All 24 days in Southern France or give Paris/Lyon 10 days - October trip?

I spent about three weeks last October based in Nice, Aix, Arles, Vaison-la-Romaine, and Lyon, my first time in that part of France. I skipped Paris, which I've visited several times, to have more time for the region that intrigues you. (It didn't hurt to avoid CDG by flying via London.) It was a great trip, though the weather wasn't ideal on several days toward the end of the month. I'd encourage you to focus your trip the same way. (You'll always have Paris....) Three nights in Lyon were probably enough for me, but I'm not as interested in food as you, and Lyon is noted for food options.

As for whether to spend six months there every year, that's so far from my life that I can't evaluate it. Your decision, obviously, but I'd encourage you to take any such decision slowly, and rent before buying, wherever you're interested in going. Winter weather is likely to be better in southern Spain. The Mistral, which I experienced only in a minor way, is a real factor in Provence.

I'm facing a similar dilemma, but with much less time :-)

8 nights in Nice, or 3 nights Nice, 2 in Lyon and 3 in Paris.

Looking forward to seeing what info. is posted here also!

I don't know what you call "Southern France " It's actually the entire southern half of France (as its name suggests).
And Lyon is just as much in the South of France as Nice.

If you think about the seaside part, it goes from Nice near the Italian border to the Atlantic coast north of Bordeaux via the Pyrenees mountains. So it's not just the "Côte d'Azur".

As for the temperature in October it is generally in the 65-75 range. Last year in October there were a few days over 85F

I think I figured it out. It is the Cot d'Azur, or the specific region between Menton and St Tropez that catches my eye and interest just a bit more than Provence/area that surrounds Aix (although that area also looks gorgeous).

So I changed it to 9 days in Nice, 5 days in Aix, 3 in Lyon and 7 in Paris. If we enjoy Nice/Cot D'Azur as much as I think, we will put it in our yearly visit schedule for 2025 and beyond. The extra days in Nice will allow us to do a few hikes, such as the Pic du Cap Roux 9km loop, Cap d’ Antibes 5km hike, and maybe another in the lower mountain area. We are slowly moving towards a 7-8 month US and 4-5 month Europe yearly schedule and after so many years of exploration travel we are slowing down to find more permanent locations to stay longer. So maybe split between Cot D'Azur and when really hot and then move up to San Sebastian or the Alps when it is cold. I really appreciate the RS community for all the information posted on France. I have used that to then research so many videos on YT about this upcoming trip.

Spent November of 20231 and 2023 in Paris. Sweater weather with scarf for me with about 60-65 degree weather, which is my kind of weather.

Tuesday I leave for a month in Provence, week in Aix and week in Arles and 2 in Avignon. Anticipate and hope for 60 degree weather or maybe even a tad warmer. I will spend actually 1-1 1/2 days in each town and head out to the surrounding cities and towns on the other days, primarily on their MarketDay. LOTS to see and enjoy but I am not a hiker, or foodie. If you need or want any Provence material let me know and I will send to you as I got them off a Fodorite.