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Need help - wine itinerary

Once again I need help. This year we're back to traveling with friends - five of us - oldest 70, youngest 58. This past year my husband and I went by ourselves and spent 5 nights in Colmar before heading to Munich and Prague. We really, really liked Colmar, so we want the rest of the group to see Colmar, but beyond that I don't know where to go. We all really like small towns, just wandering around enjoying the local atmosphere, drinking wine and eating local food.

We're going in September and are open to renting a car for day trips. We will have about 10 full days in France. The group doesn't want to spend time in Paris this trip, other than a night before we fly out of Paris. We will be going to the Rhine/Mosel areas in Germany before heading to France. Wine seems to be the main "subject" of this trip :)

So - my thought is to stay in Colmar for 4 nights. Probably go to Strasbourg for a day. Thinking we should rent a car and tour the "wine route" one of the days. After that, I can't seem to figure out where to go. Lyon has been brought up many times. Should we base in Lyon for five days and branch out from there on day trips? Forgot to mention, my husband really wants to see Annecy. We'll do that as a day trip from Lyon? When we traveled as a group two years ago, we packed up and moved about every 3 days and we really don't want to do that this time.

I'm thinking: 4 nights Colmar
5 nights Lyon

Suggestions are greatly appreciated!! Don't know why I'm having such a hard time for this trip. The last two years seemed much easier, so I'm really hoping for your help.

Thanks.

Posted by
359 posts

I think your plan of 4 nights Colmar and 5 nights Lyon sounds great!

Posted by
2261 posts

We spent three nights in Lyon and I wish we had been there longer, will definitely be back. There is a very good Tourist Info center on Place Bellecour, look into the Lyon City Card, it is a good value even if you just do a couple museums. It covers all public transportation, a walking tour (sign up early for the English tour) and a choice of two different river cruises. You can likely arrange day trips at this TI, too.
The Lumiere Museum and the Resistance Museum were highlights for us. Cafe des Federations is highly recommended, I emailed in English for reservation and received a prompt response, it was great, very traditional.
Staying in one place for more than 2 or 3 days is a good plan, good luck!

Posted by
4132 posts

If wine is really the point you should spend some time in Burgundy, right next door to Alsace.

Every part of France (save Normandy-Brittany) has it's own wine culture, but Burgundy's is considered one of the greatest. There are other rewarding sights to see, too, though you will want a car.

Beaune makes a friendly base with wine, food, and historic sights in town and beyond the walls.