According to forum posts, many travelers recommend using smaller towns as bases for exploring Provence. Rognonas, close to Avignon, is highlighted for its central location, making it easy to access various attractions. Saint Remy and Avignon are also mentioned as convenient bases, with Avignon offering good public transport links and proximity to key sites.

Some users suggest specific itineraries, such as starting in Nice, exploring the Calanques near Cassis, followed by a visit to the Luberon hill towns, and concluding in the Alpilles. This route allows travelers to experience a mix of coastal beauty, charming hill towns, and historical sites.

For activities, hiking in the Calanques and exploring the historical architecture and markets of towns like Saint Remy and Avignon are popular. The Luberon area, known for its scenic drives and picturesque villages, is also highly recommended by travelers for those interested in experiencing the natural and cultural beauty of Provence.

According to forum posts, popular towns in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region include Avignon, Arles, and Nice. These towns are well-connected by public transport, making them accessible for day trips and offering various historical and cultural attractions.

Some travelers recommended exploring smaller villages for a more intimate experience. Places like Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Gordes, and Roussillon are highlighted for their picturesque settings and local charm, with recommendations to use them as bases for exploring the broader region.

For those interested in coastal scenery, towns like Cassis and Saint-Tropez are suggested. Cassis is noted for its proximity to Calanques National Park, offering stunning natural landscapes and hiking opportunities, while Saint-Tropez is famed for its vibrant beach scene.

Travelers have called out Nîmes and Orange for their rich historical heritage, including Roman ruins and medieval architecture, making them significant stops for history enthusiasts visiting the region.

According to forum posts, the ideal base location in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur varies depending on the travelers' interests. Some travelers prefer Cassis for its proximity to the sea and attractions like the Calanques. Others recommend Mougins for its charming views and access to other sightseeing spots.

Travelers have noted that Juan-les-Pins near Antibes offers sandy beaches and hotel options with direct sea access, a rare find in the region. In areas like Nice, accommodations with easier parking and less traffic are suggested, such as in quieter districts like Mont Boron or Cimiez.

For those interested in day trips and exploring local towns, St-Rémy is frequently mentioned as a central and quaint village suitable for venturing out. It offers the advantage of walkable evening dining options, minimizing the need for a car.

For history enthusiasts, places like Toulon are highlighted for their WW2 museums and memorials. The region's rich history and cultural sites are a significant draw for many visitors, influencing their choice of base location.

Some travelers recommended Avignon as an ideal base for exploring Provence, especially if not renting a car, due to its excellent connectivity by train to major cities like Marseille, Arles, and Nîmes. The city is also well served by buses, which can facilitate visits to nearby attractions.

For those preferring smaller towns, forum users suggested places like Bonnieux, Gordes, and L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. These towns offer a more intimate experience and are suitable for travelers with cars, providing a unique insight into local life in Provence.

In terms of accommodations, the Mas Saint Antoine in Rognonas was mentioned multiple times as a centrally located option with self-catering apartments, free parking, and a pool, making it convenient for driving to various towns and villages in Provence.

According to forum posts, Avignon serves as an excellent base for day trips using public transport. Travelers can easily access Marseille, Arles, Nîmes, and more via train. Buses offer routes to destinations like Saint-Rémy and Pont du Gard.

Some travelers suggested exploring Provence villages such as Gordes, Roussillon, and L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, which are more accessible by car. Additionally, the Calanques National Park and various vineyards are popular for organized day trips.

Travelers have called out the utility of using Avignon's train and bus systems to reach a variety of locales. They recommend checking bus and train schedules ahead of time and considering the purchase of a city pass for additional savings and convenience.

According to forum posts, from Cannes, travelers can visit several nearby locations using public transportation or driving. Some recommended day trips include exploring Antibes to see its beautiful coastal walk around Cap d'Antibes, visiting the picturesque medieval village of Èze, or traveling to Monaco/Monte Carlo. Additionally, the area of Villefranche-sur-Mer along with its coastal walk around Cap-Ferrat peninsula and Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is another favored destination.

Travelers have mentioned that the train and bus systems are efficient for reaching these destinations. For instance, direct trains and buses serve routes to places like Antibes and Monaco, making these trips convenient for a day's visit from Cannes. The scenic train routes along the Côte d’Azur are particularly highlighted for their convenience and frequency, providing easy access to most of the coastal towns and cities.

According to forum posts, public transportation in Provence is generally reliable between major cities like Avignon, Arles, and Marseille. However, accessing smaller villages or rural areas like those in the Luberon can be challenging without a car. Some travelers suggested that Avignon makes a good base due to its connections to other cities via train and bus.

Travelers have called out specific bus services that can be helpful. For instance, the Zou! and liO bus services operate in the region, providing detailed maps and schedules online. The Zou! network, for example, covers the Bouches-du-Rhône area, and schedules can be found on their official website.

For many users, taxis and Uber are available, especially from major transport hubs like train stations. In Avignon, taxis can be found at the TGV station, though some users noted that sometimes there can be a wait. For those looking to explore areas poorly served by public transit, booking private tours or using taxi services for longer trips is recommended.

According to forum posts, the iconic lavender fields in Provence are primarily located in the Valensole Plateau, Sault, and the area around Grasse. The Pays de Valensole is particularly recommended for its proximity to Nice and the Côte d'Azur.

Travelers have mentioned that the lavender flowering season in Provence generally runs from mid-June to mid-July. However, the exact timing can vary slightly each year depending on weather conditions such as rainfall and temperature.

Some users suggested organized trips from major cities like Aix, Marseille, and Avignon to visit the lavender fields. For those preferring to stay in a smaller town, Avignon and Aix-en-Provence were frequently recommended as convenient bases with available organized tours and public transport options to nearby lavender fields.