydream about the region almost daily. When planning your trip, it’s important to understand what makes each town, village, or commune unique. With Saint Remy de Provence, you get an incredible combination of history, food, and art. Visiting this stunning town was an incredible experience that I will never forget.
Love from France,
Katie
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