Cedar for wood siding?

[James H.]

I don't see wood siding mentioned very often. Seems like everyone wants to go with JH Fiber Cement. I would like to do board and batten since I have a rustic French countryside type of house (it was formerly stucco and cedar shingles). Stucco, in labor, I have been told is probably out of my price range. Vinyl would throw this way off. What about cedar board and batten? I do have bees and some evidence termites are in the area, can these risks be mitigated? Costs seems agreeable on the B&B in cedar from what I can gather. Appreciate any input.

Is there a cheaper, but just as good, wood option? 

I plan to be in the home for about 1.5 years at least if not longer.