This is my first trip to France and as I'll be going off to St. Tropez (yes I'm very lucky) in late July/early August. I will be in Provence with two friends in late July and I was wondering if anyone had any ideas regarding villages in which to stay/explore.

We are looking to relax, eat some good food, drink quality wine, not fight with tourists for space and just bike around villages and surrounding areas. We're thinking 3-4 days. I figure Bordeaux will be too far away. We're trying to keep staying costs relatively low (B&Bs) and would consider renting a car, but I think we'd rather bike.

Any ideas? The wine does not have to be world renowned and the quainter the area, the better. Alternate suggestions regarding locations are welcome.

I realize the above may be difficult in July, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

I did a similar trip last may and chose to stay in Tavel, a charming wine village about 10 miles from Avignon. So close to big (and small) stores, that a village simply doesn't have. If you are in good shape a bike ride up into the mountains is fabulous -- really stunning country with lots of wild lavender and cliffs. But it is somewhat strenuous terrain (completely flat around Tavel). http://www.gard-provencal.com/an/vv/tavel.htm

Aix is quite peaceful and very classy (at least the centre of it is). I don't know why you would want to stay in a more rural place....Just rent a car or get on your bikes and explore the area.

here is a site where you can get some ideas and some interesting links:
http://www.luberonexperience.com/resources.htm

I will be spending a week there in June ( after two weeks in Burgundy) - in our case we will have a vacation rental in a village and a car.

It is not a guy thing, but I loved Grasse where most of the world's perfume is made. Factory tours, free samples, museums - everything you ever wanted to know about perfume, and more.

Public buses from Cannes and other cities in the area.

Romelle

This place is not high on the tourist lists, but you may want to look into Apt. It's the largest place in the Luberon but it is not large (10,000 +/-). It has neat medieval centre, a large Saturday market, a place where one can rent bikes and cycle to many places without too much hill climbing, good hikes and relaxation. We stayed in a suite in a 19th century maison overlooking the medieval centre -- 2 bedrooms with kitchen, dining & living room -- for 100 Euros a night (in June).

Bruce and everyone else, thanks a lot. I'm looking into Luberon... ayone else with ideas?

We are headed to Bonnieux at the end of July for a week as part of our summer vacation in France. Last week my secretary brought me a guide book by Rick Steves, a well known travel journalist. I have been to France many times but I was so impressed with this book as it seems he has examined every square inch of the country We have taken many of his suggestions and look forward to trying them out. Visit www.ricksteves.com

Hi, guys, we are planning to visit Nice and Cannes in this coming mid-June. Where is the nearest spot from these 2cities for us to catch the lavender field?
And we will be depend on public transport.

Thanks.

I wouldn't say they are everywhere but fine lavender (protected by appellation controllee laws) is found only at high altitude (<700-800 m ASL). If my memory serves me right, the town of Sault is one of the places with huge fields around.

You find lavendin (a hybrid) and other coarse lavenders in low elevations but the fine lavender AC is found in the high altitudes and only in specific places. Nice and Cannes are quite a way from tha range though you may find fields in the hills high above Cannes (can't say I saw any).