France

May or September fabulous, August less so, if you have a choice. Once you sit down and start planning, you may discover that Bordeaux is logistically inconvenient. If so, consider Burgundy instead. Legendary and friendly wine scene, can be fitted easily between Paris and Provence.

Provence is not particularly interesting wine-wise, except for the Southern Rhone and Bandol. On the other hand, in that general direction the Northern Rhone is outstanding, as is Burgundy, as mentioned already.

Agreed that for your interests, August is a non-starter. Since you're interested in wine, think about the relative condition of the vines in May or September. May: tiny grapes have formed. September: full lush bunches, waiting to be picked (or already being picked, depending on how late you are in September and how far south you are). Or check out when wine festivals are being held -- end of May in Burgundy at Savigny-les-Beaune; beginning of September in Gevrey-Chambertin (for example -- I'm sure there are similar in Bordeaux). You can't go wrong!

Provence is a wonderful place to visit but I don't think its that big on wine. An alternate thought is to take the high-speed train (180mph) to Dijon and rent a car right in the train station. Then, drive the Grand Cru trail through Burgundy. Perhaps you can stay overnight in Beaune or somewhere nearby. Note that many wineries are closed on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Plan it around grape harvesting time which is September/October. Plus - September is less crowded than the hotter summer months and rates for flights/hotels are cheaper.

Keep in mind September October are still high season in Paris and France. Paris also has many conferences and conventions as well as annual fashion show. Make your reservations at least 6 months in advance. Prices are still high.

Has anyone been to Versailles in September? This is one of our objectives, to see the gardens while flowers are still in bloom. We went in December and most of the statues as such were covered up. Tnx

Rates for hotels in Paris are HIGHER in September then August, and availabilty at a premium. Some hotels offere "L'Ete Promotions" |( summer sales) with lower rates from stays, often starts from mid to late July thru August. Come September Fashion Week and Trade Shows keep Paris busy.. at that season runs to about mid October.
If you wish to visit in September, get hotels booked by April. You can check with hotel cancellation policies, many if not most allow you to cancel with little to no penalty within a reasonable time so you can keep looking for something else if you choose, but at least have a "bird in the hand". I would go late May, or September if money was not a consideration. I would choose August over early May.. I like sunshine. Ps there are several holidays in May, if you wish to go then book by jan-feb.

I've been to Versailles in October and the gardens were beautiful with fall colors. But remember that I am from sunny So Cal and we don't have autumn. Just summer 12 months a year. I agree with those that recommend Burgundy. I also think that Provence is great for wine. We stayed in Vaison de la Romaine which is great for access to the southern Rhone. Ever hear of Gigondas, Vacqueryas, and Chatenuef du Pape?

When I said that Provence is not that interesting for wine, I excepted the southern Rhone (Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Chateauneuf du Pape, all of which are great), and Bandol. But a large part of Provence, especially to the east, is really very dull wine-wise. I've spent a lot of time there, and while I had no trouble finding decent wine, there was more mediocre and bad wine than anywhere else I've stayed in France.