We (a family of four) are catching a train to Avignon and have just a few nights to spend in the south of France (with car). We would LOVE some recommendations about the best spot to base ourselves, and the places we should visit. Anything involving walking, restaurants, wine, cheese...

I must say again , St Remy, because of good restaurants,
a farmers'market, a great flea market and a point of travel

The wall-surrounded picturesque town of Aigues-Mortes (www.ot-aiguesmortes.fr) has lots of character and is close to the Camargue natural park (a huge wilderness area - see http://www.parc-camargue.fr/ and click on the Brit flag for English), and to places like St. Marie-de-la-Mer (www.saintesmaries.com/us) - which also would be a great place to stay for a few nights. Quintessential Provence, near the Mediterranean.

This feedback caught my eye when I was considering Provence previously. It sounds like a great base in that area.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rt-st-remy.cfm

I have not been, but when researching for our trip, i read that Camargue is mosquito central. You dont say when you are going , but if it is late summer, I'd worry about the little pesky insect bites.

I would vote for St Remy if you want to stay in a small village & walk to interesting shops, cafes, restaurants, etc. Perhaps in the Luberon near Gordes if you want beautiful countryside.

Stu Dudley

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses - your advice is extremely helpful. St Remy sounds like a lovely option, with lots to do in the vicinity. Calinurse that's a good tip - we're travelling at the end of September (not long now...) so I hope the mosquitoes leave us alone.