Lodging in Arles, Aix-en-Provence, Sarlat La Caneda, Bordeaux, and Giveny

James,
Without a car, I would pick the location that has the most/best options for bus trips or tours from there. Both places are lovely. I haven't stayed in Aix, but Arles has the Roman arena and other Roman sights, as well as nice markets and some lovely walking areas.

Aix has about 2 1/2 times the population of Arles, so perhaps it has better options. Aix, of course, is a university town, and is within commuting distance of Marseille, so that may be why it has more people. Check the info in guidebooks, beginning with the Rick Steves one. You can probably find an older one in the public library if you don't want to buy one.

I was in Arles and Aix late 2023. I loved them both. I thought Arles had more to see and do, but I loved just relaxing at a cafe in Aix and watching the world go by. Aix has one of the nicest Tourist Info offices I've been to in a long time and there is a nearby bus station (mostly outdoors & very clean) which took me to Avignon. I came to Aix from Nice with a change in Marseilles.

In Bordeaux we stayed at the 4 souers (sisters) hotel and thought it was great. And not expensive. One block to the tourist office and a main tram station. Trams will get you anywhere it seems. You can look up the hotel on booking.com but then I would check with them directly. They might well offer a better price.
I would opt for Arles over Aix. Been to both 2 or 3 times.
You can't go wrong with Sarlat. You would probably need to stay right in Sarlat if you do not have a car. But staying in Sarlat is not a hardship. Stunning town. The Dordogne in general and the triangle between Sarlat, La Roque Gagiac & Beynac is my favorite place on earth. I've not been to Giveny but enjoyed Rouen very much. Easy train there from Paris. If you go be sure to have a meal at bistro Pascaline. Wonderful food beautiful ambience and, again not expensive.

Giverny is a tiny village. Without a car, I'd consider visiting as a day trip from Paris, because there is nothing to do in the village beyond Monet's house & garden and the small museum.

Sarlat/Périgord without a car is rough, too, and getting there without a car from the east/south east (i.e. Arles) is very complicated. You basically have to go through Bordeaux. Not sure it's worth the hassle for just 2-3 nights without a car. Instead, I'd rather spend 2-3 nights in BOTH Aix and Arles, as they are very different and equally worth it.

James,
What Balso said re Giverny and Sarlat.

I spent March 2024 in Provence, solo, public transpo. A week each in Aix, Arles and 2 in Avignon. I read up on all the towns in the area and their market days and they almost seemed to be a natural way the towns fell in relation to all of the 3 cities. My aim was to head out to the small towns on their market day and it worked out great!

In Arles I stayed at "by Gwen-le Jaures" through booking.com. A fabulous apt right across from the Tourist Bureau and by probably a dozen bus lines and many make the quick trip to the train station.

In Aix I stayed in Appartement Comfort Aix Centre around the corner and 1 1/2 blocks from the train station and up a set of stairs (there is also an elevator) and 1 block to the bus depot. Walk up the street from the apt and right into the heart of Aix. A wonderful apt also through booking.

Have not stayed in the other places and only day trip to Giverny.

I took advantage of a poster offering books on Provence--received about 30. Still have some left if you are interested. I leave for europe in two weeks so please send me your address if interested. Enjoy!