Hello. We will be traveling Europe for a month (May) and I'm having trouble figuring the best use of our time for one portion. After we leave Cinque Terre (May 15) we have only 7 days left of our trip, we fly out of Paris. We are interested in both Gimmelwald and Beaune (we like to hike, and we also like wine :-) Any suggestions as to routes/times would be so appreciated. Thanks in advance. This is SUCH a great site!
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
The big consideration for me would be the weather in mid-May in the mountains. I'm not familiar with that. Otherwise I would say that the Berner Oberland beats Beaune handily in terms of travel thrills. But I'd be concerned about visibility and whether the hiking trails are open. I'd want a good 2, maybe 3 nights in Gimmelwald and the same in Beaune; less without a car or bicycle (rentals available). You could visit both if you don't care to spend time in Paris, but I assume you do. I would take the train to either of these destinations, but it's a long trip. The German rail site is your friend. Looks as though there is a night train to Dijon via Milan, arriving very early, if that is your cup of tea. You could consider breaking that trip, if you take it, in Provence. You could also investigate flights to Zurich from Milan. Have a blast!
Posted by
OP
Coarsegold, CA, United States
24 posts
Adam, Thanks so much for your input. It's really quite helpful. My struggle has been that I know how beautiful the Berner Oberland is (many internet searches and Rick Steve's resources) and we just love to hike...but I do fear the weather and hate to spend time "trying" and then have to fall on an alternate plan in the event it's clouded/raining. So, I think that I will work under the knowledge that this will NOT be our last trip to Europe...and we can experience all Berner Oberland has to offer next time. Thanks again. Beth
Posted by
Germany, Germany
813 posts
I've been to both and from where you will be to where you want to go, stop in Beaune then go to Paris.
Posted by
Bend, OR, United States
1167 posts
In mid-May there will still be a lot of snow in the high country that will limit your hiking choices.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Good for Jeff: finally someone said something about the potential hiking conditions in that area in May. The precise elevations you're planning to hike at can make a big difference with respect to hiking conditions, snow, mud, etc in this area in May.
Posted by
OP
Coarsegold, CA, United States
24 posts
I thought snow/mud would be an issue but some folks talked about having a great time other years in mid May...and it's so beautiful I hated to pass it up, but there are lots of beautiful places, and time is limited by the time we leave the Terre, so I hated to loose a day. I appreciate all of your input. We'll do a bit of France on our way to Paris and have a fine time. Thanks for the help on train connections/route.
Posted by
Dallas, United States
707 posts
IMO the beauty of the Berner Oberland cannot be missed. A few years back we stayed in Lauterbrunnen in mid-May and the weather fine. Okay, it was so-so. One day was spent going to the Jungfraujoch Top of Europe; another day poking around in Gimmelwald and Murren which was mostly closed (too late for snow activities, too early for hiking). Or you can take the ride to the top of the Schilthorn. My suggestion is don't miss the Lauterbrunnen Valley! Either way, have a great trip. PS And yes, I've been to Beaune.