Alsace, Burgundy or French Alps?
 

Planning July 2013 trip. Planning early because I am trying to get Frequent Flier airline tickets. Travelers consist of me, my son, my daughter-in-law, 2 grandsons ages 14 and 10. Interests are history and architecture- castles, cathedrals, top museums; beautiful villages; countryside; outdoor activities-hiking, cycling, summer luges, water sports; culture- people, customs-cafe sitting, evening strolls, slowing down; cuisine- but no Michelin stars. The exception is that we have absolutely no interest in wine or wineries.
This will be our third European trip. Previously we visited Alpine Germany (Garmisch area, Alpine road, royal castles), Salzburg, north Tuscany (Chianti), Croatia (Dubrovnik, Zadar, island), a taste of Switzerland(Zurich, Lugano), Paris, Dordogne, Carcassonne, Provence and the Tour de France.

Here is where I need some input :
After a week in Germany we have 5 unplanned nights to get from Frankfurt to the Luberon in Provence. I had originally planned 8 nights( 2 nights Alsace-Colmar area, 3 nights Burgundy-Beaune area, 3 nights in Alps-Annecy/Chamonix) but the family wants to end our vacation with 2-3 nights in the French Riviera . So now I need to plan the 5-6 nights selecting from Alsace, Burgundy, and French Alps. Any suggestions? I am open to other suggestions for the 5-6 nights. As far as renting a car in Germany/France and drop off in France/Germany I was quoted 155 euros by Hertz, which is tolerable to me. Thanks

Burgundy and/or the Jura might be the right choice.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...th/4861359060/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...55059630/show/

Why not a Michelin starred restaurant? You'll get better value for your money in the French provinces than in the States.

I would think your grandsons, especially, would enjoy a few days around Annecy and the Alps. A great trip report on this area was posted last year by FrenchMystiqueTours, a very helpful and informative fodorite.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ac-dannecy.cfm

Michael
Great photos. You have solidified my desire to see Burgundy and the Jura. The kids would love Chateau de Guedelon.I personally love Michelin rated restaurants, my family $$$ not so much.

GG
Thanks for the links. The kids would indeed love the outdoors of the French Alps. I am concerned about the herds of tourists in July. It is so crowded that nobody goes there anymore-Yogi Berra.

Micheal has it right the Jura or the Alps would be great. I suggest the route of the main Jura cross country ski trail which becomes mountain biking in the summer. Have a look at

Besancon with its great fortress then follow the river Doubs up into the hills. Les Fourg, Hopiteaux Vieux and Neufs. All very pretty, great bike riding, filling food etc.

The best local link is http://www.tourisme-metabief.com/

Thanks Bill
I have ordered Michelin Green Burgundy Jura to help me on the details for our stay in Burgundy Jura.The fortifications in the area are new to me.

If I have just one vote, I say Alsace.
If I have two votes, I will add the Alps.
If I have three votes, I'll say might as well go to Burgundy as well.

If you are interested in fortifications, you probably should see Belfort, and visit Ronchamp (not a fort) on the way.

I would choose Alsace.

Two or three nights in the countryside, three or four nights in Strasbourg, dumping the car when you arrive.

The early train to Aix-en-Provence takes about 5.5 hours, where you can pick up another car.

As a "building" person you might also like
Notre Dame du Hautmore info‎
10 Place du 14 Juillet
70250 Ronchamp, France
03 84 20 65 13
chapellederonchamp.fr‎

and Château de Joux at Frambourg

Well, if you are near the Jura, you need to see the royal salt works of Arc-et-Senans

http://www.salineroyale.com/

<i>visit Ronchamp (not a fort) on the way</i>

I meant the Corbusier chapel: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57624529919999