We have been to PAris many times, and will be going again in October for 3 days. Prior to that, we will be in Germany for a week then have 3-4 days to play with. We were thinking Switzerland, but also am intrigued with Annecey, the Alscace wine towns, the French Alps, etc. We have been to Colmar/Strasbourg but not Ribeauville, etc. Our last stop will be in Garmisch, so we could either travel back to Munich to get a train, or train it to Zurich from Garmisch and move on from there - we won't have a car in Germany but if need be we certainly could get one in France for a few days if necessary. We really aren't interested in museums. We like strolling charming places, countryside, dining and drinking wine. Any suggestions would be most helpful. Thanks!
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2408 posts
hey hey marketing
we arrive in annecy september 18 for 6 nights, never been and so excited about going. we rented an apartment in town near the lake. will be coming in from 2 nights in geneva by taxi (40 minute ride).
switzerland is expensive, it's the way our trip went. paris (1 night)-train to geneva (2 nights)- taxi to annecy (6 nights)- train to paris (8 nights)
i've done research of the area and have planned a few things: boat ride on lake, day trip to chambery and maybe lyon, walk and roam the town, sit at cafes, people watch with a glass of wine, have dinner at a restaurant above a dairy.
if you want more info just private message (PM) me and i'll be happy to send you.
aloha
Posted by
Santa Rosa, CA, USA
355 posts
I will be staying in Ribeauville for 3 nights in October. I visited the area briefly when I was staying with a friend in Freiburg, Germany. I fell in love with the small village feel of the town and want to go back. I have been to Colmar and Strasbourg. So, this time I want to explore Kaysersberg and Eguisheim, and maybe more... Good luck with your planning!
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7942 posts
If you’re interested in wine with bubbles, the hilly Champagne region, anchored by the wonderful towns of Reims and Epernay, might be worth considering.
Posted by
OP
72 posts
All great suggestions - now to get busy looking it all up - thanks!
Posted by
Paris
7304 posts
If you just have three to four days and are coming from Germany, Alsace is hard to beat, even if you have already been to Colmar and Strasbourg. A car is helpful for deeper exploration.
Annecy is good too, but surprisingly hard to reach from points north and east: Garmisch to Annecy would be a full day of travel. So I can't recommend it as much.
Posted by
613 posts
After more than 200 tourist days in France, Alsace is our #1. Driven the Route de Vin at least 10 times. With the time you have, consider a loop drive Route de Vin-- Rhine Valley-- Mosel Valley --- back to Alsace from Trier. We always have at least one meal in Kaysersburg's Au Lion d'Or, The restaurant is still operated by its founding family in its original building. It opened for business in 1729, three years before George Washington was born.
Essential for driving in France: Michelin Map 1:200,000, Michelin Green Guide, and, for eats and rooms, Michelin Red Guide.
Annecey, is pleasant for 1-2 days max, but only after first seeing the heart of the French Alps.
Posted by
OP
72 posts
Alscace seems to be the consensus. Have never been to South of France before so didn't know if we should consider or hit the mountain areas. We also have been wanting to spend time in the small towns around Strasbourg, so thinking we may just go there and perhaps rent a car in Strasbourg at the train station. Would you recommend basing ourselves in Strasbourg or stay in a coupe of different towns, and if so, which do you recommend and why? Figuring parking a rental might be a problem in the smaller towns so didn't know if we should base elsewhere.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
Since you’re already doing a lot of Germany, and i consider Colmar/Strasbourg still very German, i was going to suggest Burgundy. A very charming area of France, with lots of super quaint towns, chateaux, vineyards, wine, great food, beautiful countryside.
We really disliked Reims, wasn’t charming at all. Though the cathedral there is amazing.