SuzieCII

This may sound silly but it worked for me as a method to narrow down my "want". Wines. I enjoy Burgundy, Chablis, etc. MUCH more than Bordeaux. Not knowing if I'd ever go back - I started there. With of course, Paris.
Next time we went to the cote d'azure, because I enjoy the Provencal roses (I can't get that little accent over my e..rose-zays)
What do you like to drink?
Rieslings? Champagne? etc...

Lexma90

Before you throw out the Bordeaux area, consider what kinds of food you like best (though almost all French food is wonderful); you may feel that you want to experience the foods of Bordeaux, or more generally, southwest France. I love foie gras and duck, though I am not otherwise a big meat eater, so I prefer the food of the Aquitaine over that of Burgundy. Also, I love the Dordogne area, which is I think technically in Aquitaine, but geographically, is the area east of Bordeaux. On the other hand, Burgundy is definitely closer to Dijon and on the way north from Provence.

For foodie-type questions and restaurants, also take a look at egullet (more high-end foodies) and chowhound (all levels).

For your first visit to France, I would suggest that you seek to stay at small hotels/inns or chateaux. We're staying at some chambres d'hote for the first time on our upcoming trip to France, and while I'm excited about it, I don't think it's for everyone. For the three places we're staying, based on my emails with them, the amount of English spoken is probably less than at a small hotel. Also, I don't expect many extra services. We don't care about that stuff, and in fact prefer a typical French breakfast of croissants and cafe, but if you want a bigger breakfast, you may choose a hotel.

Have a great time!

kerouac

It is true that an element to weigh is: food better near Bordeaux - wine better in Burgundy.

ira

>food better near Bordeaux - wine better in Burgundy.

Burgundy:

boecuf bourguignon
coq au vin
escargots
jambon persillé
poulet de Bresse
gougères
Époisses cheese
moutarde de Dijon


Crème de cassis