Cochem, Germany

Looks like there is a TGV to Saarbrücken, with a connection to Cochem via Trier. I stayed on the Mosel for three days in 2008, used only trains and buses, no problem. As for accommodations, I stayed in a nice apartment in a private home in Treis-Karden (about 20 min no. of Cochem). The host spoke excellent English. I paid €27/nt, single occ. /breakfast. If you're interested, I'll send you contact info.

Thanks so much for your help!

Cochem is fantastic, maybe my favorite spot in Germany. Place to stay: I've stayed several times at B&B Haus Hilken, 20 Euros or so per person with a fantastic breakfast: Löhrstraße 20 | 56812 Cochem | Tel. 026 71 / 32 54 Frau Hilken doesn't speak English and no email but is a wonderful hostess with 2 doubles and a single that are often available (she doesn't advertise or list with the TI.) In nearby Bullay (train hub) this place treated us right, breakfast also amazing: http://www.gaestehaus-eberhard.de (about the same price.) Bavaria Ben has info on several places here: http://www.bensbauernhof.com/accommodationsrhinemosel.html

I just mentioned the Saarbrücken route to assure her that there are, indeed, acceptable train routes from Paris to Cochem. Via Luxembourg is another example. As for trains in the area, understand that, unlike the Rhein, which runs straight, with the rail lines right along the river, the Mosel is fairly winding. The rail line runs west of the river, through the towns on the west side of the loops. Towns like Berkastel-Kues, Traben-Trarbach, Zell, and Beilstein are on the eastern sides of the loops, accessible by bus from rail towns of Wittlich, Bullay, and Cochem. For the bus schedules, look at the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Mosel website, www.vrm.info.

As well as the route via Saarbrucken also look at times/fares for Paris-Cochem via Luxembourg and Trier. I think the journey time is fairly similar so see which fare is cheaper.

Sara I don't really understand your first question, First off will we have any trouble with trains What sort of trouble do you think you might have with trains? I don't know what sort of difficulties you have so answering is a little difficult. Do you worry about not being able to find the station or the train? Do you have difficulty climbing the steps into the train? Would you have difficulties moving about on the train? There are all sorts of assistance available, and we have regular posters here with various mobility issues if that is your concern.