We covered a lot of ground in our 2 1/2 week visit to Provence - east to west, from Forcalquier to Sommiéres and north to south, from Le Poét-Laval to Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer. I'll single these out as being our favorites:

Venasque, Joucas, Lacoste, Saignon, Seguret, Le Crestet and Brantes.

Crested vallages all - authentic and un-touristy. The opposite can be said for Roussillon, Fountain-de-Vaucluse and Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

<<authentic and un-touristy. The opposite can be said for Roussillon, Fountain-de-Vaucluse>>

I agree about Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, but touristy or not, I still enjoyed Rousillon.

Totally there with you on Seguret - did you have lunch or dinner at le Mesclun, by any chance? We had a great lunch there in 2005...highlight of a wonderful trip.

Both the Mesclun and the La Table du Comtat in Seguret hav good food and views. The village at Christmas is special, they dress in the costumes of old and end up in the Church. Le Poet-Lvel is a great place if you love pottery. Som of the finest potters there. The nearby Les Hospeliers, with a magnificent view and a truffle salad I never forget. Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer, where the gypsies gather once a year to honor th three Maries.

Merci!! So took me back to Provence!!! I LOVED Seguret - we called it the "precious village."

Venasque and St. Didier were driven through on our way "home" one day and I would love to go back to both someday -- looked very charming. Same for Joucas. Why can't we just see it ALL!?!?!?

I, too, love Roussillon -- have been there twice. It's just so beautiful.

We are returning for the third time in late September and I have written down your villages. However, I have to differ a bit on what you said about the three towns. While they may be over touristed, there are some gems to be found. I loved walking the ochre cliffs at Rousillon and the cemetary was lovely. While the Fontaine de Vaucluse can be a scene, the Resistance Museum there is a must see.
The set designer for Truffaut has recreated several rooms of the period.
In Ste Maries de Mer the crypt to St. Sarah is worth a visit indeed!

Also - and I'll probably be in a minority on this - I didn't understand the attraction of St Rèmy.

I was told that, for some reason, Caroline of Monaco popularized it...

I enjoy St Remy, the yearly artists'fete, the restaurants and several favorite shops. And Yes, Caroline did for St Remy as Peter Mayle did for Menerbes, when they bought homes there at one time.

I'm with you,Tuck. Although, I do think it's a good stop on one's first visit to Provence.