re: Provence
Its marvelous countryside. We stayed at a family's bed and breakfast in the vineyards near Cabrières d'Avignon and toured the villages of the area. Enjoyed the lavender festival in Ferrassieres before moving south to the town of Arles to see the bullfights there. Spent a little time on coast at Cassis and Saintes Maries de la Mer. Then took in four days in Paris, incuding Bastille Day. Great food and drink (my wife and I have cultivated a taste for Pastis). Wonderful people. Marvelous museums. Pitcuresque villages.