After a day in Reims via the tast train, we want to get to satrasboug but mainly Colmar and especially the villages. I almost regret nit going further than Reims and not staying there at all but it's booked for late June now. We were planning on booking a car from there and breaking the journey at Metz but I now think it would be much quicker and cheaper to train to Strasbourg and then pick up a car the following day. Or are we missing a lot on the way, that is my husbands concern. Otherwise it's about 31/4 hours minimum plus car rental and tolls and a lot of driving to get there at a reasonable hour if we leave straight after lunch. Is there any nice smaller place nearer Strasbourg that we could drive to that is a bit closer since parking in Strasbourg at peak travel time could be very stressful. We hope to spend 2-3 days around Colmar or in one of the villages near and perhaps drive to Basel, but not sure yet. Does anyone think it's worth a drive or not. The burgundy region would be great but don't think we've got time, unless we take a day out if the Alsace region. Not sure yet where to leave the car and to train back to Paris.
Would really welcome your help. Thanks.
Posted by
Green Bay
20143 posts
I would suggest renting a car in Colmar to visit local villages. There is a rental agency at Colmar train station. Very frequent rail service connecting Strasbourg, Colmar, and Basel.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15585 posts
I'd take the train to Strasbourg and pick up the rental car when you're ready to leave. Parking is limited in the city and you'll pay for it. With a car, you are better off staying in one of the villages near Colmar rather than in the city. That way you'll save the hassle of driving in and out of the city every day. I wouldn't bother with Basel. There's plenty to see in Alsace. If you go to Haut-Koenigsbourg (or maybe even if you don't), stop for an hour or two at Monkey Mountain to see the Barbary ape colony. I stayed in Eguisheim, one of the smallest. Others looked just as enticing. Then drive back to Strasbourg to drop the car and take the train to Paris. It's only about an hour's drive from Colmar area to Strasbourg. Europcar is across the street from the train station in Strasbourg.
Also, if you are spending a day in Reims, you'll want to taste a lot of champagne . . . so you won't want to drive later that same day! Save Burgundy for another trip. You'll want at least 3-4 days there.
Posted by
OP
Cambridge, Waikato, New Zealand
64 posts
Thanks for your help.
We have decided to retake the train to Strasbourg and as I have just put in another post, have discovered tharpt they leave from Reins Bkance and i cannot find out where it is and how to get there. I know it is 8 kms from Reims but that's all I vpcan gind out . The train us already 4.45 and arriving at 7pm so don't want a later one but prices have already gone up 50%. Any further help most welcome urgently.