wheres the best area to go in southern france, thinking of getting a villa with friends, maybe Provence, Nice? Anywhere with good surf is acceptable according to my hubby.. I would like to be able to go and eat at a nice restaurant so dont want to be in the middle of nowhere, and not too far from the airport either?

Hey Greenwing!
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is just lovely - google it up - lovely beaches, nice restaurants, great people
Its a small village built on an island.
We stayed there in 2001 with all the family. Just remember to take your mossie repellent