Suggestions for 2 days between Frankfurt and Paris

I like Metz, they have a wonderful cathedral with Chagall windows. Also supposedly the oldest church in France. They also have a huge antique market a couple times a year. My husband is a big history buff, me and the kids not so much, but stop through Verdun, it's an incredible memorial to WWI. Glad we've seen it. You could also spend the first night in Heidelberg, closer to Frankfurt and the next night in Metz.

Metz is a nice city: nothing unique but a fine cathedral and some very attractive gardens by the Moselle. If you go I strongly recommend a restaurant in the centre (8 rue Ladoucette) called "Le Bouchon" - very good value for money.

Karen, Given a choice between Metz and Strasbourg, I would pick Strasbourg, a much more beautiful city. Two or three full days in Metz is enough for seeing the museums, the ramparts, and the cathedrals. Considering the important strategic location of Metz, fought over 3 times in 3 wars, you could enhance (historically) your stay there by seeing the outlying villages west of Metz, such as Gravotte, St. Privat, Mars-la-Tour. I tried going from Metz to Thionville (Diedenhofen), a bit north of Metz, on 14 July 2003 (spur of the moment travelling) on a r/t point to point ticket...all booked. I was tired of staying in Metz!

You said you've spent only 2 nights on the Rhein, so you probably did not see the Mosel. The Mosel has Burg Eltz, Cochem, Beilstein, the wine towns of Zell and Bernkastel-Kues, and Trier. From Trier, you are three hours by train from Paris via Luxembourg (TGV) or via Saarbrücken (ICE). From FRA, purchase local tickets to Mainz and a Rheinland-Pfalz-Ticket. With the RL-P-Ticket, you can go from Mainz down the Rhein to Koblenz and then up the Mosel as far as you want on regional trains for one fare (€24 for 2 P). FRA to Moselkern is less than 3 hrs.

Thanks for the replies. I'll continue to look at Metz and the outlying areas. We really did love Strasbourg when we were there, but I think we'll head for somewhere that we have not been yet. Always so much to see!

Lee - you're absolutely right - we didn't get to the Mosel at all! So I think I've got some great choices now. Thanks so much for all the replies!

Well, the Mosel might be just another German river, but then Metz might be just another French town. I haven't been to Trier, but I think it's important for it's historical importance. Zell and Bernkastel are noteworthy for their significance to wine. It was fun seeing the Schwarzkatz statue in Zell. I ate lunch at the foot of the Doktor vineard, where the most famous Rieslings in the world are produced. If you are willing to go a little bit farther, I found the northern Black Forest, the real Black Forest, not Baden-Baden - Freudenstadt, Alpirsbach, Calw - to be very interesting.

I would also suggest the Mosel. It is a wonderfully restful area with much to see. The town of Cochem or somewhere nearby would be a great place to soak up the atmosphere and wine of the region. As someone has suggested the Burg Eltz is close and there are many charming small towns winding along the river's edge. Trier is mentioned and I will add my opinion.....Trier is very interesting for the Roman history and the architecture of the Basilica and Dom. The town, however, does not have a particular atmosphere. I have been there twice. My suggestion is to make a stop in Trier, but not make it as a destination for overnight.