My wife and I will be travelling from Bacharach at the end of July and have one day and night before we are to arrive in Paris. Which place would you go to and why? Also, where would you stay?
Posted by
Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
606 posts
In my opinion, Beaune is just more French than Colmar. I think Colmar is great, but if you want pure France, I'd pick Beaune.
When we were in Beaune, we stayed at Hotel des Remparts (http://www.hotel-remparts-beaune.com/) which is built up against the old town wall (on the inside of the wall). It's just a 4-minute walk from the center of the old town, on a quiet street.
I recommend taking the walk around the top of the old town wall. It's a great way to see the old town from above. Also see the old hospice, visit Marche aux Vines, and if you have time, do a wine country tour.
I also recommend the restaurant at Abbaye de Maizieres in old town.(http://www.abbayedemaizieres.com/restaurant-gb.htm)
You enter through a low door and descend into what was once the a 12th Century wine cellar built with wonderful cathedral-like stone vaults. Great atmosphere and food.
Posted by
Lebanon
711 posts
Micah... Are you driving ? Here is a different idea, but one to think about. I would definitely pick Beaune. But I would add one thing. The Burgundian scenery around Beaune cannot be beat. If you have a car, or could rent one for that day, you could drive along the Burgandy canal, see medieval villages like Chateauneuf, Flavigny where they filmed part of Chocolat... there is a great little winery at the foot of the hill behind Flavigny.. they speak English and will give you a grand sampling free. These places are very close to Beaune. We always drive around Burgundy...it is very easy. We then drive back to Orly , and drop off the car and cab into Paris.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
They are both wonderful, though different.
Coming from Bachrach, I think you would find the greatest cultural contrast with Beaune. As Patrick said, Burgundy is pure French.
On the other hand, Colmar is logistically a little better, so if you are genuinely split you could let that consideration decide rather than tossing a coin.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Rick says: "Colmar is one of Europe's most enchanting cities--with a small-town warmth and world-class art." The Michelin guidebook writers give Colmar *** and Beaune **. I am not saying one should go only to places that Rick tells us to go, nor am I advocating slavish adherence to Michelin's or Rick's recommendations, although Michelin has been evaluating destinations in Europe, and France in particular, for about a hundred years. Choosing Colmar saves you significant time, since you're coming straight down from Bacharach and your next stop is Paris and you don't have much time. These are the reason I would go to Colmar instead of Beaune, given the things you have mentioned about your trip. I would stay at the Colbert if you need to be near the train station. If you're driving I would stay at the Hotel au Moulin in the country around Colmar. See Rick's description and itinerary in France 2008 page 704-731.