We are planning to stay in the Beaune area and a small town in Alsace and will have a car to do day trips around both areas. We have 6 nights (in the middle of a 4 week trip) I was thinking 4 nights in Beaune and 2 in Alsace, what would you suggest?
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I think you could argue it either way (but no less than two days in any). You might want to tally up the specific sights and activities you hope to take in and make a plan based on that.
I could probably come up with more sights to see in Burgundy than Alsace, but that is because I've spent more time there. They are both wonderful destinations.
Posted by
Marin, CA
532 posts
I'd give more to Alsace. It is so delightful. Colmar is a wonderful size with half-timbered buildings and a fun farmers market. The wineries make fragrant affordable white wines. Americans are welcomed as we helped them alot during WWII. You can easily go to Strasbourg which has food stores like I used to see in Paris. Have the best hot chocolate and take the boat through the locks and see the EU building. Beaune is nice but Alsace is so special, easy and relaxing.
Posted by
S.F. Bay Area, CA, United States
1878 posts
We were in both these areas in May of this year. I would suggest splitting your time evenly between the two. Do not miss Fontenay Abbey or Semur in Burgundy. Flavigny can be missed. The Unterlinden Museum in Colmar lives up to Rick's description. We enjoyed Strasbourg a lot, because even though it is tourist-oriented in the center, it was not overwhelmed by tourist hoards in May. The smaller in the Alsace were sort of mob scenes with tour buses everywhere. Of the Alsace towns we found Kayserberg to be really nice. Burgundy does a much better job of keeping the tourists at arm's length.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
Consider the EcoMusee North of Colmar in Alsace. can easily spend a full day if you are interested in rural architectural styles. very nice restaurant on site
Posted by
Nice, France
108 posts
This is a dilemna... I would give more to Alsace but I certainly wouldn't give less to Burgundy!! Burgundy is such a lovely area. I know this answer is of very little help but I suppose this means keep it as planned, 4 nights in Burgundy and 2 in Alsace, but start preparing a new trip to France next year! :)