Are these two regions different enough to justify 2-3 nights in each on an ~ 15 day trip that includes Switzerland and Germany (Rhine Valley, Munich)? Just starting to scratch out tentative plans for next year and as usual, it's a lot harder deciding what to eliminate rather than where to go. My preliminary plans are to fly into Paris, take the train to Colmar, where we would rent a car. After Colmar, we would drive to Beaune or the vicinity before moving on to the Berner Oberland and Germany (dropping off the car in France and doing the remainder by train, then flying home from Munich). Any helpful suggestions? Thanks!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
784 posts
I've been to both areas on different trips. Alsace has a German flavor. Colmar is very charming and there is a lot to see in the city, and the wine road is fun with charming villages along the way. Beaune is small and the Hotel Dieu and wine marche are very interesting. There is also a lot to see in the countryside. If you're into wine, Alsace has more whites, Burgundy, reds, of course. I think I'd do both as they are very different.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
I have been to both and enjoyed them but you may feel villaged & wine tired doing both back to back. Colmar has a nice Museum and historic walking section. Beaune to me was less interesting.I would add the xtra time in gorgeous but sometime weather fickled Berner Oberland. We spent 5 days here and were glad becuz wet weather in mid summer restricted our travels and hikes in the mtns.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I have also visited both. They are different but perhaps not as different as, say, Alsace and Provence. If you want more contrast, skip Alsace, the most German part of France, since you will be in Germany and Switzerland afterwards. If you are going to visit both you might do better to take the train to Beaune (about 2 hours from Paris) and drive to Colmar, then return the car the night before you leave for the BO by train. Its about 3 hours from Colmar that way.