Would like to have some info on where to stay,(travelling Sept 19),so far I have picked Tarascon, L'Isle sur-la-Sorgue, or Arles, can you recommend a hotel or B&B within town limits & price range of=--95-120 EE or recommend another town/city, would like to explore the Provence area, including the wine region.

Margot we stayed in Avignon for 10 nights last September and loved it. As far as other places and hotels, I'd suggest you do a search under Provence or Avignon as there are as many places to stay as there are opinions.<BR><BR>US

Margot:<BR>For the Provence "specialists" check out:<BR>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/provence<BR>If you look in the archives you will see a lot of suggestions of things to do and see.<BR>

Margot, I can recommend the Calendal in arles, a lovely patio to dine on and only yards away from the Place de Forum.<BR>Tarascon, I found wanting , but I enjoyed the Soleido fabric museum and the shop. In L'isle I have stayed at the Mas d'Grey and the mas de Cure Bourse(my Favorite). In L'isle, The jardin de Quai is a good lunch spot.

I lived in the Avignon for a few months. Either there or Aix-en-Provence would be a great "base camp." There are bus day trips that are quite convenient. I loved one (out of Avignon) of Rousillon / Gordes / L'Abbaye de Senanque. L'Isle sur la Sorgue is a MUST - on a Saturday. You should also not miss Les-Baux-de-Provence.

I can second the recommendation of Hotel le Calendal in Arles. Our double room in June was 70 euro overlooking the garden.Included breakfast (I believe). Hotel had lots of provencal colors and touches. Great location. Steps from the Amphitheather. We enjoyed Arles a lot. More than just a small little hilltown, but smaller feeling than a city (Avignon). Could walk everywhere.

I can third the Calendal in Arles. Great location, but their garage parking was horrendous. We had reserved a space, but couldn't get the car into the garage. We ended up getting a spot in the public (free) lot up the hill to the right. We also had a room with a patio overlooking the garden. Unfortunately it rained our entire 2 day stay. Most importantly tho, this hotel DOES NOT have a lift.

Just returned from Provence. My thoughts may be different than others here but I did not like Arles at all. You should visist Lisle sur la Sorgue on Sunday for the antique market.<BR><BR>We very much liked the vitality in Avignon and would go back there and stay at the Leurope Hotel in the city, it was beautiful. We actually stayed in St Remy at the Chateau des Alpilles (extremely nice)which is centrally located for touring the entire region.

Last year we stayed at Mas de Entremont which is just north of Aix and used this as our base to explore Provence. This worked well for us as we did not have to contend with the traffic of Aix and yet could drive into town if we chose. Aix if fairly large so might take this into consideration.