Bordeaux or Lyon ?

Lyon; they are quite different though

Lyon,because of the historical places and the culinary scene.Great Roman Amphitheater and Museum and WWII resistance Museum as well as the river and great restaurant scene.
Mike

If you are interested in French wine visit Bordeaux. There are some great trips around the vineyards available. If you are interested in French food go to Lyon. I like French food and wine so visited both cities. Lyons has more in the way of museums and cultural attractions. But I enjoyed both cities

Bordeaux is a very interesting city to visit, but Lyon wins hands down. It's more attractive, and has more cultural and historical attractions.

Why is the question limited to Bordeaux and Lyon? What time of year?

All things considered, I think you have to go Lyon.
Great food scene, great city and sights..... no question

Lyon!!!! (is this really a question?).Bordeaux city is a zero

yeah we forgot you have the most impeccable taste

First, thanks to all who have replied. Your comments have been very helpful.

Richard from LA asks why this question is limited to Bordeaux and Lyon.

This is why:

We've been to France nine times, and in the course of our visits we've visited 7 of the 12 most populous cities in France which are, according to the about-france.com website, Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Lille-Roubaix, Bordeaux, Nice, Nantes, Strasbourg, Rennes, Grenoble, and Rouen. Of those we haven't yet visited Bordeaux and Lyon are next up for consideration, and we'll probably visit only one of them on our next trip. Each trip we visit at least one new place, sometimes two, and then usually three of our favorites (our favorites are not all big cities by the way). We'll be going in the May-June time frame.

Last year I spent a week in Lyon, then a week in Bordeaux. I feel both are worth a visit, but I tend to agree that if you are a foodie, then Lyon wins. If you are a "winie", then my may prefer Bordeaux. I thought public transportation in both was good, although Lyon covers a larger area (but then again it is a larger city). If you love rivers, then I think Lyon gets the advantage. If you want to visit the seaside, then of course Bordeaux. Peter

Have you been to Burgundy/ Beaune? I'll guess after all your trips you have but if not it should be at the top of your list.

I haven't visited Bordeaux, but my husband & I discovered the wonder of Lyon last September (2days there). We loved it so much that we decided to spend a full week there this September! The architecture is fabulous. There's a daily market, lots of museums, friendly people & a great vibe.