We have about 1 week of vacation time to use and are having trouble deciding between Paris or Munich and the Bavarian Alps. Neither of us have been to either destination. With Paris I think of the food and all the museums and culture and with Munich/Alps I think of the beautiful scenery and castles.

The only week we could go on this vacation would be in the middle of Oct, which makes me concerned about the weather. I read that the highs in Munich would be in 50s, but I imagine in the Alps it would be a lot colder. In Paris the average high would be 60. I'm a Floridian so both of those sound freezing to me! I also read that it is difficult to find a hotel room in Paris in Oct. Since we are planning so late would we even have a chance?

So what do you think? Where would you go?

I don't know how much this helps, but here are two cents. Munich is a great city, but I think the joys of it are better experienced in the summer when you can sit outside in the beer gardens, visit castles and small towns on day trips. Although Paris really is a walking city, I think Munich is even more of an outdoor one. There's something about Paris's fall that is more pleasant than Munich's fall--even though it's chilly in Paris, too, it doesn't make you not want to walk in the same way that chilly Munich makes you not want to walk around. Go to Paris in october, book a hotel this week, and save Bavaria for between May and September.

Agree with Felly. It's not unlikely to find snow on the bavarian alps mid-october... but then again maybe that would be nice for a Floridian.

No Brainer! Go to Paris!

Blackduff

Paris gets my vote. It is LOVELY in October, too! We've been there in October and have been lucky to get highs in the 80's, though that is not the norm.

Munich/Bavaria is also a wonderful area, but I'd save it for warmer weather and include Austria's Salzammergut. Late May or early June is very nice.

I've been to both places and for me, Paris wins hands down.

Mountains are charming in summer or in winter.
Munich is good in summer.
Paris is charming all year round.

My opinion.

I don't care for Paris, but I have to agree with the others. Better idea - Sicily!

I went to Munich last year in December and had a blast (but yes, it was pretty cold at night!) - though I could easily see that I would have enjoyed it more in warmer, better weather.

I would recommend Paris, esp. if you haven't been there yet.

I also vote for Paris. For a taste of the countryside, consider a day trip to the Loire Valley chateaux or to Giverny or Burgundy. Maybe a couple of day trips or even an overnighter. With a week, you'll definitely have time to do this.

--A fellow Floridian!

October is not too late for the Bavarian mountains. The problem is that it you hit a few rainy days, it could be a downer, but that is true any time of the year.\

I was there in August and we went to a big horsemanship festival just south of the Tegernsee. People came from all over to see the horses, carriages, riders, etc.

Unfortunately, the rains came in buckets. Otherwise, the weather was beautiful.

For me, Munich as a city is less interesting than Paris, but it has its own charm with a couple of good art museums and two residences of the Wittelsbach dynasty.

If you are attracted at all by operatic performances, the Bavarian State Opera attracts international stars at the same level as the Paris Opera Bastille.

For me it would be a difficult decision.
I think the decision hinges on how early in October you can go and whether or not you prefer mountains to cities.

By all means, Paris. Paris is very comfortable in October. Concerts and the theater season are gearing up. Giverny is a feast for the eyes with late summer flowers and fall favorites.

You'll have morning fog and snow in the higher regions of the Bavarian Alps. Save it for another time.

Thank you so much for all of your responses. DH and I will discuss on our drive home tonight and hopefully come to a conclusion. We realize that we need to make a decision quickly and start booking things. We would be traveling the last week in October - if that makes a difference.

We are both more outdoor type people, but we also both studied French in high school and want to see all that stuff we studied. The Giverny gardens are really tempting too. I woke up this morning thinking Munich, but am now being persuaded The only other thing is that we want to try to keep our hotels around 100 Euro a night. I know that is possible in the Alps area, but not sure in Paris. Thanks again

That is a tough choice becaue both are super places to vist but as you pointed out, for very different reasons. As much as I love Munich and the Alps I think it may be a little below a trip to Paris. Weather wouldn't be a big consideration for me but you may be allergic to rain (we are from Seattle). For people who have never been to Europe I have recommended London, Paris, Rome (or Venice).... then Munich, Amsterdam, Barcelona and the rest.

If you have 7 days on the ground you might want to split it between London and Paris if you have not done London.

I've visited Paris on several occasions in the past but there is no way - if given a choice - that I would choose France over the mountains and countryside of Germany - no matter what time of year. And why spend all of your time in Munich? The areas east, west and south of Munich are wonderful and scenic - regardless of the season or weather. And they are definitely less expensive than Paris. I'm headed for southern Germany next month. If someone offered me a free trip to Paris instead - I wouldn't give it a second thought. Deutschland is always the better choice and better bargain... But then again - I'm just a little partial... Ben

You can find perfectly decent and clean hotels in Paris for under 100 Euros.

Paris definitely...but...it is a busy time of the year. You better hurry to get a reservation.

Enjoy......

Hi B,

Paris.

You can always see snow on a mountain in the States.

What's your hotel budget?