Choice betwwn Provence or the Basque Country

My opinions have been appealed to. My choice would be Bilbao and the Basque country, simply because many Basques live in Idaho and University of Idaho has and exchange program with University of Bilbao. I have gotten to know both professors and students from there and they all say "come on over".

In August I think Basque Country would be better. It's likely to be cooler along the Atlantic coast. A nice, relaxing beach town in that area is San Jean de Luz, reachable by a short train ride from Bayonne.

As Swan has noted, France has its Basque country too, in the southwest. Bidart is a nice little town we stayed at one year. It has a little-used sandy beach and is close to Biarritz and Bayonne but much less expensive as a base for visit to the area.

The Way of St James runs through Pamplona. You can visit the cafe known as the hangout of Hemingway, then sample "The Way"; it runs through the main town and is clearly marked with the shell symbol.

A decision like this is ultimately very personal and ought to be made on that basis. I do not think you would be bored either way. If after reading up and talking and thinking you are truly indifferent, then go with Provence because it is logistically less hassle to connect to Barcelona. But only as a tie-breaker.

I love both areas, but I would vote for Basque Country. To see either area, you would need to rent a car. Neither area is very well served by public transportation. And while I've never been to Europe in August, I would guess that the Basque County would be less impacted by tourists. You could pick up a car in Bilbao and easily be able to see both French and Spanish towns, and then return your car in or near Barcelona. The Pyrenees are incredibly beautiful...

Thanks everyone. Keep the opinions rolling please! Off to our TA tomorrow to book flights to Europe and maybe discuss this itinerary we seem to be stuck on.
I'll keep you all posted.

If the Spanish part of the Basque region is as nice as the French part, I'd stay there, or even change to the French part. We spent a week there in March and loved it. There's a bit about it from my blog about the week there: http://www.mainelywinenews.blogspot.com/2013/03/bordeaux-to-the-pays-basque.html (this link is to the first day, with more following it).
While I've made many trips to Provence, and loved it, in August it will probably be blazing hot and overrun with visitors.

Diana-if I could retire and live anywhere else, it would be Avignon, France. Between the ancient Roman sights, the wine country, the fruit (melons, cherries, & apricots, especially), the markets, and the views, it's a magical place, despite the summer heat and the chilling winter Mistral gales. If you decide to visit Provence, I would personally stay in or near Avignon and do day trips in the region, rather than lots of 1 night layovers. If you're comfortable packing and unpacking, or are doing 2 or 3 nights in a place, then being mobile may be an advantage for you. Having said that, my husband and I are visiting the Spanish Basque Country next month for the 1st time, and are looking forward to the Museo Guggenheim and the region's celebrated food. We only have a few days, so are staying in Donostia (San Sebastian) and visiting the area from there. Your pick. P.S. How was the ski season in N.Z. this past year? We were considering skiing at Ruapehu in August, but decided to visit Spain instead in November.

Hi there. Thanks everyone for your opinions. They were most gratefully received. In the end my husband made the decision. We are going to Provence! We will train from Paris to Avignon and pick up a rental car. We will head to Isle de la Sorgue for 5 nights and then to Avignon for 2 nights before heading for Barcelona.
Now if anyone wants an opinion on NZ pick me!