We will be driving from the Lyon area, through Alsace and Western Germany and on into Paris. Any ideas as to areas not too far off the beaten track that may be worth a peek?
Posted by
22 posts
Alsace is one of our most favorite places in France. Just pull up an Alsatian Wine Route map and it is dotted will all sorts of charming towns and villages. So many towns with family run wineries where you can sample their wines and buy a bottle. We prefer Colomar over Strasbourg as far as larger cities go. Last year we stayed at a small B&B in Intterswiller called Les Chambres du View Pressior . The town is just a street long overlooking vineyards. The husband and wife who run the B&B also have a wonderful restaurant. 4 rooms 95 euros with the largest and most delicious breakfast I have ever experienced at a B&B. Mount St. Odile in Obernai is worth the drive rewarding you with a spectacular view of the Alsatian valley. We have never crossed over into Germany as there are so many places to see her. I would drop your car in Colmar or Stasbourg after your visit here and take the high speed train back to Paris.
You will love it!
Linda
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7885 posts
Some highlights for us, besides the Alsace Wine Route, were Besancon and Perouges (accents omitted). While staying near Besancon, we spent a day driving through Gustave Courbet's home town and his landscapes. If you have seen any of his versions of La Source de La Loue, you might want to visit the actual site. None of these will be as enjoyable as a rushed visit as they are during a sojourn. I'm sorry we missed Le Corbusier's convent. Louvre Lens is not on your route, but if I had a car I might want to visit there. Can you afford any of the Michelin 3-stars in Eastern France? The outdoor aperitif experience at L'Auberge de L'Ile particularly matches your Subject Line.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7158 posts
You don't say how long your drive will be or if you have a route in mind. The first place I thought of when you said beauty in Eastern France was Annecy. It's between Lyon and Alsace and is one of the most beautiful places I stayed in France. I look at the photos of my trip and think of Annecy as one of, if not the, most photogenic town I visited. If you have the time take a boat ride on the lake, maybe stop at one of the smaller villages.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Regional driving maps published by Michelin and others will highlight scenic roads in green. You can also get recommendations from www.viamichelin.com online.