Hello fellow travelers! We are wondering about a few things regarding the tour noted above; and I didn't see these specific topics mentioned in others' posts.
1) Train from CDG to Reims. For people who have traveled from the US and needed to catch the train to Reims: Did you purchase tickets in advance? If so - how far in advance? Or, did you show up when you were ready to board and were able to board? They seem to run fairly frequently but from experience we also know that labor strikes can occur at any time.
2) For this same train trip, there appears to be a transfer along the way. How difficult is that to navigate?
3) We are really excited about Day 9 (free day in the Alps) and are interested in Hike #6 (Guidebook Pg. 832). This seems very doable and the easy hike sounds more like a walk to the Swiss border. Has anyone done this? If so, please share! And, what shoes to wear? (the proverbial question for me!).
Thank you!