Hi all! Would love some advice from people who have been to both regions (or all 3). I have most of my upcoming France trip locked down, we will be visiting for about 12 days as part of a longer trip this summer but am struggling what to do for a few days in the middle of the trip.
What I have so far: 3 nights in Paris (Sat-Tues), 2 nights in Loire valley (Tues-Thurs) and for sure 3 nights in Avignon (following Sun-Wed).
I had originally planned for 2 nights in Colmar (Thurs-Sat) followed by a single night in Beaune (Sat-Sun) before moving on to Avignon. I already have TGV tickets booked but they are refundable. However talking with my partner and reviewing what is available in Beaune I wonder if I am short changing the Beaune area and should shift our itinerary.
Specifically, the vast majority of smaller wineries seem to be closed for tastings and tours on Sunday. With my current itinerary I get into Beaune at 5pm on a Saturday, not sure if that gives enough time for a tour and with most places closed on Sunday I am limited to a couple of bike routes and a couple of wineries. I like wine, and would sort of like to do a full day wine tour, but my partner doesn’t drink so I haven’t made it a huge priority.
The alternative which gives more time in Beaune would be go Loire Valley -> Beaune (Thurs-Sat) then travel to Lyon for a day (Sat-Sun) then onward to Avignon.
Here are the advantages of itinerary 1:
Get to see super cute villages near Colmar.
Good biking and chance to visit small wineries in the region
Really unique feel compared to the rest of France.
Have the chance to have a nice dinner in Strasburg on Thurs/Friday
Disadvantages: Travel days are awkwardly timed (have a lot of mid day travel so don’t have full mornings or afternoons).
Most of the wineries around Beaune are closed on Sunday
Itinerary 2:
Advantages: Get to explore Burgundy a bit more. Will be in Beaune afternoon on Thursday to see the town, have all day Friday for wine tours and get to see the well regarded market on Sat AM.
Get some nightlife experience in Lyon on Saturday night.
Shortens the travel days to Avignon on Sunday.
Disadvantage: Miss out completely on the Alsace region which I have wanted to visit for a long time and have never made happen.
I am leaning towards keeping the Alsace experience but would love to hear opinions from people who have done both. I would be satisfied with a half day wine tour, it is just unfortunate with the timing I will miss a lot because so many are closed on Sunday.