My wife and I lived in central France for a few years, speak French fluently, and know most regions from many weekend trips radiating out from our central location. We were in Provence 3 or 4 days at one time. We did Orange (**), Arles (***), Les Baux (***), Aigues Morts (***), Nice (*), and Marseille (****), and Pont du Gard (****). We have decided to return for a visit to Provence which we generally mean to be the whole coastal area to a depth of 70 km inland. We'll determine how long we stay based on what we hear back from this posting. Avignon, the big hitter that we missed the first time (we'd expected to visit it separately later but never got around to it), will definitely be on the agenda. <BR>Our tastes run to 12th Century and earlier ruins, Roman architectural remnants, beautiful vistas, lovely small towns worth the visit just to absorb the tranquility. We do not care at all for beaches, museums, or cathedrals. <BR>What are your suggestions

I love the Luberon area, east of Avignon, north of Aix-en-Provence. A large part of it is a regional park and it is dotted with quaint and beautiful hilltop villages, many with their own castles, ruined or otherwise. Some friends and I rented a couple of houses there last fall near Apt for 2 weeks and I plan to go back as soon as possible. To me, this is the real Provence. I suppose there would be more tourists around in the height of the summer but when we were there, it was quiet and peaceful. If you made Aix your base you could easily visit this area and the coastal areas as well. If you are interested in further details let me know.

Joel -- I "topped" kk's report on her trip this spring. It begins <BR>"Italian riviera..."

good morning Joel, if you visit Avignon, be sure to visit Villeneuve-les-avignon. You may take a boat ride, walk across a bridge or take a bus.I prferred the boat most days because the walk back to my hotel was lovely. There's a tour there dating to1307, theFort st.andre14th century it enclosed a small town, church and monestery and so much more. There's also one of Provence's most fampus gardens at St andre. Outside of St.Remy, are the remains of the earliest greek houses dating from the 4th centuryBC in GLANUM. Dramatic memorials stand on the roadside opposite known as LES ANTIQUES, A triumful arch from 10BC and a mausoleum from about 30BC. Then there are all the ancient chapels, that dot all of Provence. For instance in Eygalieres., ST. Sixtus dating from the 16 hundreds. A small car is a must to visit these lovly old sites. I forgor to mention THE BORIES in Gordes where for centuries the shepards sought refuge.

See St. Paul de Vence early in the morning (8:00 AM) before the tourists arrive. Marvelous hillside village (some might even call touristy), upscale shops, tasteful restaurants, unlimited photo ops.

The camargue with the white horses, pink flamingoes. a sight never to forget

Orange has a great Roman amphitheater.

To "see me": what would your itinerary be in the Camargue?

Hi Joel. Roman architectural remnants? As Ellen mentioned, the amphitheater in Orange. There's also an arenea in Nimes, as well as the Maison Carree. In La Turbie (near Nice) you'll find the fascinating (IMO) Trophee des Alpes, built by the Roman Emperor Augustus between 13 and 5 B.C. to commemorate the victorious campaigns he led against the Alpine tribes (there's also a great view from their down into Monaco.)<BR><BR>Beautiful vistas? How about the Gorges du Verdon, the "Grand Canyon" of France?<BR><BR>Lovely small towns? I love Roussillon, in the Luberon. Wonderful small towns in the mountains behind Nice are Peillon, Peille, Sospel, and Saorge (though Saorge is probably too far inland.) <BR><BR><BR> <BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

Add Vaison La Romaine to the list for Roman ruins and small town ambiance. Isla sur la Sorgue is a tiny town with a lovely river and weekly antique fair. Sisteron is a spectacular fortress site.

DO NOT MISS the excavations at Glanum, just south of St. Remy. Extensive and fascinating.

I agree with Karen for St. Remy with Glanum (and Les Antiques, across the street) and Van Gogh's asylum, and with Capo and Betty for the Luberon. <BR><BR>Those would be my choices. Roussillion is one of my favorite towns in the world. The view from the top of town is wonderful, esp if you can catch it at sunset.

Thank you, one and all. You've given me plenty to think about. Top of the list seems to be Glanum and the Luberon region. We may also detour north to return for a second time to the Ardeche.

tops