Very short stay in Provence

Avignon is about two hours from Paris, Aix about 2 and a half (TGV). Both would make a good base: Avignon is more inland and a good town from which to visit Arles, Nîmes and Orange (a lot of Roman stuff there, and the Pont du Gard). It is also a good base if you want to visit the Camargue region.

Aix is closer to the sea, particularly if you want to visit the Calanques (a series of little fjords along the coast between Marseille and Cassis), and seaside towns and villages. It is also where Cézanne was from so if you are into his art you will find the surrounding countryside to your taste.

Both will give you a good idea of the Provence region, in slightly different ways. They are both close to hilly areas that are enjoyable for hiking, and equally historically and architecturally interesting (Avignon having the bonus of the imposing 14th century Popes' Palace in that regard). Aix is a student town so I find it a little more lively than Avignon, personally.

Thanks for the help. Wish I could stay longer! Thoughts on hotels?

I'm afraid I have never stayed in a hotel in either of these towns (I've only visited them in single day trips); however they are both well-known destinations so I am sure someone on this forum has stayed there and will be able to recommend a good one.

Be aware that both towns will be holding music and performing arts festivals around June/July so if you will be there at around that period make sure you book as early as possible.

I'd make a decision based on what you hope to see and do. Aix is charming but is a ways from many of the popular Provencal sights, such as the Roman antiquities in Arles and Nimes, the Pont du Garde, Les Baux, and the Luberon villages.

It's not an unreasonable choice by any measure. I'm just saying, pick a base after you've decided what you'd like to do.

That time of year bus service is infrequent and a car will prove very useful. If you have a car you can stay in a small town, which has its charms too. If not, Arles makes a very nice base and is short train rides away from Avignon, Nimes, and Orange.

Thanks -- I'm thinking it may not be a bad idea to leave the train in Avignon, see the city, pick up the car and stay in Avignon the first night. Then travel to St. Remy, Les Baux, Arles the second day. End up in Aix for our second night.

Does that sound reasonable or insane?

Re Avignon - St Remy - Les Baux - Aix: Busy, but not insane. Plan an early start and a late arrival. (And you might want to check a map, could be that another order would be more efficient, e.g. Arles - Les Baux - St Remy - Aix.)

Also, with this plan, you can save a day of car rental if you pick up your rental on the morning of Day #2.