GKS

Hello! So I thought I had my vacation all figured out - until everything changed. haha. Now, with the new dates I have, the hotel I'd found in Aix-En-Provence is booked one of the nights I needed it - and after a preliminary search I had a hard time finding something else in the old town area for less than $150 a night.

As planned before, we were going to do 1 night in Marseille (our train dumps us there, and there we get the rental car) and then 2 in Aix. So I could change it to 2 nights in Marseille and only 1 in Aix, but I think I've read that Marseille just doesn't compare to other places in the area? If that's the case, I'd rather do the 1 night as planneed in Marseille and 2 somewhere else entirely.

Is there another town around there you guys would recommend? And if so, a hotel there that you'd suggest? Character and charm is what we're looking for (pretty broad, I know), and we'd love it if it was a place where we can walk around at night and not have to drive (the reason I was going for the old town part of Aix)....Any help you could give would be appreciated!

cigalechanta

http://www.france-balades.fr/bed-&-b...r00us2546.html

jenblase

I can help you with the cute and charming, but not with a place where you can walk around at night.
Check out
www.lescarmes.com

It is, however, only a 5 min drive from Isle sur la Sorgue.

Mike and Ann are wonderful hosts (from England) and their son James is an amazing chef. We ended up eating all 3 of our dinners there since the meals were so good and reasonably priced.

We stayed in their best room for 125 euros a night, but I think they have rooms starting at 80 euros a night.

rlbplf

Did you try Mas de Entremont which is just outside Aix? We loved our stay there several years ago and the location is very good for exploring the area.

amelie

jenblase-
That is a cute place. Did you use the pool or know if it is heated?

Underhill

We too liked Le Mas d'Entremont, which has a very nice owner/manager. I don't think you'll be able to get it for the price you have in mind, however, and since it's out of Aix--up on a plateau--you would need to drive down into the city and hunt for one of the rare places to park.

Few Provence pools are heated; so unless you're going in the summer, pool water tends to be chilly.

GKS

Thank you all so much! The places you suggested are beautiful. What do you think of Marseille? Am I right in wanting to only spend one night there and two somewhere else? (I know, subjective question, but I'd love your thoughts!)

jrjcolllins

jenblase, the B&B looks charming on their website. How were the breakfasts, and were they included in the room rate?

ozgirl

http://www.masperreal.com/
near St. Saturnin-Lès-Apt.
The owner, Kevin, is a frequent poster here. Breakfasts to die for, and beautiful suites, coupled with fantastic local knowledge.
Kevin and his wife Elisabeth are excellent hosts.

cigalechanta

This is one of our favorite places in Les Alpilles.

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

cigalechanta

this is another favoriite where we stayed three times but the rates have gone up since we were there last time. I think 130euro.

http://www.ila-chateau.com/regalido/index.htm

jenblase

Breakfasts were really good - croissants, muffins, homemade preserves, muesli, other cereal, juice and coffee. Simple yet yummy. There was a couple who had young children there and they requested scrambled eggs; Mike and Ann had no problem providing them.

Yes it's included in the room rate.

And Amelie the pool wasn't heated, at least I don't recall. We were there in late May and it was warm enough to use the pool!! (also I still owe you an email - sorry - will write you back soon!)

ceilidhoh

Stay near Isle sur la Sorgue or les Alpilles if you can- typically Provencal! Isle sur la Sorgue is know as the "Venice of Provence".

travelhorizons

My favorite place to stay in Aix-en-Provence is a great B&B. I wrote a blog article here: http://tinyurl.com/ywjyqc

Another possibility: Avignon.

GKS

Wow....you guys are amazing!!! THANK YOU!