Hello! My husband and I are planning a trip to France in late September, early October of this year. We will have a total of 15 nights /16 days. We are flying into Paris (arriving early morning, jet-lagged!) and planning to take the train directly to Strasbourg. The plan is to stay there for four nights and then travel to Colmar by train for another 4/5 nights where we would possibly rent a car to explore all the small towns on the wine route. We will finish our trip in Paris for 5 nights and will fly home from there. This gives us a couple of days between Colmar and Paris and I was thinking of staying in Beaune (train from Colmar). Is 8/9 days in Alsace too long and should we knock off a few days and spend longer in Beaune. We could also just extend on either end and skip the Burgundy region. My husband wasn’t too keen on even visiting Paris (thinks it will feel too busy and chaotic) but I thought it would be a lost opportunity since we are flying in and out of Paris. It was the Alsace region that was our motivation for the trip initially. We do love the vibe and charm of small towns and regions and like to take our time. Everything is still in the planning stages at this point and nothing is carved in stone. We spent a few day in Nice last year but other than that, we have not explored France. This forum (and Rick Steves) has been a tremendous help to us in the past so any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6618 posts
I can’t imagine spending 4 nights in Strasbourg, but others couldn’t imagine spending 4 nights in Colmar like we did. We also spent 2 nights in Eguisheim. We had a rental car for our entire trip, but since we rented from Germany and didn’t have the French environment sticker we didn’t stay in Strasbourg. I don’t think 8/9 days is too many depending on what you like to do.
We visited some of the small villages between Colmar and Strasbourg as well as walking from Hunawihr to Ribeauvillé and back. When we went to Riquewihr it was so crowded that all the parking spots (all pay) near it were taken. We also visited The Three Castles of Eguisheim and Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg. It was pretty impressive.
When we left Colmar we visited Kaysersberg before going to Metz for two nights. A full day in Metz is sufficient to see its sights. I know nothing of Beaune.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
701 posts
Strasbourg and Colmar are really near to each other. You don't necessarily have to split your stay. I would stay 7 days max in Alsace, and add 2 or 3 days in Beaune and explore the city and countryside around Burgundy. Finish off in Paris. It may be busy, but there is no place in the world like Paris. The difficulty is narrowing down what you want to see and do in the "Capital of Europe". I encourage your husband to see Paris. Even the paralympics will be over. The fashion shows will be done by October too, so chaos should not be reigning.
Have a great trip, however your arrange it!
Posted by
OP
16 posts
Thank you Jaime and Judy! Yes, there seems to be quite a bit of debate online regarding Strasbourg and Colmar. I agree it may not be necessary to split the time between the two, given the distance, but was thinking we could get a very different vibe in each place. I also agree about Paris and was also thinking things may have quietened down somewhat by October. I imagine the city will have been ‘polished’ up even more due to the Olympics which will be nice!
I like the idea of 7 days in Alsace, 3 days in Burgundy and 5 in Paris. The logistics of when and where to rent a car will be the challenge!
I always take note of all the recommendations activities suggested, very much appreciated. Some of our best days travelling have been through advice from all you lovely people!
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6618 posts
Since Colmar is on the itinerary, it has a free electric bus that makes a loop of the historic center. Its route starts and ends at the train station. Think of it as a free hop on, hop off bus. It only holds about 12 people.
When we were in Colmar we stayed at Colmar Hotel by the train station since it has free parking. We liked the hotel and it had a very good breakfast buffet. The historic center is a mile away, so very walkable. We split between walking and taking the free bus.