We are beginning to think about a return to France at last, probably next year some time. I'm interested in exploring Provence, doing a "route de arte" (is there such a thing?). Suggestions of where to lay our heads at night that we could use as a base from which to explore would be most appreciated (towns, not hotels - we'll figure that out later) - but if you do have a favorite hotel that would be nice too. thanks

I adore the Fondation Vasarely in Aix, so I would not miss that. I also think that visiting the ochre quarry in Roussillon is essential for understanding the art of the region.

I used Aix as a base, though not necessarily for your purpose.

As a lover of art, I planned my time in Provence so that I could visit as many of that region's wonderful museums as possible.
A stellar month in southeastern France

I don't think there's a single place that is ideal as a base for the region -- it's too large an area. JMO.

Who knew, there is an “art route “ according to the tourist office. But it gives shockingly short shrift to Aix-en-Provence.
Decent springboard for your planning, all the same.

https://provence-alpes-cotedazur.com...zur-art-route/

We really enjoyed Arles and Saint‑Rémy‑de‑Provence. But will you have a car?

Stay in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a charming, central hub that puts you within an hour of Avignon, Arles, and Aix’s best museums and artist foundations. For a boutique stay, check into Le Petit Hotel in the heart of the village.

Second for Saint Remy de Provence, at Hotel Soleil, across the way from Tourist Office. Superb, and quiet.

I highly recommend St. Remy de Provence, too! We visited many times when our oldest daughter lived in Provence. And while there, you can visit a quaint village called Egalieres, which is not touristy at all. They have a wonderful Friday market and some good restaurants. On Fridays the restaurants serve a special dish, a white fish baked in parchment with vegetables. Delicious. There is a somewhat easy uphill walk to the ruins of a church. Very interesting with great views. My guess is you won't hear any English spoken.

I also think St Remy is a good central location to tour the region providing you have a car. Small- moderate size with several restaurants including one Italian and a Michelin one star that is quite agreeable. Decent supermarket on the outskirts. Easy to drive out of and with several hotels.

Oh my gosh I love this forum. I first started haunting Fodors when we planned our first trip to France over 15 years ago now. Since then you wonderful people have provided excellent advice for many adventures both stateside and abroad. It was so much fun to see familiar names popping up reading your replies.(Karen Woo, so nice to see you again) KJA, what an amazing trip report. I must admit I'm not familiar with many of the smaller towns you ventured to. I am reading carefully and taking notes. We probably won't rent a car. In the past we've worked with local driver guides which has worked well. We did rent in Portugal, Spain and Greece but I'm not sure I can take the excitement of trying to navigate anymore. Am I correct that Nice would be a bit out of orbit if we stayed in St. Remy? Any thoughts on how you would apportion time if you had 5 nights? Thank you for all the wonderful advice.

Hi lauramsgarden, hello, it's nice to see you here again, too. I remember reading your Portugal trip report when I was planning our trip.

Nice is too far from St. Remy for a daytrip. it's about a 2.5 hour drive one-way. I think it would make the most sense to spend all 5 nights in one place especially if you decide to stay in St. Remy. There are so many places you can visit from there. And right outside of the city center is the asylum where Van Gogh was a patient for a year. And the Roman ruins of Glanum. From St. Remy you can visit Les Baux and many of the Lubergon villages. Aix en Provence is an hour away as is Marseille. I think you will fill your days very easily.

I wasn't familiar with many of the smaller towns I visited until I started researching my trip. Obviously, I don't mind moving around quite a bit -- I know that makes me an unusual Fodorite. Let me know if you have any questions about my report!

I think Aix is the best of the cities for art itself, as it has several wonderful museums. There are many delightful art museums in the area, but most are scattered about. It really depends on which museums you want to see -- I think you need to do a bit of research about that.

I consider St. Rémy totally overtouristed. It is the same as staying in Saint Germain-des-Près in Paris. Of course this is exactly what some people want.

I share your appreciation of Fodor's folks and the great info, lauramsgarden. My DH and I loved Aix:
Trip Report: A Provence Sandwich

Go to the end of page 3 for the Aix portion. Our hotel had a warm spring heated pool, restaurant, spa, and the most comfy beds. There was a car garage but I don't know if it belonged to the hotel. We took two tours and were picked up at the hotel. We also took bus to Marseille as its train station had more options.

​​​​​Looking forward to reading about your choice.

Thanks Dudette (I remember reading some of your other trip reports) I shall certainly read. let me add another quick question to the mix. for those of you who ended your trip in Provence, where did you fly home from? We're going to the east coast of the US. Paris seems a bit far. marseille involves a change of planes. Barcelona actually has a direct flight and is closer - but then we'd be seduced into making the trip longer lol. Thanks as ever.

What about the airport in Nice?

Oh my goodness KJA you win the prize. there is a non stop to Philadelphia. score!