I am in the midst of planning a trip to France for July and cannot decide between visiting Bordeaux or Provence. We are already set on visiting Lyon, Roanne,(la Maison Troisgois) and Aubrac (Michel Bras). It's a culinary tour of sorts and we are torn between spending three days in Provence or Bordeaux. Bordeaux would obviously be more thematic, but I have heard/read amazing things about Provence. I have been to the Rivera, but never into Provence. The person I am travelling with is big into cultural/historical/educational activities. Does Provence offer enough in that area? Oh- and we will have a car and plan on spending 8 days in france.

if you like color and scents and wine, wonderful food go to Provence but Bordeaux also has the same but without the color and scents of Provence.
Lucky you going to Bras'his hotel is unique as his cooking and location. Check out the rooms even if you are not staying there. Unique.

Well, Bordeaux is a city and Provence is a region, and a rather large one at that, so you're really comparing apples and oranges.

There is an amazing variety of cultural, historical, recreational, and gustatory offerings in both places. It depends on what your interests are. I think you should do some reading about both areas to get a feel for them before you decide. You know best what interests you.
If it's a culinary tour, then do you want Mediterranean cuisine or the robust flavors of the southwest of France? That is probably one of the greatest distinctions between the two places. Are you looking for cassoulet or boullabaise?

Oh, Oh, the bitch is stalking you, cig.

What does that mean???

mayall,
you will love Provence..it is unique..The country side, the luscious hills, the small villages or old towns perched on the hills...
The food is excellent...So many interesting places to visit, full of history..
The people are warm, friendly , love life and love good food.

Hi Mayall! Have been to both and agree with others . Although Bordeaux and vineyards are interesting , Provence is wonderful..try Avignon for culture, also Aix en Provence..we also had a house in two villages..it was a lovely experience. Enjoy!

as for cultural and historic, how about Roman antiquities like Pont du Gard, Les Antiques Van Gogh country is gorgeous and the food ain't bad, either!

The west coast is too flat. Provence for me every time -- my first visit was at age 17 (now 51) and I go every time I am in France, which is now yearly or twice-yearly.

I have never exhausted Provence's pleasures and "custom has never staled" its "infinite variety", if I may get Shakespearean.

Finally, Bordeaux is a LONG cross-country trek from Lyon etc and E-W travel is never fun across the Massif central

You know what? Tedgale has the ultimate answer. I didn't focus on the fact that you'd be coming from Lyon. The E-W roads in France are either nonexistent or slow. You can get to Provence much more quickly, so that's what I would recommend. Pick a base in the Avignon-Arles-Aix-St'-Rémy area and explore this wonderful region. You'll definitely be enjoying bouillabaise and not cassoulet.

thanks! this will definitely help!

But you will not find the real boullabaise until you get to Marseille.
suggestion: Le Milamar

Do you mean, the Miramar????

About a year ago we did an east-west cross country on back roads from Bordeaux to Provence. It was a beautiful drive (except for one tiny section where we accidentally got on an A route in major traffic). It is slow going though. We spent the better part of an entire day.

That said, and although I do really like the Bordeaux region, go to Provence. It is absolutely magical. Nothing can change that. It will be more convenient and has everything you say interests you.

Save Bordeaux for another trip. It will still be there quietly waiting for you.

I warn you, though. Provence is addictive.