Avignon Travel Forum

I am trying to choose a (cheap flights)holiday in Southern France and I am torn between Avignon and La Rochelle.
Can anyone give me pros and cons for either city.

I don't think I'd call La Rochelle Southern France. It's very nice there. The region around it, La Vienne I think, is my dream retirement place after I win the lottery! It was one of the last places of French England. A little further is the island of Oleron, which is also a really good holiday place.

Never been to Avignon though.

I've not been to La Rochelle, but I can't say enough about Avignon. Compared to much of the south, it's fairly untourist-y, and it has a great vibe--I always feel as if it's one of those places that's whatever you want it to be--there are parts that feel very cosmopolitan, and parts that feel very quaint. The city's history is fascinating, too.

You don't list any of your interests on your Home Page so we don't know what you are looking for. At any rate, if you truly want to visit southern France, you will go to Avignon because it is in southern France and La Rochelle is on the Atlantic (west) coast. It is definitely not southern France in atmosphere or attitude.

La Rochelle is the place to go if you are interested in a holiday on the beach.

Avignon, on the other hand, is a beautiful historic city in southern France with a lot to do both in the city and in the surrounding area. There are wonderful day trips in the area such as Arles, the Pont du Gard, the Camargue, Orange, Carpentras and many perched villages or just stay in Avignon and enjoy a very historic and cosmopolitan city. They have great public transportaion, plenty of things to do and you have great views from the Rocher des Domes.

Obviously, I'm prejudiced toward Avignon, but it does not have a seashore so if that is what you want, La Rochelle may be the place to go. There is much to do there too but you don't have the spectacular scenery and it is not the warm, sunny southern France that you seem to be looking for. I'd vote for Avignon.

They are both very nice and I'm sure you would enjoy either one. If you would care to post some of your interests, we might be more help to you. Just a suggestion. Hope you enjoy your trip . . . wherever you decide to go. 8^)

I spent a month in both the La Rochelle region (Charente-Maritime) and in the region of Avignon with my then young family (2 toddlers at the time). And spent 3 nights in Avignon on one occassion with a friend. Had excellent weather during all stays in each location. It was summer during all those stays.

The pro's for La Rochelle (or you might want to base yourself in a place in the region) are that you're in the famous Cognac region, hence a lot of cognac tasting! Beach of course. Excellent oysters, that come from this region.
There a a local drink called Pineau de Charentes made of cognac and grape juice, which I liked very much. Sort of an apératif. La Rochelle is an old town, with lots of historical highlights too.
You can also take trains to go to the cities Cognac, Saintes, Angouleme and Bordeaux.

I agree with the previous posters though. I would choose Avignon as well.
In any case, I do recommend you hire a car, whichever location you choose. The French countryside is best explored by its backroads.

And I agree with Sally that if you put more information about yourself on your VT page, then we will be able to help you better. Welcome to VT and have fun!