e are two retired ladies hoping to fly to Lyon, visit Colmar and Chamonix, and fly out of Paris. We have done the tours to Normany, etc., and there are no tours that go to this area. We would like to spend 2/3 days in each location and travel by rail from place to place. We are fine with three star accommodations. We are planning April 2024. Looking to any suggestions since we are booking everything ourselves (with Rick's France book.
Posted by
Washington DC
27111 posts
I haven't been to Chamonix but really like both Colmar and Lyon. Lyon is quite a large city with many worthwhile sights, so it can fill three days (four nights) on your itinerary.
Colmar is smaller but beautiful. The Unterlinden Museum is quite good; the Isenheim Altarpiece was restored not too long ago, and it is a "wow". I think the local tourist office rents out audioguides, so you could sort of create your own tour. As a fan of Colmar I'd want to be able to spend at least one full day there, just drinking in the beauty. For your extra time, you might be able to figure out a short side trip to one of the small, picturesque wine villages by public bus; the Colmar Tourist Office could probably help with info about what is practical. It would be a greater challenge to see two or more of the little villages on the same day; the bus routes might make that impossible. However, there might be a private company doing small-group tours. Places to consider include Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Hunawihr and Ribeauville.
Alternatively, the larger city of Strasbourg is worthwhile. It has some lovely architecture in the historic center and museums appropriate to its size.
Posted by
Paris
6897 posts
I would recommend Lyon - Chamonix - Colmar - Paris as the "best" order for your visit. From Chamonix to Colmar, you should cross Switzerland by train. Chamonix-Martigny-Visp-Basel-Colmar is the route, taking about 5.5 hours.
And while you are at it... If you have 2-3 spare nights, you could break the journey around Interlaken and visit the Berner Oberland on your way!