We have 5 days after a week in Paris and are planning to go either to Lyons/Annecy or Avignon/Arles. Which area would you recommend for scenery, culture, food and why?

It depends on when you depart. Both regions are lovely, and sure have good scenery, culture, food; but in summer I may prefer Avignon/Arles, as the Provence region is gorgeous during that time (dizzying purple lavender fields and much others). I found more arts and paintings in that region too, and Arles is synonym with Art.

Time of year?

Time of year

Avignon/Arles because it is less 'big city' than Lyon. It also has a boatload of charm, and a greater variety of sights.

Lyon, because the food is some of the best in Europe, it has excellent museums and JUST as many "sights" as Avignon, and it doesn't have the pretension that so much of Provence has these days. Obviously, neither city has much "scenery"to boast about, but yes, the scenery outside Avignon/Arles is more appealing to most tastes than that outside Lyon.

But as you probably know, in France entire cultures change within 50 kilometers, so you are talking about two very distinct places. Read up more and see which one would appeal most to you. What I would prefer doesn't really matter.

Do you include "history" among your listings of "scenery, culture, food"?

The scenery in Arles includes sights that go back to the Romans, the Amphitheater and the Pont du Gard - look them up and see if you'd be impressed. I think you will be.

Also about history - Avignon has the Palais des Papes, the Musée du Petit Palais, the Musée Calvet, and scenery in nearby Luberon is exquisite of course.

Lyon is the capital of good eating, but it will cost you. How's your budget?

Scenery nearby is grand, Annecy, Aix-les-Bains, Chambéry, to name just three.

Terrific wine country nearby, Mâcon, Chalon-sur-Saône, and on and on.

Culture in France includes to say hello at start and thnk you at end.
Food is great anywhere.
Scenery depends on time of year.
But I suppose we have a one time question from a one time poster.