Paris to the Alsace Region

You can get to both regions by train easily. It's a little more difficult getting around the countryside, though. Both areas have interesting small wine towns. So, to not be trapped in one of the larger towns in either area, you might consider reserving a rental car to pick up once you're there. Parking and driving is quite easy in the rural areas.

I think both areas offer a lot of scenery, cool small towns and good wine. They differ culturally. Burgundy is classic Franc and home to many of the dishes we associate with France - coq au vin, escargot, etc. Alsace is definitely German influence and probably has France's second most favorite cuisine with its charcroutes, etc. One consideration is that, if the German influence appeals to you, Germany itself is just across the river.

I second Dan's suggestion to rent a car on arrival in either region. It will greatly extend your reach and let you visit many charming small towns.

Driving is always driving, and may be problematic for any number of reasons, but doing so in rural France is not something to fear in particular.

If, however, you are dead set against it, consider renting bicycles for part of your stay. September would be a great time for a few day trips into the countryside, to vineyards, and to small villages.

Finally, if you are really limiting yourself to train travel, I would steer clear of the big cities (Dijon and Strasbourg) in favor of smaller towns still on a rail line.

Also, one rail-accessible site that may be worth your time is the Fontenay Abbey. Get off the train in Montbard, about an hour east of Paris, and either take a taxi or walk four miles on one of the Grand Randonee trails to the Abbey. You can read about this site to see if it appeals to you; Michelin gives it three stars.

Paris to the provinces in September sounds like heaven--have a great trip!

You can take the train to Strasbourg and have a nice visit there and then take the train to Colmar which is a lovely Alsatian town. You can sign up (check the internet) for an Alsation wine/village tour that can take you to Equisheim, Kaysersberg, Riquiwihr, etc. which are also lovely, smaller versions of Colmar. It's a beautiful area! Send me a private msg if you need more info.

Hi Kim:

If you fly to Paris, you can take the TGV train from Paris East Train Station & it will take you 2 hours. Once you are in Stratsbourg, the city itself near the Cathedral is breath taking & also the Petite France area. I was only for one day, but I am planning to go back, If you cycle you can rent a bike at the train station, & you can visit the small towns & for the day, the trains are also handy as you can carry your bike if you have a lot for the day. Once you are there I recommend you to try the red alsacian wine, here in Toronto is hard to get it, also if you are in the Pub mode you can try French beer at the Bier Academy is 15 minutes from the train station, you can send me a private message for the right directions.

For how long you will be in France, also another area closer to Paris is the region of Champagne, try the town of Epernay & visit some Champagne Houses, one tip they are closed from 12 to 2. Mercier is one I visited, the TGV from Paris takes 45 minutes to Reims a bigger city & from there is the local train that taked 1/2 hour. If you are late there in late September, early October you can go to the small towns & sample Champagnes from the small producers, pls feel free to send me a private message if you need more details

Mrs. Pilar Harrietha
Toronto ON Canada