alternative to Nice? and also Arles?

Villefranche-sur-Mer would be one alternative to Nice.

You don't say if you'll have a car in Provence. Arles is a good base. St. Remy is a smaller town and more central.

Check out Rick's book on Provence. I found it very helpful when I was traveling there a few years ago. I stayed in St. Remy when Arles was full for a bull fight and really liked it. Rick has recommendations on some of the smaller hill towns to stay in and visit. BTW you might want to be sure to check out Pont du Gard. It's interesting to see, and I think that there is river swimming. Pam

It's funny I recommended Arles on your other post before reading this one. Arles would be a good stop and there is much to see but I really found it to be a 2 or 3 night stop. I never took the opportunity to check out the Carmargue (I hear it's great). As an alternate to Arles I would consider Avignon. It doesn't have a mini colesium in it but just a short drive away is Nimes(great day trip). Here you get two for the price of one, a mini colesium (same size that is in Arles) and the Maison Carree (roman structure in great shape). Avignon has sights of it's own and it is very close to other great day trips like Chateauneuf des Papes. I enjoy wine so I really enjoy this entire area. It is better connected by rail to the Nice area with TGV also but if you have a car you should read Rick's book for a hotel that has parking.
As for a alternative to Nice... I love Nice so much I can't help you much. If you want sandy beaches Nice is off your list for sure. Cannes has sand and it's clean.... and it really friggin expensive.
Have a great time!

I loved Arles as a home base for exploring southern France. It's kind of a gritty place, but in a good way. The colors are fantastic, as are the Roman ruins and art. Arles feels like Italy. I liked it better than Avignon.

Second the recc on Villefranche; nice little village perched on the cliffs not too far from Nice, and close by car or public transit. The hotel recommended by RS -- the pirate and the girl or something like that in French -- was nice: great hosts, good location, fabulous views and a pool overlooking the sea.

Also second the opinion on Arles over Avignon. Both are worth a visit, but Arles is smaller and to me just seemed more fascinating to explore. Not all will agree.

There are a number of smaller places near Nice which can be a good base. It would depend on whether you wish to remain on the coast itself or if you'd like to be on the hills in the hinterland. In any case the choice is wide - On the coast: Villefranche sur Mer, Beaulieu, St Jean Cap Ferrat, Antibes, Cagnes sur Mer, Eze sur Mer, Cap d'Ail (near Monaco). Places like Villefranche et Eze have the sea side village and another one off the coast. Eze village is a beautiful village. Even if you don't actually stay there, it is worth a visit. In the hinterland, you could opt for Levens, Tourette, Vence, St Paul de Vence... As for crowds, the nearer to the beach, the more crowded it will be.

Tamara,

We just got back from Arles. We absolutley loved the town and people. It was a great base from which to explore Provence with our rental car, and has some fantastic prices on food and lodging.

For our beach fix we just hopped in our car, and drove half an hour to the Carmangue, looked at the wild horses and birds, and the headed to the beaches at the little tourist town of Stets Marie de la Mer. Yes, it was tourist town, but it was fun, clean, close, and prices were really reasonable.