2 days in Frankfurt - where to stay -what to do - or straight to Paris
 

We are a family of 4 Adults and 3 kids (aged 3, 4 and 9) will be arriving (08:15 am) at Frankfurt on 9th July 2013 as part of our Europe visit. From the 11th of July we have confirmed accommodation in Paris.

In essence we have 2 days to spare before we need to reach Paris. I would appreciate your suggestions on where to stay and place to visit while we are in Frankfurt.

Other ideas we have is to choose another place between Frankfurt and Paris like Strasbourg or head to Luxemburg or Belgium etc.(definitely need help on - where to stay -what to do) or forget all and head straight to Paris for these extra 2 days.

We are planning to use Train for Travel between Frankfurt and other places. Help on train bookings would be appreciated.(specifically, Train station names etc.)

Many Thanks

Your question, of course, depends upon what your interests are. Frankfurt, which was almost completely rebuilt after WWII, doesn't offer much in the way of history or charm. Heidelburg, just south of Frankfurt, is a much more beautiful (and popular) destination. Strasbourg, France, is also a marvelous place to stop and explore -- much to appreciate in the city's old architecture as well as their food wine. If you have an interest in the history of WWI or WWII, there's also lots to see in the eastern part of France. A colleague of mine raved about his visit to Fortress Schoenenbourg on the old Maginot Line near Strasbourg, for instance.

Thanks Rumseydog

We are not much into WWI/II. We are looking for a small city/Town which is beautiful and convenient to explore by Bus/Train.

If you were to choose between Heidelburg and Strasbourg which would be the winner.

Little reason to stay in Frankfurt, consider Brugge, Belgium, Garmisch/Oberammergau, Bavaria area or arrive early in Paris.

I would certainly head in the direction of Paris.

Strasbourg is very interesting (2 hr 11 min train w/ 1 train change). If you want to visit a smaller village, you could do a day-trip from Strasbourg by train to Colmar - just south of Strasbourg. Thirty minute trip/hourly departures.

Then take the TGV to Paris from Strasbourg (2 hr 20 min - many departures).

Stu Dudley

I've been to Strasbourg but not Heidelburg (my colleague was based in that area with the U.S. Army). So I can't help you with a decision between the two. For convenience, as Stu states above, Strasbourg offers a direct connection via fast TGV to Paris, which may simplify your travel planning.

I would stay in Colmar, or even better a village outside of Colmar like Riquewihr or Equishheim. Colmar can be reached by train from Frankfurt.There are then direct trains Colmar to Paris (3 hours). The villages can be reached by bus or taxi from/to Colmar.

https://www.google.com/search?q=bran...OKf8iQLa74DIBQ

https://www.google.com/search?q=bran...IKHViwKhi4GAAw

https://www.google.com/search?q=bran...w=1920&bih=862

Stu & Ramsey, I was thinking of Strasbourg and may be a day trip to Colmar from there. Hope that would be the most convenient considering the 3 little ones with me.

Again I would only prefer for a stop over if it is better than being in Paris. What you think.

Parmenter, Frankfurt is definitely out. Brugge is beautiful.

Duggi, All three places looks fabulous. Thanks for the links.


All, between Brugge,Colmar and Strasbourg which one.Strasbourg looks like the winner, what you all think

FYI, I will be in Paris for 9 days from 11th-21st July then will travel to Lourdes.


Thanks.

You've got to be kidding, Strasbourg verses Paris? If you can change your Paris reservation, I would jump on the 12:53 ICE to Paris (517/9554)with a change in Mannheim with all of your party for about 200E... Less wear and tear on all concerned and no competition for sightseeing...

Have a wonderful trip!!

>>>Again I would only prefer for a stop over if it is better than being in Paris.<<

Nothing is better than being in Paris.

Stu Dudley

Stu & Travelforbeer ,Ok. That's good then. Nothing can beat Paris.

Our current booking in Paris is as below
http://www.parisautrement.com/fr/app.../cafe-gourmand

It is a bit small place(and cheap too). Guys at Parisautrement told me that its in a good location and most of the places are in walkable distance. Eventhough I have booked in they gave me time till 11th of June for cancellation.

However I am not able to find any other apartments which is below 400-500 Euro.(I know I am late with the booking)

If any comments on the apartment and location would be helpful.

I will try to find another apartment in Paris for 2days(9th to 11th) and then will move to the now confirmed apartment.(any help/suggestion to find an apartment would be helpful)

Thanks.

Ask the guys at Parisautrement if they have a recommendation for the first 2 nights (July 9 & 10). They may even have a cancellation. You may be forced to take a couple of hotel rooms for these 2 nights as apartments may have a minimum stay of 3 nights or more. And it looks like hotel rooms in Paris are not plentiful or inexpensive for July 9 & 10. You may wind up having to stay some place other than Paris for these 2 nights because of costs... The apartments I located in Paris using www.airbnb.com were all above 150 Euros per night. Good luck...

9 nights in paris (per your original plan) is a good chunk of time. If you'd like to see something else or different ("better" is relative), then Strasbourg or Brugges would be nice options.

You are travelling with a group that includes small children so I would think you would want to simplify your travel arrangements. If that is the case, travel to Strasbourg for the first two days then on to Paris as planned. You have a nice period of time in Paris - no need to add days.

Travelforbeer, already emailed Parisautrement and waiting for reply.

My own search for 7 ppl(including in airbnb) didn't show anything for 2 days. It would be good if I could find something below 250EUR per day. Is it ok(or too strict) to look for 5 ppl accommodation even though we are 7(including 2 toddlers

My hope to find one in Paris is fading away.

eluckhardt,mamcalice - If it is going to be too hassle to find a place in Paris for 2 days then I will choose between Strasbourg(and a day trip to Colmar) and Bruges.

Back to my question, If you were to choose between these 2 which one will you choose.

Staying in Strasbourg and doing a daytrip to Colmar is perfect.

Strasbourg/Colmar. Bruges would consume more time/train changes to get there, and then on to Paris.

Stu Dudley

dfourth and Stu, much appreciate your suggestions.

Yes, It would be Strasbourg/Colmar. If you all have suggestions for good hotel/apartment/B&B (reasonably priced) would be helpful.

However, On a last attempt to find a place(read as Hotel) in Paris(given up on apartments), what district would be ideal for us to utilize 2 days. Our current booking is on 3rd, Apartment : Café Gourmand,84 rue de Turenne 75003 PARIS.

Thanks

I managed to find & book an apartment in Paris for another 2 days from the same agency.
http://www.parisautrement.com/en/apa...uteau-le-grand

Moving forward with a belief that Nothing can beat Paris and keeping Strasbourg/Colmar for another day.

Yet to book the train tickets to Paris.

Few more questions,

How much transfer time(arrival procedure + time to get to the train) we should consider for booking the train tickets to Paris.

Is there any difference in German/French Train Fares.

Should we consider Flying out of Frankfurt as an option?


Many thanks to all of you who have contributed and helped me to make up my mind. I will be starting a new thread for our Paris stay(11 days)..Hope you all will join me there..

Regards

Forget to mention that we arrive at Frankfurt at 08:55Am.