Hello, planning my first trip to Provence, solo. I am coming down from a few days in Paris on September 16 and intend on renting a car from whichever train station I come into (Avignon?). I am flying out of Nice on September 26. Originally I had planned to spend some time on Cote d'Azur but the more research I have done, the less it appeals to me. As much as I'd love a dip into the Mediterranean, the towns feel too commercialized for me. So now I am thinking the entire time in Provence, maybe an overnight near Nice the day before my flight... not sure.
I am having trouble deciding how to divide my time- would it be recommended to stay in one place the entire 16-25 (or 26) or divide into Alpilles/Luberon?
For example:
September 16-20 Stay in one place near St Remy/Les Baux/Eygalières...or maybe even Uzes? Day trips to those places & Arles/L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
September 20-25/26 Stay in one place near Bonnieux/Ménerbes/or Loumarin...day trips to Luberon villages and at least one to Aix to visit Cezanne's studio
Not sure how many days to allocate to each
or
September 16-25 one base, probably in Luberon
September 25-26 somewhere closer to Nice
Les Calanques and Moustiers Ste. Marie appeal to me as well but perhaps not in the cards for this trip.
Any thoughts appreciated!
My interests include aimless driving/wandering, scenic/natural beauty, photography, French culture, sampling typical foods, markets, avoiding influencers and disneyland-style tourism to the degree possible. Wine is of no special interest to me.