I previously posted a thread but I figure that my post seemed too complicated, so I've simplified it here so hopefully I can get some responses!

I'm going to be in le Lot with some friends on the 6th, then I'm travelling with my sister 7th to 13th, then with my boyfriend 14th to 17th. We've all been to Nice and Monaco, so would not like to go there again, but are open to any cities in South of France. Finally, none of us can rent a car in Europe so we'll have to rely on public transport.

7th to 13th of July
- stay in Avignon for 3 days (can do a Lavender day trip as well)
- stay in Marseille for 4 days, including 1 day trip to Cassis (and see the calanques)

14th - 17th of July
- stay in Cannes for 3 days, (can do a boat ride to Saint Honorat Island to see lavender and monks etc) then fly out of Nice airport. I chose this place because my boyfriend had said he wanted somewhere relaxing so I thought Cannes would have some nice beaches.

Questions: would avignon be too crowded because of the festival? Would there be enough to do in marseille for 4 days? Should I make Avignon longer and Marseille shorter?

Thanks in advance and any help would be really appreciated!!!!

Best,
Tiffanie

We toured Avignon 2 years ago, for about 2 hours. Could've done it in one.

P.S. Tiffanie--
Do you have any interests, at all, other than the boyfriend?

I would do Arles instead of Avignon. Avignon is one busy street and the Palais des Papes. If the place is jammed, then you have one extremely busy street and one extremely full Palais des Papes. If I could figure out why people go there, then I would write my own Avignon guidebook, but I haven't so I haven't. Arles has more sights, variety and charm. But sometimes it is nice to see and be seen in a university town with a lot going on.

I can't imagine being in Marseilles for more than a day, but Cassis is pretty.

Cannes beaches are small and stuffy, but it is always nice to see and be seen. The beaches in Antibes are also small, but Antibes is really sweet.

<< Do you have any interests, at all, other than the boyfriend? >>

Really.tomboy?

Yes-Avignon will be pretty busy during the festival-it is probably their major event of the year if I recall correctly.

That said, the festival itself is really interesting, so if you decide to spend a few days there, the main thing would be commit to a hotel booking and depending on the event, you would probably want to book any tickets. Here is a link to the calendar if you haven't explored the activities before:

http://www.festival-avignon.com/en/Calendar

Oh I also meant to mention that Toulouse would make a great stop if you care coming from the Lot-it is a lovely city and vry young with a lot to do.

Bordeaux is also great-but it may take you further away than your want to go if you are limited to trains....

Bordeaux is entirely unrealistic if limited to trains.