Thanks to everyone who has helped me here, especially regarding the French Cottages link which I have seriously been considering, perhaps I will widen my search for other cottages. Uzes is still a possibility for one week but definitely going to St Remy or Aix areas so I can visit the lavender fields. I appreciate all your knowledge, it is so very helpful for someone like me over the other side of the world trying to plan the perfect 'French' visit. And yes, I have been spoilt with you sharing your expert knowledge, photos, ideas, views etc bless you all for your time x

I am not sure St Remy is a good location for viewing lavender but others may know better than me. I would look for a cottage in the Luberon area of Provence.

No, St-Rémy is not ideal if lavender is the goal. The Lubéron would be better, and there's plenty to see there. You could always make a daytrip to St-Rémy and other places in Les Alpilles.

Also, Dreams, I don't know what you're googling for (assuming you are googling) when looking for rentals, but "cottages" is not a word I associate much at all with properties in France. England? Yes. France? No. Just search for French country rentals or something like that.

Or French gites

We booked all our gites for our upcoming trip through Gites de France. There is lots of choice for all budgets. In the past we have also used French Connections, Owners direct -these are English sites and the owners are usually English. Our last couple of trips we have used GDF and Abritel, so all French owners.

The site you mentioned has been around for a few years and prices are way out of our budget. Most rental sites run Sat to Sat. Markets are not always on Saturday either. A lot of the ones we have visited and enjoyed have been midweek.

As St Cirq said, cottage is more an English description. I also do not think of " villa" as French either. Maybe on the Med , bit not in Burgundy or the Loire Valley for example, where I have seen people ask for a villa. That is just me I suppose!! Probably wrong.
Bon voyage.

I will add that we are Australian. I can understand your hesitation about driving. But for us, it is the only way to travel. Having a car lets you go where you want, for as long as you want and also stay where you want. We do a combination of one and two week stays and we have a wonderful time. If you click on my name you can read my reports from 2012 (country roads ) and 2014 (on the road again ). We have had a great time everywhere we have been and leave for France on Sept 8. We are counting the days.

Thankyou rhon, yes its important to ask correctly so I get what I want, I will definately look at Gites and Abritel, thanks so much, this is the sort of information I need to help me review the differences. A few of you have now mentioned the prices of French Cottages is over the top so I have plenty of time to find other options..and if we book Sat to Sat we will still find a market - somewhere especially if I get brave enough to hire a car :)

rhon, thanknyou so much for sharing, I will read your reports and being Australian, you would know why I am hesitant, however if you have not had problems I trust in that. Have a fabulous time in France! Lucky you...I only have 20 more months to wait :)

Lastly rhon, would love to know where you find great self catering accomodation and where your favourite spots are, just when you have time, I know you are travelling very soon, so when that is done :)

We are probably not typical because we stay for extended periods (a lot only visit for a couple of weeks or less )and do like taking our time. We also have a small budget, so no luxury accommodation and meals in restaurants every day for us ! We self cater the whole time and have one , very occasionally , two meals out a week, often an inexpensive lunch, and one ( last trip we did two )what I call " splurge " meal a trip where we might spend 100 euro as a couple for a three course meal with aperitif, wine and coffee. This is how we can afford to return - every two years since 2006.
We do not stay in the tourist hubs often suggested e.g. St Remy in Provence, Sarlat in the Dordogne. We are quite happy in a gite in a small hamlet or in the countryside. Just a personal preference , while others prefer to be in a town with shops and restaurants.
We do spend a lot of time looking for our gites and all have been comfortable and well equipped. We do not always have WIFI (three weeks without this time )but not a big issue. We always look for a full kitchen - that is one with an oven, not just a microwave.
Where to go is really up to you. We have enjoyed everywhere we have been. We do have a special fondness for Burgundy and have stayed seven weeks in various parts since 2006, and are returning for one week this time as well. But Provence (have not been to the Cote d'Azur )has lots to see, and the Dordogne is beautiful. Normandy, Brittany, the Loire Valley, Alsace, the list goes on. We travel shoulder to off season, so we will never see lavender in Provence. But you cannot do everything. This time we are looking forward to the autumn colours.
We just find there is so much variety and differences between the regions, that wherever you go there is plenty to see and do. We have spent quite a few weeks over the years (since 2006 ) in regions that do not get mentioned often on travel forums e.g the Auvergne, the Jura, the Drome, the Gers and enjoyed them all.
Have a look at France Voyage, France this Way, Les Plus Beaux Villages de France for some inspiration. Researching is a lot of fun.
Good luck.