First, thanks to all who answered my thread about 12 nights, whether you'd stay in Paris, do Paris/Provence, or Paris/Amsterdam, and how you'd divide the time if you did two locations. We've decided on Paris/Provence and I'm a very happy camper!

One q I have is whether or not our trip being in early May, would affect anyone's recommendation on where to base. I've read many threads, and St. Remy seems to get a lot of votes, tho' there are individual votes for Roussilon, Arles, Uzes, and Isle-Sur-la-Sorgue. Knowing we'll be too early for lavender or poppy fields (tho' I hope to see some sprouting), I wondered if that changes anything.

Also, we're thinking to follow recs some of you made and train to Provence immediately upon arrival in Paris, so we don't end up with one night in Paris at the end. How much time would you allow from time of plane landing, to time of train reservation?

Finally, I'm wondering if there'd be any chance of a noticeable difference in scenery between starting in Provence May 7, or heading there a week later (I know where I live, a week can make a big difference with what flowers are out). No reservations are made yet, so we could still change our minds and do Paris first.

Thanks in advance, I'm very excited about this trip and enjoying having time to plan ahead, which for varied reasons it seems I haven't had in a long time!