Avignon - Sunflower Books

This pocket-sized full-colour guide to walking in Provence is designed for short-break walking holidays around Avignon and the Roman cities of Nîmes and Arles using the excellent public transport services. Avignon is just 2h30min from Paris by TGV (6 hours direct from London in summer); it is also served by coach and budget airlines.

Even ‘non-walkers’ will appreciate the large-scale city plans, descriptions of the sights, and recommendations for eating out in Provence. For each suggested restaurant there is a photograph of the décor and one of their dishes, sample menu, price guide, opening times, and a recipe for one of their specialities.

Other sections include: planning your trip, logistics on arrival (using public transport, tourist information, shopping), local markets and specialities, glossary of local food terms, and a restaurant mini-vocabulary. A special feature is the emphasis on natural local foods suitable for those with food intolerances. All recipes have been made by the authors and are known to ‘work’.

Area covered: Besides Avignon, Nîmes and Arles, the book covers many other highlights: St-Rémy, Les Baux, the Alpilles, Barbentane, Gordes and the Pont du Gard (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) — all easily accessible by public transport.

The best months for countryside walking in Provence are from late September till May. In summer it’s best to just stroll around the sights and sites using the large-scale town plans and enjoy eating out in Provence!