Provence or Bruges

What time of year? Provence will generally be warmer than Belgium, except the Mistral winds in winter can be chilling. Are you interested in hill towns, wine, Mediterranean French food (including seafood), Roman sights, art museums with Van Gogh, Picasso, etc. from the last 140 years?

For Bruges (and maybe additional Flanders locations including Gand and Ypres?), are beer, chocolate, fantastic fries with every meal, museums featuring art from more than 500 years ago by Flemish masters like Hans Memling of interest?

In 2012, I was in Bruges for two days and three nights. I felt out of my element for reason: It's the only place I have ever seen a male wearing a high-end neck scarf with a jacket on the street while walking a French poodle. A lot of very rich people parade their money there. I have seen the very wealthy people elsewhere in Europe and the U.S., but that scene feels rarefied.

Having said that, I did something fun in Bruges. I rented a bicycle and took a path out of town all the way to the Dutch border. I must have bicycled 25 miles. I loved the scenery -- wind mills, the North Sea and tree-lined paths.

Bruges is a beautiful town. I climbed the clock tower, saw a museum and took the bicycle ride. The beer was superb.

How much extra time do you have? Are you planning to rent a car if you choose Provence?

I’ve enjoyed both areas and felt comfortable in both.