suehoff

if we are flying into Nice and want to explore the cote d'azur,provence,etc-in what city should we base ourselves. trip dates are 5/19-5/24 for two people, budget for hotels about 250E

kevin_widrow

Depends if you want to see just the Cote d'Azur (and local inland villages) or the western part of Provence (Aix, Avignon, Luberon) as well...

-Kevin

StuDudley

You can't base in one place & visit all of the Cote & Provence.

I would spend half your time near St Paul de Vence & visit the Cote from there. Then move on to Provence (visiting Aix on the way), for the remainder of your time. Gordes is where I would base. or perhaps St Remy (I think the Gordes area is prettier).

If you will be in the South any time less than 7 days, I would just stay in one of these two places.

I have a 20+ page itinerary describing my favorite places, drives, villages, markets, restaurants, etc in this region. E-mail me at [email protected] if you want a copy.

Stu Dudley
San Mateo (San Francisco), Ca.

suehoff

Thanks for the responses. We do want to see Provence and other inland areas as well. My husband would really like it to be about countryside and "not cities and museums" so any help is appreciated!

RSSmith

My recommendation is to stay the 1st 2 nights at Chateau de la Chevre d'Or in Eze, a cliff-top village about 20 minutes from Nice with endless sea views. You can decompress there and/or see some sights on the coast. It's one of the most spectacular places we've ever stayed. Then move on to the St. Remy/Les Baux area or Gordes (in the Luberon) for the rest of your trip. Both areas are beautiful and filled with delightful little villages. We love Mas de la Brune, a 14th-century castle outside St. Remy. There are several Relais & Chateux hotels in and around Gordes. If possible, fly back from Marseilles in order to avoid having to backtrack to Nice.

The weather will be perfect in May. Enjoy!!!

obsessedwithfrance

Hi Sue-
I, too, will be in Provence the same dates you are. We'll be based in St. Remy. We're staying at this mas based on many positive Fodor reviews (and tripadvisor.com):
http://www.avignon-et-provence.com/h.../gb/index.html
I agree with Stu and RSSmith's suggestions: base either St. Remy's or Gordes. I've been to Gordes and it is beautiful. Its definitely countryside so you're husband will love it. Many Fodorites have commented on St. Remy as a great base which is why I picked that as my base. Have fun! Might I suggest on Sunday, May 22nd, check out the famous market at l'Isle sur la Sorgue (about 20 minutes east of Avignon). They have everything - antiques, fabric, soaps, etc...