My husband and I are planning a rather short notice trip to France in March, and I would greatly appreciate any advice. I haven't booked flights yet, so I have some flexibility. As of right now I am looking at flying in and out of Paris, but we could fly into Paris and out of another city if it was a better option. Our daughter is studying in Strasbourg which is a requirement for our visit! I'm thinking of flying into Paris and spending two nights before picking up a rental car on the way out of town to visit her in Strasbourg. Any recommended stops along the way? We will then spend 2-3 nights visiting her and the surrounding areas (Colmar, etc.). Here's where I get a little unsure: drive from Strasbourg to Beaune (spend 1-2 nights) and then from Beaune drive back to Paris to return the car and enjoy two more nights in Paris. Is this a good idea? It's been 10 years since I've traveled to France and then I had significantly more time to plan. I'm open to any suggestions. My husband has not been to France, so my only two requirements are taking him to Paris and visiting our daughter in Strasbourg. We love the freedom of a car (outside Paris of course!) and exploring the countryside. Previously I visited Paris, the Loire Valley and Normandy, so much of this is new territory for me and completely new for my husband.
Posted by
Green Bay
21153 posts
They places you mentioned are all well connected by rail, so why not take advantage of what the French have and we don't, a functioning rail network. How much time can you spend "exploring the countryside" with 4 nights in Paris and 3 in Strasbourg. Maybe rent the car when you leave Strasbourg, then turn it in at Dijon station.
Posted by
Denver, CO
796 posts
I think I would do the four nights in Paris at the end of the trip - that way you'll have one less hotel check-in/check-out. From CDG, take the 2 hour TGV to Strasbourg. You could then rent a car in Strasbourg, sightsee in that area, and then drive back to Paris, seeing Beaune along the way.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
I like Sam's plan. Train to Strasbourg, get the car there, explore, drive to Beaune, explore, drop the car in nearby Dijon, train back to Paris.
If you can get a train straight from CDG to Strasbourg, or from Dijon to CDG, then take one of those options and spend all your Paris time at the start or end of your trip. Saves an extra move.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15784 posts
Definitely better to take the train to/from Paris. After your night/s in Strasbourg, get a car to visit Alsace. It will be more efficient that trying to do it using local buses. Stay in a B&B and small hotel in one of the little towns on the wine route (I stayed in Eguisheim and loved it), then drive to Burgundy (again stay in a little town outside Beaune) and drop the car when you're ready to train back to Paris.
Have GPS with you (either your own or with the car). You can pick up regional maps at the TI's throughout the region. Signage is not always good and navigating the cities (Strasbourg, Colmar, Beaune, Dijon) can be difficult. There is underground parking just meters from the TI in Beaune. You are expected to know the rules of the road including speed limits which are often not posted. Viamichelin.com is a good resource for driving times, costs, and routes. Don't try to rent the smallest car. You'll spend a lot of time driving, make sure there's enough room for whoever's riding in the back seat. Every driver needs an international driving permit.