Couple going to Eastern France with a few days first in Paris. possibly into Switzerland in 3rd week of Sept-1st week of October
Would like recommendations for cities, and an itinerary , places to stay, preferably air bob or something similar.. Will travel mainly by train. Like museums , wine tasting, history
Eileen, It would help if you provided a bit more information, such as a budget range, comfort level expected in lodgings, your activity level or limitations, preference for cities or smaller towns and villages, etc. And what are your expectations? Is this to be a laid-back leisurely trip or a busier one doing something or sightseeing every day, all day or half a day. In other words, when you picture yourself on this trip, what do you see yourself doing, and what is the background in that picture? Your request is much too broad to provide really helpful advice. Guidebooks for eastern France and Switzerland would perhaps help you to narrow down your requests, which, as they are, need a whole guidebook to respond to. This is a very large area you are asking about, with thousands of possibilities for answers in all the categories.
After further thought we would like to limit our trip to 3-4 days in Paris, and the rest to Burgundy region with a perhaps final visit to Lyon. Would like to have a few bases to stay for several days and do wine tours and side trips from each. We will be using the train.
Would like medium to high end of accommodations, with minimal stairs or an elevator if possible. Fairly active 70 yr old couple but no hiking. Restaurant recommendations also would be great.
This would be a leisurely trip, not overly scheduled. Small cities ok as well as small towns.
Eileen,,
Thanks for the more detailed info on your plans.
I can make just a few suggestions. Beaune is a great place to stay in your Burgundy visit. The Hospice there is a treasure and its history and the history of the wine auction is really interesting. It has been a few years, but we stayed at the Best Western Plus au Grand St Jean, easy walking distance to the Hospice and the within the old town. For us, we needed a place with parking, but the location was good and the price was very reasonable. I don't know if it has changed much since we were there. (FYI, Best westerns in Europe are not cookie cutters of the US ones.) Even if you stay elsewhere, do not miss a visit to the Hospice. Give it 3-4 hours.
Dijon is bigger and will have more options for tours and day trips to wineries, plus is great to explore on foot. It has a fine Musee Des Beaux Arts, the Palace of the Dukes, the cathedral, and is known for excellent cuisine. If I were going back there, I would seek out some kind of tour regarding the production of Dijon mustard! There should be ample options for day trips from here for wine tasting and exploration. The history of the Dukes of Burgundy is all over the old town. And if you can find a reasonably priced one, try to get a day trip to Fointenay Abbey (about 75-80 km from Dijon). It was a highlight for us as we drove from Chambord to Beaune.
I'm afraid I don't have help for you with Lyon. Put Lyon in nthe search bar above and filter for Lyon, and I year or more recent. There are lots of comments on that city.
One thought, your datesare Happy travels! getting close, so I would hop on the lodging reservations pretty quickly before your options become too limited.
Best of luck with your plans.
My bad, filter for "forum", then "one year or less".
Spelling correction...Fontenay Abbey. (really beautiful. Take a picnic lunch as it is in the countryside with no place to eat nearby. The grounds are lovely.
