where to stay 1 month in southern France

So... you're seeking recommendations on geographic locations rather than specific properties?

Beyond wanting to experience local activities and flavors, what are your interests?

Put another way, if you could describe the principal things you see yourself doing in your mind's eye while thinking about this trip, what would they be?

Well, I'd need to know a bit more about you to give you targeted suggestions. If it were me (I'm in my early 30s), I'd choose Aix-en-Provence (my future goal is to live here, so there are a million reasons why I love it!). Montpellier is also excellent, though may feel more "international" than typically French to you (though this is the reason that the many French living here love it). Both towns skew youngish and have vibrant populations, and are great bases for exploring quainter villages nearby. If you're looking for something smaller or quieter, I might suggest Nîmes. It's got a fascinating history and is really a pleasant place to be. If you're thinking more village, I'd look at some of the small villages around the bigger bases of Montpellier or Aix (though keep in mind that if you're able to find a lot of info about them on the internet, that's because they cater to tourism--this isn't necessarily a bad thing, but might not be what you're looking for). Oh, and maybe Sète if you want something on the sea that isn't the Riviera.

Consider Languedoc, specifically L'Herault. It is less touristy than Provence, so a lot less crowded, and there is so much to see and do. We rented a house in a small village near Pezenas for three weeks, then again 5 years later for another 2 weeks, and fell in love with the area. Lots of vineyards, weekly outdoor markets, and scenic areas. We day tripped to Carcasson, Albi, Arles, Le Camargue, Pont du Gard, and Collouire, and there is lots to see closer to "home." We overnighted to the Gorge du Tarn, and for a city fix, Montpellier is close (We flew in and out from that airport). Finally, the Mediterranean beaches and coastal towns are only about 30 minutes away. I think this area would fit the bill for you. There is a lot of info available on the internet, and Michelin has a green guide on the area. Bon voyage.

Just to be sure: You do plan to have a rental car (or probably better, a leased car) for the duration, yes?

We had a similar idea last year for our 6 weeks, but ended up splitting it up and taking a RS tour, too. But I would say:

Aix en Provence would be nice. The city is lovely, great markets, good day trips, lots of young people, too. We stayed there last year.

We're staying a week this year in La Freinet-Garde, which I think could be an nice off the beaten track experience with some of what you're looking for. It might be too close to the Riviera, though, for you.

We traveled through the Charente region and the small towns we saw were just a bit too small and seemed a bit empty. I guess those were just a little too far off the beaten track. :)

We've stayed two weeks in gite in Isle Sur la Sorgue. It was a nice experience but the town was pretty big by our standards. We were there in the last two weeks in June. Weather was good and we found lots to do, touring the hill top towns, canoeing, bull games etc.

Our previous trip was a month in a gite in Dordogne, June again. Our third trip to France was back to the same gite for two weeks.
We found the Dordogne area(near Sarlat) to be a slower pace and not as many tourists. Lots to do and see.

All in all we liked Provence but definitely prefer Dordogne. This year we are back to Dordogne for the month of September.

We spent 5 weeks in Pezenas once, a ways west of Montpellier. Beautiful small town with a great weekly market, quite a few good restaurants, and shops. Well located for the local wineries, the beach, the Cevennes, the Canal du Midi, and lots of other gorgeous little villages and medium sized towns. Plenty to explore! The area is very affordable and very "French". Highly recommend.

I was really pleased with the Ardeche area. If it was nearer the ocean it would be my favorite. Lots of beautiful small stone villages. My French girlfriend said the same, many French like the area better than Provence and it's more affordable. It's pretty central for roaming both east and west. I think there are fewer roads going west because much of the area is National Park.

I spent 6 weeks in Aix en Provence for a Road Scholar French language immersion program just over a year ago. It was part of their living and learning program. I absolutely loved Aix. It is medieval, intimate, has great restaurants, is walkable, has wonderful markets and museums etc. It is also close to Marseille by bus and the TGV. it is easy to drive to areas around Aix or get a day tour. From Aix, I went to Marseille, Arles, Montpelier, the Pont du Garde, the Luberon, Nime and Nice. it is also a college town so lots of vibrancy, youth, and many things going on.