Black Forest Germany or Alsace Region of France?

Better food in France

Well, since the 2 regions are just across the Rhine from each other, you won't have a problem visiting both. I prefer to stay on the Black Forest side as it's more scenic and I have a preference for German food. Freiburg is a lively city, but if you prefer a small town I'd recommend Oberkirche, which is due east from Strasbourg. If you're into wine, then you'd probably prefer to stay in Alsace. Colmar and Ribeauville are both good places to stay.

The BF is a good place if you want to do some walking/hiking in great scenery. Hinterzarten would be a good base town for this. The pleasant city of Freiburg makes for a good stay and is a short distance from Colmar, but it isn't a forest/outdoor experience! I'd say it's an apples-and-oranges choice, really.

If your plan is to visit Strasbourg, you might want to overnight in attractive Gengenbach as a base, an old walled town just east of Offenburg; you could head east from G'bach to the lovely BF town of Schiltach or the more touristy Triberg, both popular destinations

I think it depends on when you're going. The Alsace is covered with grapevines, which will be pretty if you're there when they're growing. We were there in March a few years ago, and at that time of year, they're a bunch of stumps. Fall would be great.

Watch Rick's travel film on the Alsace. That will remove all doubt! It's formidable!

Don't forget about the wines of Alsace, especially the Guwertztraminer.

Bon Voyage!

Colmar in the Alsace area is lovely, and then you have the option to travel the "wine road" up through the small villages on the way to Strasbourg. It's a beautiful area.