JeanneB

I've only been "planning" this trip for 7 years! But now we've got our plane tickets, so this time it's really going to happen. We'll be in Provence for 4 nights first week of November. (5 nights in Paris after that).

Even after all this time I still can't quite figure out the different areas of Provence. Perhaps the easiest thing is to tell you what we like and want to see. It may be olive picking time. We loved that when we were in Tuscany the same time of year. And the Tuscan farmers were plowing those deep furrows into their fields. In the Chianti region, the vineyards had glorious autumn color in the vines.

Now, I'm describing a lot of landscape because one of our travelers has had some foot surgery and will not be able to walk a lot. So it would be nice to be in an area where "the ride" is lovely, where we can maybe drive out in the countryside and have a picnic on a sunny day. We are history buffs and would normally love to visit all the historical sites around St Remy and Avignon. But for this trip, the landscape is more important.

So, whereas I'd always thought St Remy would be our base, I'm beginning to wonder if maybe we shouldn't move over toward Aix?

I would appreciate it if you guys could point me toward that part of Provence that most resembles what I've described. Thanks!

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We want to be in one place for 4 nights. Budget approx 150eu per night (low season rates). Outside town probably. But we wouldn't mind in town if parking is available. Hotel, Mas, whatever is charming. We like the idea of half board if the restaurant gets good reviews, but it isn't a requirement. I have info from Mas de Carassins in St Remy. Haven't researched Aix yet.

el13207

We loved the Mas de Carassins in St. Remy when we were there this past April. With a car you can drive all over- I recommend going to Uzes and the Pont du Gard as well as L'Isle sur-la-Sourgue, Gordes, Roussillon. It's all beautiful driving territory.

tejana

I don't think there is a wrong answer, but we loved using St Remy as a base for four days, because it is just about in the middle of every place you would want to go for a day trip. Lovely little village that was perfect for wandering in the evenings - not too big to get to know, if you know what I mean.

TDudette

Acquabella in Aix is a stone's throw from garage and it has a restaurant. It is near an area of restos as well.

If you are driving, Aix is a nice place to come "home" to at the end of the day. Don't know if the pool is open in November.

Only did a day trip to Lourmarin (spelling?) but that is pretty inviting as well.

St. Remy sounds nice, tejana.

cigalechanta

St Remy is near alot of olive growing places. There's an olive mill in Maussane. Be sure to rent a small car as some of the villages have very narrow streets.

LynFrance

Aix is a city and St Remy is a town. Very different.

JeanneB

Cogalechanta: unfortunately, one traveller is 6'4". We must rent a larger car for his legs to fit. I hope we will be able to avoid the narrower streets and not end up wedged between two stone buildings! It may mean parking farther out and walking in in some cases. And, having driven in the Dorgogne, I don't even want to think about some of the parking lots we might have to navigate. {{{shudder}}}

We're aware that Aix is more of a city. That's its appeal, whereas St Remy has its own charms. I just wondered which area is most like Tuscany. Perhaps it's an ephemeral question. I get like that sometimes after drowning myself in research.

JulieMautner

Either would be nice but they're very different. Aix is a city, St. Remy a village. St. Remy is much easier to get into and out of, for what that's worth. There are nice olive mills around where you can tour and taste. Lots of people speak English in both places, if that's a concern. Truth is, either place is a good base for day trips--you really can't go wrong one way or another. But I live in St. Remy and I'm biased!! Everyone who comes here just loves it. Wherever you stay, spend a day in the other so you don't feel that missed anything! Have fun.

ira

Hi JB,

I can highly recommend the Cadran Solaire in Graveson. It's about 15 min from everywhere, and within your budget.
http://www.hotel-en-provence.com/uk/...php#tarifs.php

Details at my trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-in-europe.cfm

cigalechanta

my late husband was 6'5" and didn't have a problem.

JeanneB

Oh, Ira. That is the perfect place I've been looking for!!!
Except. There's always an "except" it seems.

We want to be close to a town. We are a party of 4 and may not do things together every day. Some may want to walk (or catch a ride) into town.

Can't wait to read your report.

mr_go

St. Remy as a base for 4 nights sounds just about perfect. We loved it too, for all the same reasons mentioned by others up-thread.

And if you're staying the next 5 nights in the big city (Paris), staying in a smaller town beforehand gives you another 'flavor' to savor.