I'll be taking a last minute 3 week solo trip recently widowed using public transportation o in October. Planning to spend a few nights in Reims sightseeing and champagne tasting then on to Strasbourg for a few nights to enjoy the city. I then plan to travel to Colmar to base myself for wine tasting and visiting Ribeauville, Kayserberg, Eguisheim. I would then travel to Dijon or Beaune for more sightseeing and wine tasting. Wondering if i should add Lyon to this trip before heading to Paris. This trip won't include Paris except for maybe a day or two before my flight home. What are your opinions, suggestions. I have traveled to this area of France. Thank you,
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
8582 posts
Beaune is significantly smaller than Dijon. Beaune is an ancient walled city, very charming. There are wineries in town you can taste at, and there are also tours that leave from Beaune. The Route des Grands Crus from Beaune north is gorgeous. I'm not sure if there is a way to see that without a car. Perhaps there is a winery tour that does some of it.
We enjoyed Reims, there was a lot to do there, including the cathedral and wineries right in town. There is a wonderful TI where you can get a walking tour map and other ideas.
Posted by
Coral Gables, Florida
670 posts
I did this trip a year ago.
In Reims, the cathedral and the champagne cellars are nice, but it's not a particularly pleasant town to just wander about, mainly because of how it was rebuilt after World War I. I think about 75% was destroyed during the war. I stayed two nights in Reims but I think one night is probably better.
I stayed about 4/5 nights each in Strasbourg, Colmar and Lyon and would do it again.
I stayed 3 or 4 nights in Beaune, day tripped to Dijon, and did wine tours. If I had to do it again, I think I would stay in Dijon instead of Beaune. My main interest in Beaune was the Hotel-Dieu, and it's great. I recommend maybe 3 nights in Dijon, with a day trip to Beaune. Dijon is bigger, more things to do.
I flew home from Lyon, didn't take the train to Paris. The flight was Lyon -> Paris -> Miami. That's probably better than taking the train to Paris, unless you want to.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you so much; this helps so much to organize my trip. Mainly interested in champagne tasting in Reims and thought an easy trip after an international flight from Boston.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
3552 posts
When you are in Reims, if you are not driving, try to find a tour that includes Hautvillers and the Abbey there. It is a lovely little spot and it is where Dom Perignon is interred. It makes a nice homage to the man that gave us champagne and there are some great views of the vineyards across the valley. (I am assuming you will do some kind of visit to the champagne houses and/or vineyards.)
The cathedral in Reims is where nearly every king of France was crowned, going back a thousand years +. Also, the museum of surrender (WWII) is in Reims and makes an interesting stop while there.
Enjoy!