Husband and I are planning a two-week non-Paris driving trip to France for our anniversary mid-May 2015. Currently planning 3 nights in Alsace. Some Trip Advisor posts described Colmar as "run down" and "overrated" but I'm not sure how much credence to give those. We live in a city, so prefer less city & crowds, fewer American tourists like us, more French culture. We're skipping Strasbourg to avoid city scene and due to other destination ideas. Prefer to stay in 1 place for 3 nights. Thinking Colmar might be better for more restaurant & accommodation options, but perhaps Eguisheim might be preferable for charm and quiet. Rick's 2014 France guide says Eguisheim is the "most charming" route du vin village but can be "mobbed by tourists" but is a "cinch" for drivers. If anyone is familiar with or stayed in either of these towns (or other route du vin villages), your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Green Bay
21145 posts
"Rundown". "overrated". Pretty tough crowd that Trip Advisor lot. Certainly not two adjectives which come to my mind when describing Colmar.
Posted by
California
773 posts
We loved Colmar! Definitely not "run down" and "overrated." Colmar is very pretty and has great hotels and restaurants. Perhaps a day trip to Equisheim?
Posted by
OP
Washington, DC, USA
5 posts
Thank you! Good to know that Colmar is lovely and a good base w/ a variety of options. Any other experiences staying in either location would be welcome.
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
I've been to both but never stayed in either. I think Colmar is a great city and worth spending 3 nights in. You can then take day trips, including Eguisheim
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33820 posts
Colmar to me is a nice town, which I haven't fully explored. I've stayed on the outskirts and enjoy the area very very much.
I've not yet stayed in the surrounding Route des Vins villages but they are very attractive and I would be happy to one day.
Usually now we stay across the river in and around Gengenbach in the Black Forest area of Germany, where I find the architecture similar and very magical, and the food and accommodation cheaper.
Strasbourg and Colmar are easy day trips from Gengenbach.