Help! My husband and I are trying to decided what to do with our time in France/Germany during our 2 week vacation in June/July. I have explored France and many parts of Europe several times, but he has not. Thus, we want to cover the major sites in Paris and Munich but see some things in between that I have not seen before. We fly into Paris and out of Munich.
We are spending the first 4 nights in Paris, and then I am wondering if 3 nights in the Cote d'azur is enough time for some R and R before flying to Munich. I am interested in staying in Villefranche sur Mer, Antibes, or perhaps Cap Ferrat for sun, swimming, walking/hiking, eating, and minor sightseeing. This is mostly supposed to be a laid-back smaller town side trip before we hit up Munich... is this enough time (flight from Orly-Nice, then fly out from Nice-Munich) or would be too rushed/stressed?
We then want to spend a few days in Munich and hike near Bergesgarden... thoughts and recommendations?
Thanks!
Posted by
Buenos Aires, Argentina
120 posts
Hi! I don't know much, I have never been to Europe, though I'm planning my trip. Anyway, I felt like giving you some ideas.
If you like to hike, why don't you go to the Swiss Alps? There's a lot of hiking to do there! And wonderful scenary! I've fallen in love with that area just by looking at the pictures...
Another idea is visiting the Rhine valley in Germany, in your way to Munich, visit Cologne, and some of the towns there, do a cruise down the river, do the Romantic Road...
I think these two suggestions fit well in your itinerary from Paris to Munich, and you don't spend a lot of time travelling.
Have a nice trip!!
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
I think three nights in southern France would be great and not be too rushed. Your targeted towns and sights look fine.
Posted by
mia
9 posts
In the south, try to hit medieval towns like St. Paul de Vence, even if only for a lazy lunch. It is gorgeous and something you'd never see in the U.S. A day-trip from Munich, maybe try Neuschwannstein Castle? The drive there is very picturesque and he'll get in a real castle (albeit only 150 years old). My husband and I are going to France in a month and he's never been there either. I'm trying to get him to see the kinds of architecture and pace of life (people watching at cafes) that we don't have much here... good luck!
Posted by
OP
portland
4 posts
Thanks for your replies! I'm glad to hear that a weekend trip to the Cote d'azur might not be an impossibility... I'm dreaming of sun, the Mediterranean, and the slower, relaxed pace that we won't necessarily find in Paris or Munich (Luxe, Calme, et Volupte!). I'm trying to hit up some smaller towns that I haven't been to before. I've only been to Nice in the Cote D'azur (and don't really care to return) but would still love to explore some of the other towns. If anyone has been to Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cap Ferrat, or Menton, I would love to hear suggestions/recommendations....
We do plan to hit up Neuchwanstein (I've already been there, but would be happy to see it again)... anyone been to Bergesgarten or that area and have recs.?
Thanks!!
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
Lola, I've been to Berchtesgaden twice, for two whole days, 3 nights, each time. Hitler's Eagles' Nest is interesting, particularly on a clear day, when the view is spectacular. At the bottom of the mountain, the Dokumentation Center is historically interesting. You can spend a day just there. Spend another half day at least on the boats on Königssee. Take the boat all the way up to the end of the lake and hike over the moraine to the Obersee.
From Berchtesgaden Hbf, it is only about an hour's bus ride down to Salzburg.
Between France and Germany, I would recommend the Black Forest. Freudenstadt is very nice. North of there is Calw and Bad Liebenzell. Tübingen is a pretty university town on the Neckar. Burg Hohenzollern, in Hechingen is not much older than Neuschwanstein, but impressive for it's dominating position on a hilltop.
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
Lora - On Cap Ferrat, you can tour the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild which has dazzling views of the Med and wander through the gardens. Also on Cap Ferrat, the beach at Plage de Passable is wonderful. Come back later and have dinner at the restaurant. Our table was on the sand and relaxed and saw a wonderful sunset. You can walk/hike all around the Cap Ferrat peninsula. If you stay in Villefranche, you can walk to Cap Ferrat. Villefranche has a nice beach too and is worth exploring. If you like Renoir, you can take a bus to Cagnes sur Mer and see his home, studio, and garden, where he lived the last years of his life. Rick's Provence book has details on all of these places.
I recommend the Hotel de la Darse in Villefranche and be sure to ask for a room with a view. Another destination might be Eze le Village.