Beaune or Colmar

Have not been to Colmar, but Beaune is fascinating for sure Stayed just outside the city walls at Hotel Henry V (or !V was it?) Anyway, great location to walk all over the city. Lots of wine cellars. and be sure to see the hospice..magnificent for sure.

Yes, both are worth visiting; that's a good route for heading to Germany (Black Forest & Bavaria).

They are pretty different and distinct, so if the idea of visiting both Burgundy and Alsace appeals to you, go ahead and do it!

I've had the same question in mind. I'm guessing that Beaune is more "French" and Colmar is more "German." Since we've spent more time in Germany than in France, I'm choosing Beaune for that reason. I'm sure they're both wonderful and I'd do both if we had time.

I've just returned from Colmar and noticed nothing German about it except the historic names of the towns. It is absolutely French.

We enjoyed Beaune-worth two nights anyway and has lots of good restaurants and you can walk along a portion of the wall. The hospice is, of course, the major sight and there is a fascinating antique village.

Having been to both more than once, I'll take it from the other direction. They're three hours apart, you can see them both in the same day. Neither is worth more than a meal and a couple of hours of walking around. Spend the night at one if that's where you're about to stop anyway. Paris, Beaune, Colmar is five hours of driving, mostly on freeways. You could skip either (or both) and not have missed much in life. That's for the two towns - - for the regions, I'd pick Alsace over Burgundy.

In April we spent a week near Beaune and another week near Colmar and had a fantastic time. Granted, it wasn't directly IN each of the cities in question, but the cities and areas are both very different, and both worthy of some time. I don't think you will be disappointed. If you have time, add a day to do a bicycle tour. We felt that Beaune and the Cote d'Or were better for bicycle tours. The path-ways are more plentiful and not so busy.

Cathy, I'd suggest spending a day or two in each town if possible, especially Colmar. I spent several days there last year, and had a great time. I really enjoyed wandering around Colmar, especially in the evenings. There were often some really talented street musicians playing in the main part of the town. I sometimes get bored with large Museums, but that wasn't the case with the Unterlinden; it was an awesome Museum and I wasn't bored at all! Colmar also makes a convenient home base for a day trip to Strasbourg or some of the other small towns in the area. Happy travels!

Hi Cathy, I've been to both, and I would recommend both. Colmar is a fascinating town, and I agree with an earlier poster, that there is definitely a German feel to it. After all, Alsace has BEEN Germany many times throughout history. I spoke to people in German or french thoughout my stay there. The architecture is also very German.
If you're into biking, do NOT miss Beaune! Rent a bike in town, head for the bike route and enjoy the little villages, and the wine, of course. It will be one of your best days of the trip. Try to do 2 nights in both, if you can.

@ Cathy and Janet...While I have not been to Beaune, I have been to Colmar, was there for a few days in the summer of 2001. One can assert that Colmar, and for that matter absolutely Strasbourg and Obernai too, have German characteristic(s). As pointed out above, the style of the houses reflect this, and you would be surprised (maybe it shouldn't be surprising and be taken as a matter of course) at how many of the tourist/service industry personnel in Colmar speak both French and German, which I observed and did myself, although in halting French. If you can make the time, see Colmar as well before heading to Munich. Alsace-Lorraine themselves are worth at least 2 full weeks.

I have been to both on the same trip. If you have time they are both worth it if you incl the surrounding areas, vineyard and beautiful villages. If not I would choose Beaune for its city sghts and the surrounding vineyards in the countryside, castles etc.