B&B Luberon - Provence area

I definitely support your idea of going smaller. There are tons of options for small towns. We last stayed in Roussillon at a place called Reves d'Ocres. I was great, free parking, excellent atmosphere, and a very pleasant staff. Great location, too. Bear in mind, we don't use Hotels for much more than changing, sleeping, and eating breakfast. We appreciate a good "feel", and we got it there..

I would definitely stay in a smaller village as opposed to Arles. It was too busy( drove for an hour for parking spot) and larger than I expected. We found St Remy to be a good location for a base. Isle Sur Lasorgue may be another option. Have a great trip-you will love Provence.

We stayed at this wonderful small B&B in the hilltop village of Venasque in the Vaucluse region. Not fancy by any means but very nice clean, comfortable with large rooms and a reasonalble price. Great breakfast too. Josy speaks pretty good English and was helpful with suggestions on what to see in the area. There are a couple of Restruants in the village, but many more within driving distance. A car is a must. Here's a link to the B&B
http://www.masdukairos.com/site%20gb/index.htm You can read about our stay there here: http://tinyurl.com/cw6q8e6

I love the villages.... shopping, markets, narrow little streets...to me it is my idea of Provence. Favorite place to stay is St. Remy...nothing beats that drive with the beautiful trees on either side of the road. It is the epitome of the french countryside. Also from St. Remy the walk in the morning to the hospital where VanGogh stayed. Love this town and lunch from the market on the steps near the village is a wonderful memory or mine. Arles is too big and busy and chaotic. Also all the other towns suggest so far are perfect as well. I love them all.