Central Provence

We once rented a gite in Cotignac for 2 weeks and really enjoyed it. Market day was fabulous. Village center quaint. Lots of hikes and picnics. Drove to nearby villages on their market days. Popped down to the coast for lunch and a swim. That was 10 years ago. Don't know if it has changed.

Hi Roberta, Two years ago in June we stayed near the town of Maussane Les Alpilles. It wasn't at all touristy and was central to Avignon, Arles, and not a long drive from Cassis and the Carmargue. Personally, I'd give St. Remy more consideration - I didn't find it to be overly-touristy. It's central, there are many restaurants, and fun shopping.

A couple of years ago, we stayed 4 nights at La Bastide Sainte Anne in Castillon du Gard. While it is skewed toward the west side of the area, it is very convenient to the highway to go south, north or east. When going east or north, I would suggest passing on the west side of Avignon, hugging the river. Wonderful inn, large rooms and incredible breakfast. View of Pont du Gard from breakfast room.

We approached it a little differently. We found a house on the France Homestyle website that we liked and that suited our needs. It happened to be just outside of Lourmarin. We walked ten minutes to town to the bakery every morning and to the Friday morning market. We loved Lourmarin.

I second the thought of directing you more to the Luberon area of Provence. Some of the most beautiful villages and scenic hilltowns in France are located there. Gordes and Roussilon are nice to visit but for us, they were a bit touristy. But Lourmarin seemed to be genuinely provincial. Small and beautiful the small restaurants and market place inside the village complex are delightful. Food was great. Lots of free parking.

We spent 4 nights in St Remy this past September and used it as a base for day trips. It is a nice town with some good restaurants. We stayed here;
http://maisondesocres.fr/Bienvenue/#/welcome/general-informations The room was beautiful with its own patio. Breakfast was the typical French breakfast. Our hostess Francoise was delightful. Off street parking is provided.

If you will have a car, the Luberon valley is a superb place to visit. For us, it is quintessential Provence. Check out theluberon.com Villages to consider include Roussillon, Gordes and Bonnieux.

I would consider St. Remy some more, too. I didn't find it overly touristy, but it can depend on time of year.
I usually stay in the Luberon and day trip from there. Rousillon is great, and I don't consider it overly touristy. Cucuron isn't overly touristy, and is worth considering. Usually I will stay 4-5 days in per place then spend the day exploring. Lourmarin is also worth considering. I've never gone wrong anywhere in the luberon.

Sablet is wonderful. It is in the heart of Rhone Valley wines, has good access to Avignon, Nimes, Orange, etc. Plus the little town has a Spar grocery store, a butcher, 2 bakeries, a charcouterie, a vegetable stand and a wine cave all situated around the public parking. It has a little restaurant in the center of town, and is also the home of Les Abielles--a wonderful restaurant. I have stayed there twoice and would do so again without hesitation.