>>What about our plan to drive from Aix to Cassis, with perhaps a boat trip to see some of the calanques. Then follow along through Bandol, Hyeres, to get to Bormes-les-Mimosas. Then make our way north to Esparron de Verdon at the end of the day. Michelin says it is about a 2 hour drive from Bormes to Eparron de Verdon. Is this entirely way to much or is it doable?<<

I think that's doable if you leave Aix early and don't take the longest Calanques boat trip. Cassis is quite small, and you can do it in less time than you would think. After Aix - you won't feel like shopping that much in Cassis. Bandol is skippable, IMO. I've driven through Hyeres several times (on the way to Cassis from St Tropez) and never found a reason to stop. I would take the Corniche du Cretes around Cassis and visit Bormes only if time allows. That's a long & unscenic drive from the Corniche to Bormes, and you'll see lots of villages just as charming as Bormes while you are in Provence (St Remy, Lourmarin, etc). Personally, I would not go that far just to visit Bormes (been there 3-4 times).

Stu Dudley

Thank you, Stu. You are so kind to share your wealth of information. We will not push to go as far as Bormes-les-Mimosas, then. Just slow down and savor the moments!

Cigalechanta, I think it was M.F.K. Fisher's Two Towns in Provence. And, yes, M.F.K., not M.L.K., don't know where that came from -)

Interestingly enough, my husband's French cousin couldn't see the attraction of Aix, thought we should go to Montpellier instead.

Why not get a car to begin with. The longer rental will be less expensive perhaps. Aix is my least favorite place among all the much more charming possibilities in Provence. Worth a day, in and out, in my opinion.

MIMAR,I have that one too but the Boss Dog is special and it all takes place in Aix, The dog wanders all over town and they spot, follow him.