We are planning to fly into paris (mid June) and take the train to Strasburg. Wanting to know thoughts on which to stay as our base- Colmar or Strasburg to take some day trips in the area (and how many nights should we plan-2, 3 or more). From there we plan to continue our travels onto Annecy and then Lyon. Any advice would be welcome.
Posted by
Boston
196 posts
I'd recommend Strasbourg. It's much larger than Colmar and has better train connections. Colmar is a 30-min train ride from Colmar and the trains run daily every half hour. But definitely visit Colmar's old town.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6614 posts
I liked both cities.Strasbourg does have better train connections. Are you planning on visiting the smaller wine villages? Will you have a car? If you are relying on public transportation, I would check into which city has better transportation to the smaller villages. I know there are some buses from Colmar as well as tours.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
We will not have a car. We plan to take trains or do tours from whichever location. I'm leaning towards Strasbourg but seems like RS leans more towards staying in Colmar.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1529 posts
If you're up for it; there are a lot of bike tours in this area and through out Wine Country. Check online under bike trails etc. for maps. A lot of the bike tours have support vans that can transport the bikes closer to where you really begin. Bring a picnic with you when you stop with the closeup great views afforded. Make new friends. Bon Voyage!
Posted by
OP
3 posts
We love to bike so that's a great tip. Thanks!
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2109 posts
From Colmar you can bike to Kaysersberg and Riquewihr. Getting to the first takes about 3/4 hour and the additional leg to the latter about an half hour. It's a bit hilly there, but to my idea not too much and so doable. Kientzheim nearby Kaysersberg is very lovely too and certainly worth a stop. The same for Turckheim, also easy to get to with the train from Colmar.
In case cars are of interest the "Bugatti" museum in Mulhouse is not to miss.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1565 posts
With only 2-3 days I can't see staying in either and having much time for a day trip. And, if you take a bus, to Riquewihr for example, you've just used a day. Which gives you one day in Strasbourg, and one in Colmar, and you barely have time to see those cities.
Strasbourg does have better transport options. But for the short time you're going to be there it really doesn't make a difference. I'd look at which town has the best option for your next leg of the trip, because all the time you spend traveling is time lost at your destination.
I'll point out that, mid-June, in Strasbourg you'll be competing for hotel rooms with not only the high tourist season, but also with the EU bureaucrats as they try to get something done before they all go on vacation in July.