I recently started researching our next summer (2012) destination. We will have about 2 weeks, and will split them between Paris (5 days) and Provence. I am already overwhelmed by the amount of information here, and the number of places I already want to explore. Serious cut back is required (Millau and Gorges du Tern are already off the list, for a future trip). I will follow up with many more questions, I am sure, but I will start with these 2, just to help me narrow things down:

1) We are interested in Roman ruins, but not big towns/cities. We will definitely include Pont du Gard (and probably Glanum) in the itinerary, but would also want to see an amphitheater. Not sure if we should see the one in Arles or the one in Nimes. Considering that the towns itself are not of any interest, and based only on the Roman ruins they have, which one would be the one you suggest? I don’t know yet where we will be based, but please ignore that for now.

2) We will try to land into Marseille, and spend the first 2 nights to relax in Cassis. Then we’ll have 8 nights for Provence (mostly Luberon area) and from there TGV to Paris for the last 5 nights. Listing all the pretty villages we want to see would not serve any purpose, I still need to refine the list, but for 8 nights, would you recommend a central base (L’isle sur la Sorgue area maybe?) or a split between 2 bases, with a 2nd one maybe around Mt Ventoux? Work logistics dictate that the 8 days are something like Mon-Tue, so a weekly rental would not work, we’ll do B&Bs.

We are interested in beautiful scenery, photography, good food, nice drives, lavender (we’ll be there probably the first 2 weeks of July and yes Stu, I have your itineraries, thanks a lot, they are a great resource), a few markets but not one every day, leisurely walks through picturesque villages, relaxation – so we do not want to have a list and check items off, but enjoy the area.

Based on your recommendations here, I will define/refine our base(s) and things that are realistically possible in 8 days. Thanks

Not sure what you mean "considering that the towns itself are not of any interest, and based only on the Roman ruins they have" ... I've been to and liked both, but I'd choose Arles. It's a beautiful town, lots to do and see (Van Gogh sites), and it's quite will situated to get around to Avignon, Aix, Orange (more Roman ruins). There are several hotels that have a view
of the Roman arena too, if that's something you'd like.

Q2 - your last statement about weekly rentals -- why do you think that a Mon-Tues rental won't work? They don't all rent starting Saturdays, nor do they always in weekly chunks. More likely, they'll just charge you an extra day. For a base, well, are you going to have a car with you? It will make a big difference in where you want to situate yourself, and if you have a car, your base won't be very important. The villages are very close together, for the most part (under an hour's drive)

Final note -- if you are thinking of staying in Avignon, watch out for the hotel rates in July. There's a month-long festival every year, and hotels/apartments double their regular summer rates. You can try booking now and see what rates they give you for next year

Roman ruins in Provence but not a big city - sounds like Vaison La Romaine (VLR). Not too far away is Orange and one of the most impressive roman ruins I have ever seen (the theater) and a roman monument (arch) built by - was it Hadrian or Ceasar, celebrating their triumph over the local tribes? The little villages to the south of Vaison La Romaine are quintessential Provence. Small hill top villages smack in the center of the wine region. Before you know it you are in Carpentras, and Ilse Sur Sorge. Just look at the map - anywhere around there is fine - St Remy is one of the favorite places on this board.

Get a book on the area and you will be delighted at the wealth of opportunities you'll have to virtually wallow in roman ruins and wine country. I think the area of Provence near the Rhone has more roman ruins and feel than further east or south (but then I am sure others will disagree). As you go east the roman feel is still around, but not as viable IMO. Of course the Pont is great and Nimes is more of a city, but great roman ruins all the same (I'd take Nimes over Arles personally). I recommend having a car so you can go as you wish and on a whim. Base yourself in one of the small villages near St Remy or Isle Sur Sorgue as you suggested. That is fine. VLR is on the northern edge of the area and Avignon and Nimes to the south and west. I would not go much further east than Aix - assuming you have time. With 8 days, you could stay in one place the entire time or maybe split up with a couple of days in say 2 hotels or chambre d'hautes. Do a search and I think you'll find recommendations on this site.

Last year I spent a week in Sablet - and loved every minute of it. What a great area to be in...

296,
We live in a big city, and throughout our travelling we found out we don’t enjoy big cities as much as small, quiet villages and picturesque drives. Although we loved Vienna, Florence and London, and plan to spend some days in Paris, which I know we will love. OK, I see, I am contradicting myself…what I meant was that I don’t think we will be interested in walking/shopping in either city, we are not big museum goers, so what will be of interest in either Arles and Nimes, would be their roman ruins and probably the area around them for some leisure strolling and lunch.

However, after I will research more about the Van Gough sites, I might change my mind and allow more time for Arles. Now, Arles has ruins and Van Gogh history, Nimes has ruins and anything else? Does it mean Arles is a better choice for spending the day (or most of the day)?

Regarding my 2nd question – I just assumed all rentals go Sat-Sat, I am glad to hear that other options are available, if we decide on a single base.

We will have a car, and will definitely not stay in Avignon, although we will visit it as a day trip. We live in a big city, I always have, but I love the country side, so we will stay somewhere in the country, surrounded by fields and nature (either B&B or rental).

JoeCal,
VLR is “on the list”, that’s why I am contemplating a 2-bases stay, one in the south, one in the north – it seems a better option for not back-tracking.

Here is another dilemma – I know we want to see the area between Uzes (at the far west) to around Mt Ventoux (east), then area around VLR (north) to Cassis (south). What Michelin map # should we get? I really need that to figure out places and distances, but I am confused about names (Provence, Luberon, Languedoc-Roussillon, etc).
Thanks

Arles is also closer than Nimes to the Camargue region, if you like nature so much, and there are a lot of outdoor activities down around that area (Ste Marie de la Mer, for ex). As for Nimes, I think the ruins are the main draw, but there is also a remarkable park there that is quite famous, though I didn't have time to go.

The other thing about rental apartments is that they don't necessarily have a 1-week minimum on them; many accept shorter terms (usually 5 nights, in my experience)

Side note to JoeCal - it was Augustus who built it when he gave Orange to veterans of the Gallic wars

296,
I was intrigued by Camargue from the beginning, but I think this will be a must see for us, for the nature activities and photography that it offers, so I guess we’ll see Arles. Yes, we like nature a lot, and that tipped the balance.

Thanks for the additional info on “not necessarily” weekly rentals, it will be something to explore. Now I need to read some more, still not sure what map(s) to get.

We liked Arles a lot and it has the best outdoor market I have ever seen. We spent hours there - an amazing display of plants, produce, fruits, herbs, spices, cheeses, prepared foods, meats and baked goods. I'm sorry I can't remember what day it is but it is well worth researching.

There is a great roman amphitheatre in Orange. We also really enjoyed Glanum.

Here's a link to outdoor activities in the Camargue http://www.creme-de-languedoc.com/La...rse-riding.php. It defaults to horseriding because that was what I was searching at the time (after my plans to romp throught the lavender fields of Provence tanked), but at the top there are a whole bunch of activity links. Oh, and I just wanted to make sure that I haven't steered you in the wrong direction regarding Arlies -- it is a small city (definitely not a village or town).

Oops Arles, not Arlies