Souther France advice: Aix en Provence/Nice

My suggestion is Option A with this: "We could also do 2 days in Lyon, and 4 in Nice, though I'm not sure if Lyon is worth visiting."
Lyon is definitely worth visiting, and 1 day would not be sufficient.
I have one qualification. It's unclear to me if Option A means scrapping Annecy. If so, I'd be more likely to suggest Option B. The "problem" is that all of the places you mention are worth visiting. Maybe the deciding factor would be the logistics of getting around w/o a car.

Thank you! We would still be visiting Annecy in both options. We are definitely doing Paris/Annecy the first week. The second week would be Lyon 1-2nights/Nice 4-5nights or Aix 2-3 nights/Nice 3 nights.

(side note, I am also from Portland, Maine!)

Hi,
Overall I'd vote Lyon (it complements Nice and Annecy nicely, whereas Aix and Nice, while different, still have similar mediterranean ambiances in some ways), but at what time of the year? Beyond the end of September, Lyon is less pleasant than the Mediterranean. In summer, Lyon and Aix are equally, often blastingly, hot - Aix being marginally hotter.

Thanks! We are traveling mid-August, unfortunately. I am a teacher, so we have to travel during summer - height of tourist season...and summer temps. Any tips as to where to visit in Lyon? I just haven't heard much about this city.

I like Lyon a lot, especially for the food (but not if you are vegetarian, btw, the Lyonnais love their animal parts). In addition to the above, there is a redeveloped area near the water and the confluence with attraction, the Old Town and hidden passages, and a great market. More than enough for one day -- just make sure to reserve ahead at your target bouchon. Rather than Aix, I prefer the countryside. There may be day tours available, if you don't have a car (although I know many originate in Avignon)