2 weeks in Eastern France

Old Feb 20th, 2026 | 10:19 AM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by kerouac
I find Burgundy kind of boring if you are not a wine fanatic, but Alsace and Lorraine are great. In Lorraine, you shouldn't miss Nancy and Metz, both just 1h30 from Paris by TGV.
It depends on what you are seeking. Lots of things to see in Burgundy, and on my trips there, not once did I go to a wine tasting.

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Last edited by Michael; Feb 20th, 2026 at 10:24 AM. Reason: correcting typos
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Old Feb 20th, 2026 | 01:53 PM
  #22  
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To each his own. Burgundy has many sights/sites that do not involve visits to wineries.

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Old Mar 5th, 2026 | 04:35 PM
  #23  
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Thanks for all the comments. Briancon does look amazing. However, it looks like too much driving for us.
So our itinerary looks like
Fly to Geneva, bus or rental car to Annecy,
3 nights exploring around Annecy
Drive to Burgundy, 6 nights, 2 bases for 3 nights in Beaune and 3 nights in another area
Drive to Alsace, and stay in Colmar
4 nights exploring the region
return the rental car and fast train to Paris
Have we got the balance right?
Any adjustments or recommendations would be much appreciated before bookings are completed?
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Old Mar 5th, 2026 | 07:34 PM
  #24  
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Sounds like a great trip..

I’d take the bus to Annecy and pick up a rental car when leaving. Especially if you’re getting off an overnight international flight.

If you do rent a car at Geneva airport, make sure you pick it on the French side to avoid cross-country drop fees.
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Old Mar 5th, 2026 | 09:55 PM
  #25  
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note that French police and drinking laws are pretty tough, especially post lunch.

I'd recomend staying in a village rather than Colmar but up to you
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Old Mar 5th, 2026 | 10:18 PM
  #26  
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biboburgler, thank yo, any recommendations for villages and is this due to the size of Colmar
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Old Mar 5th, 2026 | 10:19 PM
  #27  
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thanks joannyc I will look at the bus timetable
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Old Mar 6th, 2026 | 08:35 AM
  #28  
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Colmar has a tiny ancient centre leading to the single canal and to the west the, railway station. It is fine as it goes and many tourists enjoy it. I emphasise MANY, during the day and especially at night

The villages are very different and while busy during the day, when you should be out and about, get quiet in the evening. Many become more magical once the coaches have gone.

So really up to you. I like to cycle and hike during the day, up in the Vosges slopes and along tiny lanes with either a snack or finding a restaurant in the vines. Then the villages, when the heat of the day has gone (and it will be hot, 'cause that is why the vines do so well) are nice to wander about in.

Ribeauville is very very pretty and almost too pretty, Eguisheim is little calmer, Riquewhir is nice, Turkheim is a good, even the tiny villages can be pleasant with some ancient defensive wall to sit by. You need to chose what you want to do. You may also consider walking village to village through the vines, so it woud be nice to have a bus back.
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