DH and I have travelled along the south of France a few times (Marseilles to Monaco) via train from St Pancras and love it. That was before we were parents though! Now we have a baby and next summer (Covid permitting) we would like to visit Provence with our 1 year old (as he will be by then).
We are thinking about a villa type thing in Provence with a garden and private pool, so that we can have some days at home chilling and cooking lovely food and alternate days doing car trips out. We will rent a car although I've never driven in France before so a bit nervous, but it will make sense.
My only concern is the length of the journey time for car trips out and consequently which area of Provence is best to base ourselves. Eg getting to Verdon gorge for a day, whilst also being able to see lovely villages / towns ( or Avignon / Aix?) and also visit a beach? We've visited all the gorgeous seaside places between Marseilles and Monaco before so we wouldn't necessarily be looking to go there again unless it was easy, but one day at a beach would be lovely. I feel like too many long car journeys with baby on French roads might be a bit taxing..
So.... Does anyone know a great base location within Provence to book a rental in order to be able to have a bit of everything or are we simply biting off more than we can chew?