Suggestions for "don't miss" locations

Sep 4th, 2002, 02:36 PM

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Suggestions for "don't miss" locations

In October, we will be spending 5 days in Southern Germany, then heading through Switzerland and on to the Provence area of France for 6 days. We would love to hear of areas you think we just "have" to see....places to stay, etc. Is there a particular route you would suggest taking? Thank you very much!

Sep 5th, 2002, 08:59 AM

Dick Yeager

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Pretty broad question and a lot depends on your route of travel and the type of things you like to do. I will offer one "don't miss". The Weiskirche in Steingaden, Germany just off The Romantic Road south of Munich. For more information, do a Fodors search. Dick

Sep 5th, 2002, 10:12 AM

Rex

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This question doesn't lend itself to an easy off-the-top-of-you-head answer - - and a lot of it has to do with the too-vague geographic references. "Southern Germany" might mean that you are starting in Munich. But it could also mean that you are starting in Stuttgart, or even Strasbourg (France) - - spending the first five days in the Black Forest. Difficult to know how to advise without knowing where you are starting and why you are choosing to start there. Family? or just best flights? Then, "heading through Switzerland and on to the Provence area of France" likewise does nor automatically suggest a route to me. There is no really good way to get from Switzerland to Provence - - though of course, it CAN be done. Exiting Switzerland near Geneva - - either north of Lac Leman, or south by way of Chamonix, you would presumably go via Lyon, and then just follow the "Autoroute du soleil" down the Rhone valley, to Orange, Avignon, Arles, etc. Are you flying back "home" (or do you live in Europe) directly from the south of France? Again, details about decisions you have already made would be a big help. In general, route planning is something for which you will want to get familiar with one (or more) of these very good websites: www.viamichelin.com www.mappy. com or www.shellgeostar.com L ast of all, have you thought about the costs involved of returning a German car in France (assuming that you are renting a car). It can be very expensive. If your departure airport is already set, you may not have a lot of choices. Otherwise, it might be worthwhile to defer the car rental until you get to Switzerland, and then return it in Geneva as you leave Provence. More info will provide for better answers. Best wishes, Rex

Sep 5th, 2002, 10:31 AM

mustsees

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Can't help much on S. Germany, but in Switzerland: If you can make it to the eastern part, then ABSOLUTELY the Alpine Engadin region (Pontresina - Silvaplana - Sils Maria) - the main valley there is stunning; and, if you've got the budget and the place is still open at this time in autumn, then stay a night or two at the Hotel Waldhaus in Sils Maria. You won't be disappointed! If you can't make it to the Engadin, but are still coming down the Autobahn system into eastern Switzerland, then head for Chur and perhaps Flims or Lenzerheide, two closer mountain resorts. If you're going through the center or western part of Switzerland, then: - For center part: if the weather's not great, don't both with Zurich but stay in Bern, the medieval-looking capital. Or, if you can spare the extra 1 1/2 hr. travel and the weather's good, go to Wengen, a car-less mountain resort near Interlaken-Lauterbrunnen for some incredible scenery (Eiger-Monch-Jungfrau mountains literally in your face...) If you go through the western part, then stop/stay in Basel if the weather's poor (Basel is great, a nice old town and super museums à la the Beyeler); or, if the weather's good, then rather continue on the autoroute south of Bern past Fribourg and exit at Bulle, take the smaller road to Chateau d'Oex, and stay at the Hostellerie Bon Acceuil - you will be in the Pays Vaudois region, also alpine, and the Hostellerie is a quaint chalet style 3-to-4 star hotel - you can't go wrong there... Then, of course, it's on to France, via Geneva (not much to see there really, other than perhaps a wine festival in one of the outlying villages, if they're on. Check on this first...). Bon voyage!