Preparing a Visit to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

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Category: Provence

This episode features our frequent and very popular guest Elyse Rivin. If you enjoy her episodes, please consider supporting her on Patreon.

Welcome to another episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast with Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin. Today, we're taking you on a picturesque journey to the South of France to explore Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the ancient site of Glanum.

In this episode Annie makes a public service announcement about the problem with buying nougat from street vendors. We also answer the question should you base yourself out of Saint-Rémy?

And stay tuned for the magazine part of the podcast where we give tips about renting an electric or hybrid car for your next trip to France.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Not Just a Pretty Place!

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is not just another Provencal town; it's a place steeped in history and natural beauty. Famous as the birthplace of Nostradamus and the residence of Vincent van Gogh during one of his most prolific periods, Saint-Rémy offers a blend of cultural richness and Provencal charm.

Just a stone's throw away is Glanum, an archeological site that takes you back to the Greco-Roman era. With its well-preserved ruins and monuments, Glanum provides a captivating look into ancient civilizations. So, buckle up as we delve into the stories, flavors, and landscapes that make Saint-Rémy and Glanum must-visit spots on your French itinerary.

Accommodations We Recommend in Saint-Rémy

Why Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Matters

St Remy de Provence and Glanum offer a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty in the Provence region of France. Located in close proximity to major cities like Arles, Avignon, and Cavaillon, St Remy serves as an ideal base to experience the charms of a small Provençal town. It is part of the National Regional Park of the Alpilles and boasts well-developed infrastructure with hotels, restaurants, and shops.

One of the primary attractions of the area is Glanum, an ancient city located just 2 km south of St Remy. Rediscovered in 1920, the site covers more than 5 acres and is unique for featuring not just Roman but also pre-Roman (Celtic and Greek) structures. It began as a Celtic oppidum around 600 BC, attracted by a natural spring. It later evolved into a Greek settlement and finally, a Roman city.

The site was eventually abandoned in 270 AD following an invasion, and it was only in the 20th century that archeological efforts brought it back to light. Today, visitors can explore the area, which includes structures like a triumphal arch and a cenotaph that have stood the test of time.

St Remy itself has a history stretching back to the Middle Ages. It was once under the control of the Counts of Provence and became known as an intellectual hub. Notable figures such as Nostradamus and the Provençal poet Frédéric Mistral have ties to the town. The area is prosperous, thanks to its production of olives, olive oil, and wine. It has also attracted artists like Van Gogh, who painted some of his most famous works while staying in St Remy.

Both St Remy and Glanum offer a variety of activities and festivals, from hiking in the Alpilles mountains to a jazz festival hosted at the Glanum site. St Remy is famous for its Wednesday market featuring Provençal products and has several highly regarded restaurants. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or just enjoying the Provençal way of life, St Remy and Glanum provide a comprehensive experience. Practical information includes the availability of audio guides in multiple languages at Glanum, and varying seasonal visiting hours.

For those drawn to both history and the allure of Provence, a visit to St Remy and Glanum offers an enriching experience that should not be missed.

About the ChargeMap Pass and Renting an Electric Car in France

The travel question of the week deals with the possibility of renting an electric car in France and what you need to plan on. This discussion starts 48 minutes into the episode.

In the episode, I mention that I emailed ChargeMap to ask them how about people who do not reside in France can set up a ChargeMap account and order an RFID card to make it easy to start a charge at most public chargers in France. Here is the response I received:

The purchase of the badge costs 19.90€ one-time and is by credit card: https://fr.chargemap.com/pass

Once you've bought the badge, you don't have to prepay anything before using the card. We don't offer a subscription to go with this card.

All you have to pay for afterward are the recharges made during the month, which will be debited at the beginning of the following month from the credit card used when purchasing the Chargemap Pass.

You pay nothing beyond the initial 19.90€ if you do not charge and can, of course, change the payment method at any time from their user interface.

To find out where to recharge with the Chargemap Pass, simply go to our website or our mobile application and select the "Compatible ChargeMap Pass" filter so that only the stations compatible with our badge appear on the map.

Link to the public charger map maintained by Dennis Shoelens.

Table of Contents for this Episode

More episodes about Provence

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