Are Bordeaux and Lyon worth three days on our trip in August?

What is the rest of your trip?

I loved Lyon and would definitely detour there, but it would depend on just how far of a detour it was, and what else I was giving up to see it. Bordeaux is less worthy of a detour (I didn't hate it as Rick does, however).

Lyon is pretty great, if it fits into your itinerary. But have you considered spending those 3 days near wherever you will be?

We haven’t been to Bordeaux, but we really enjoyed our two days in Lyon. Check out the top sites list from TripAdvisor, etc. We could have easily enjoyed a third day there.

Thanks for all the replies. We have dropped Lyon and Bordeaux as a result of your posts. It dramatically increased the driving. Instead we increased our stay in San Sebastian, added a few Basque villages and Bayonne. I want to see part of Basque Country and still have time to relax, eat, exercise, etc.
Thanks again

Sounds smart! Catch Lyon next time.

hey johnanddoc
my best friend is french basque with family still there. near saint-jean-pied-de-port. pretty countryside with small villages, farms, animals, small family owned hotels and restaurants within. here's a few things if interested in:
travelswithmaribel.wordpress.com
bascovivo.com (email them, small tours to basque villages)
basqueterroir.com talks about their famous black cherries (itsasu or itxassou is the french town), they make ciders and brandies from all the different fruits grown in the area
esplette village (home of the famous red peppers)
rhune.com (a train ride up the pyrenees for a view of ocean and mountains)
biarritzbylocals.com has tours and classes
les halles in bayonne is a market place to walk around in and see all kinds of basque goodies, famous for ham and chocolate, walk the small alley ways and buildings, stop at cafes have a glass of vino people watch.
biarritz is coast town well know for surfing, favorite beach getaway with elegant villas and residences with glamour. walk a market with resident made stuff (wine, ciders, fruit and vegetables, crafts, french cheeses, pepper powder), stop at a seaside cafe enjoy the scenery and have a bite to eat, maybe music
saint jean pied de port small town on the river with alleyways to walk thru the village. (euskoguide.com)
don't forget to get a IDP from AAA/CAA with passport size photo (2) for each driver about $25, and like other have said sooooooo expensive to pick up one country and return to another (drop off fees)
my friends stay at hoteleskualduna/chezkatina (they have a pool, spa, sauna, breakfast included in price, restaurant).
stop at a tourism kiosk and see what they offer, tastings of wine, ciders and brandies if interested.
have a fabulous time and enjoy this side of france that not that many think of going to or just for a day. this is your relaxing time to chill out.
aloha