I am planning a trip to Europe for Thanksgiving week and have a few concerns/questions. Have not booked tickets but would like to do so in a day or two (I am flexible as loyalty program points will cover airfare and big city hotels). My original plan was to fly to Paris and spend 3-4 nights, then take the train to Strasbourg, rent a car and travel around Alsace for 2-3 nights, and then take the train to Zurich for one night and the flight home. However, I am concerned about the strikes in France. My specific concerns are that time in Paris may not be pleasant if mass transit is unreliable, museums are closed, protestors spoil the athmosphere, etc. However, should I have similar concerns with repsect to Alsace? I am thinking of passing altogether on Paris as the situation is too unknown at this point and flying in/out of Zurich or Frankfurt and renting a car for the entire week. This would allow for touring Alsace as well as other smaller cities in France or Germany or Switzerland. I would appreciate any thoughts on whether Alsace has been impacted by the strikes. Also, if I bypass Paris, I would appreciate any thoughts on whether Zurich or Frankfurt would be a better city to fly in and out (rental cars are MUCH cheaper in Germany so I have probably answered my own question). I like wine and food and experiences that are tough to come by in the staes so Alsace seems right up my alley but feel I need to tour at least one more city/region to justify the trip. Any advice would be appreciated.
Posted by
Fontainebleau, France
893 posts
I would be shocked if the strikes continue through Thanksgiving. They are comparing today's strikes (which are on day 7) to ones in 1995 that lasted 20 days. They would have to continue to escalate to get to the point you are talking about with museums being closed, a spoiled atmosphere, etc. in Paris. Possible, I guess, but highly unlikely. Go with what you're comfortable with and what you think will be best for you.