cindylo

Planning a two week trip to Europe in Sept. Would like to see the above areas, but wondering if this is too much? Suggestions - is there direct rail service from Paris to Strasboug and Strasbourg to Lucerne. Does it make sense to use the train until we get to Provence and then to rent a car (sounds like you need a car to really appreciate Provence). Thanks for your help.

Underhill

Taking a fast train from Paris to Strasbourg to Lucerne to somewhere in Provence and then getting a car should work pretty well, but if you skip Lucerne you would probably enjoy the trip more because of having more time in three areas instead of a fast scurry through four. You'll want around 5 days for Paris, two for Strasbourg, and a week to see the best of Provence and get back up to Paris.

Alternatively, you could just split the time among Paris, Strasbourg, and Lucerne.

The problem is that lose about a half day from your available time for each separate trip: leaving a hotel, getting to the train station, traveling to your next destination, getting to your next hotel, etc. The fewer travel days you have, the more time is available for sightseeing.

Christina

I think that's too much in two weeks, although possible. There is no fast train to Strasbourg, if that means TGV, but there is a direct train. It takes about 4 hours. I don't think there is any direct train from Strabourg to Luzern, if you mean a train with no transfers -- you can get there by train, but I think you have to change in Basel and/or Zurich. There is definitely no fast train between them, nor from Luzern to somewhere in Provence. There are no TGV routes over there, although I think they do have one planned for Paris to Strasbourg in a few years. There is a TGV from Paris to Grenoble, or Annency, I believe. You might consider that instead.

usbeauty

http://www.rail.ch reports a three hour ride between Strasbourg and Lucerne with a change in Basel. From Paris to Strasbourg is four hours.

jmw44

Hi, Cindy. If this is a first of many trips, stick with your wish list. Sample each and return where enchanted (Paris and Provence can be the destinations of future stay-put vacations.) But if you'd like a taste of mountains and a lake while remaining in France (perhaps to take advantage of some sort of railpass?), then consider Annecy in place of Lucerne. Have fun planning. J.

jay

I sort of agree with underhill although I think that 5 days in Paris is not enough. I would rent a car from Paris drive to Strasbourg (Maybe a quick stop in Epernay or Reims on the way), from there there are day trips to the Alsasce wine road, Colmar, Riquewier, Baden-Baden etc. Then down to Mulhouse (go see the Schlumph Museum) through Basel then on to Lucerne. If you add Provence in there it gets to be too much brain damage. You will want to spend alot of time in Provence a couple of days on the beach etc. Have fun. email with any Q's.