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Colmar or Lyon?

I’m having a difficult time choosing between a day in Colmar or a day in Lyon. I’m currently about the same distance between both and will be driving. Which do you advise seeing?

Posted by
10599 posts

You can see Colmar in a day. Lyon is a large city and deserves more time unless you’re just looking for a brief overview.

Posted by
5 posts

I agree Lyon deserves more time. At the moment though, it’s one of the other with no definite plans of returning to the area.

Posted by
10599 posts

Where are you driving from and what is your ultimate destination?

Posted by
5 posts

Coming from Interlaken, eventually ending up in Geneva. I understand Lyon is closer to Geneva than Colmar, but the driving distance isn’t very important.

Posted by
7300 posts

If you are driving and planning to end up in Geneva, Colmar is out. You'd cross Switzerland twice...
Lyon's marginally better, but I am not convinced it is worth the hassle for just a day.
How about Annecy?

Posted by
5 posts

Yes, definitely going to Annecy. You make a good point about the logistics; either are doable but Lyon makes more sense. Lyon it is! Thanks for the help!

Posted by
427 posts

As a former Lyon resident, I'd advise Colmar if you're driving. Lyon's traffic can be terrible, but not as terrible as its drivers. They generally drive like nuts. And I took my driving test there to get my French license (actually, just outside town at Saint-Priest), so I'm quite familiar.

Posted by
46 posts

Popping in here. We are going to Switzerland for 14 days. We are looping and ending over near France. If I stay in Montreux could I do a day trip to Anncey. Head back and then hit Colmar? What would be the best route and stays? It will be the tail end of our trip and we will need to train back to Zurich to fly home.