Nice, by all means. You won't need a car there, as it's a transportation hub for trains and buses along the coast. A small-village base would almost certainly mean having to rent a car, as public transport is designed for school children and people traveling to work.

Often there is "debate" as to what area is actually included in "Provence". Historically, it includes the Cote d'Azur (Riviera/Nice). I also recall seeing a "Welcome to Provence" sign as we're entering France from Italy on the autoroute close to Menton. However, many (perhaps most) people think of Provence to be the departments of the Bouches du Rhone, Vaucluse, eastern Gard, and much of the Drome - centered around Avignon. If the latter is the case, then I would recommend that you stay in Nice/Cote d'Azur if you want to have lots of beach "action", no car, and mainly visit coastal cities (Nice, Cannes, Antibes). If you only have 3 days, I would advise you not to try to visit the small villages inland from Nice (St Paul, Vence, Tourrettes, Peillon, etc) in that short of time.

If you primarily want to see the lavender fields in bloom, visit small villages, vineyards, sunflower fields, scenic countryside, gorges, mountains, and visit some of the most interesting outdoor markets in France - then visit Provence by car - perhaps staying in St Remy or in the Luberon. You'll need a car for this.

Depending on where you are coming from, if you want to visit the Cote d'Azur - fly into Nice. If you want to visit Provence - fly into Marseille, or into Paris and take a 3 1/4 hr TGV (train) from CDG airport to Avignon.

Stu Dudley

Thanks for your responses. What about flying into Nice for a "peek" at the Cote d'Azur, renting a car and driving westward toward Avignon? Would I be able to see a couple of worthwhile small villages on the way if I allow most of an entire day for the drive?

We definitely want more of the lavender field/countryside experience.

You want--
" more of the lavender field/countryside experience."

You won't get the countryside/lavender experience in Nice or on the way to Avignon. I suggest you fly into Marseille, rent a car and locate in St Remy or another village in the Luberon. What you want requires a car or a guide and the best opportunities for lavender are in the mountains near and around Sault. The villages of the Luberon--Gordes, Rousillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste are the 'perched villages' most people are looking to tour. You could then return the car to the Avignon TGV station and be on your way

Ditto mcanimals.

We've vacationed for 16 weeks on the Cote d'Azur & 18 weeks in Provence. I wrote an itinerary that describes our favorite villages, scenic drives, markets, has a "lavender route", Provence fabric section, and takes you to some "corners" of Provence & the Cote d'Azur. I've sent it to over 3,000 people on Fodors (12 people today!!). If you would like a copy, e-mail me at StuDudley@aol.com & I'll attach a copy to the reply e-mail.

Stu Dudley