A co-worker is making preliminary plans for a stay in Provence in October. She is thinking of Aix-En-Provence, Avignon or Arles but is open to other suggestions. She and her DH are open to where they will stay e.g., Hotel, B&B, Apartment.,etc. They are budgeting up to about $300/night - less than that would be welcome too. They do not want basic but do not require luxury either - just something well located, attractive and comfortable . They are undecided on whether to rent a car - she wants to, he not so much - he says he is concerned about traffic and parking. Any ideas?

It's nice to see they're open to anything. For what it's worth, we stayed in a lovely comfortable hotel just outside St.-Remy-de-Provence for well under $100 per night (two adults, one 12-year-old) and found it quite convenient to all major roadways. We visited Arles, Nimes, Avignon, Pont du Gard and other sites from our "base," which was Hotel Mistral. http://www.hotel-mistral.fr/

without a car, you will not be able to visit some of the beautiful villages

Parking and traffic will be an issue in all three of those cities/towns. Instead of basing in a city and trying to get around to all the other lovely things to see in the area, I'd reverse the equation and base myself in St-Rémy or somewhere around there, rent a car, and plan to visit Aix, Avignon, and Arles on daytrips. Then enjoy Les Bauz, Uzès, the Pont du Gard, Ile-sur-la-Sorgue, and so forth.

Any more recommendations?

Based on our 5 trips to Provence:
1. You will need a car to get the most and best out of Provence. Driving is quite easy and pleasurable.
2. Worst place to drive/park: Aix
3. Second worse place to drive/park: Avignon
4. Strongly concur with staying in St. Remy and taking day trips.
5. We thorougly enjoyed our stay at Mas des Carassins, but there are lots of accommodations in that area.
6. Plan to visit Ile sur-la-Sorge on Sunday, which is market day.

Here is a nice b&b, great for visiting the Luberon villages and countryside. Renting a car is a must. The driving is easy. I drove around for 2 weeks solo and had no issues.

http://www.masperreal.com/index.html

Thank you all for your responses and suggestions. I have passed them on together with other info about Provence that I have found on Fodors.

Zoecat - that B&B looks like a winner. Are the bathrooms ensuite? By any miracle, do you know if any of the rooms have a shower with a (too much to ask) shower curtain? Same questions for flsd.

I don't have the answers to you questions about the B&B, but email them and they will respond. The owners are great and very, very helpful. In fact, Kevin (owner) posts regularly here on Fodors and on slowtrav.com.

Just returned from 3+ weeks in Provence--it was also our 5th trip. Heartily endorse Mas des Carassins-it is very reasonable for the luxury it offers and it is within walking distance of St. Remy. Its been 6 yrs since we stayed but I still remember their fine meals. St Remy is excellently situated for a first time visitor although Mas Perreal is a different experience and certainly as nice.

A car is a must! Traffic and parking will not be an issue in October (it wasn't during our recent stay either). Driving is easy and very rewarding with its discoveries and options.

Can't remember the details of the tub or shower, sorry, but it was an ensuite bathroom, modern and clean.

One of my favorite hotels in the world is in Arles - Hotel Particulier (http://www.hotel-particulier.com). The rates start at 200 Euros, so it will be at the top of their budget, but it is so wonderful I think it is worth it. We had a rental car to explore Provence and it was fairly easy to navigate. The hotel parked the car for us in their private lot, then brought it around when we were ready to leave. The only time we had trouble was trying to leave Arles on Market Day because the main road was closed.

My mom and I are staying at Hotel Sous Les Figuiers in St Remy in Sept. Haven't been there, but did lots and lots of research, which included Fodorite recommendations.

We didn't want anything terribly expensive, but didn't want any "bargain" places either. We're getting a large room with a private terrace for 135 euro per night (for 2). I also understand there's free parking, and it's an easy walk into town.

I stayed in a beautiful B&B in Rognes (Moulin du Rossignol)- just north of Aix. We picked the car up at the train station and driving was a piece of cake. One day we drove west to St. Remy, Les Beaux, and down to the Camargue and the Med. Next day we drove east to Grasse for perfume making, and down to Cannes and back through St, Tropez. Last 2 days we drove north through the Luberon: Lourmarin- exquisite- Abbaye de Senanque, Gordes, Il sur la Sorgue, and Bonnieux. It was a perfectly centered place with home made everything- even honey for breakfast everyday.

The Mas du Pastre in Eygaliers was one of the favorite places I stayed.

http://www.masdupastre.com/tarifs-anglais.php

We're staying in Orange in early October, at what we anticipate is a charming small hotel, for about US$105 a night. A few blocks from the amphitheatre (quieter) but an easy walk.
www.hotel-loucigaloun.com
For $300 you should expect a palace!