Hello everybody! My husband and I have finally decided on a trip to France for July 2002. We will stay in Paris for 4 nights and then we want to stay somplace in the country for the final 3 nights. Burgundy and Alsace both seem appealing--we're looking for beautiful scenery, quaint villages to explore, great food, vinyard tours, and wine tastings. I'm maybe leaning towards Burgundy because it would be a shorter drive, but if Alsace is more spectacular then we would go there. Please let me know which region you enjoyed more--your thoughts are appreciated!

Choose Burgundy if you think you will be enchanted with things even "more French" than Paris (as incongruous as that sounds); if you want more of a change of pace, Alsace is almost as German as the Black Forest itself. <BR> <BR>And the wines are quite different; very few reds in Alsace - - think Gewurztraminer and Riesling - - both white, and rather sweet (but still very good). It's cuisine is better than "straight German" as only the French could do (in my opinion). <BR> <BR>Cooking and wines in Bourgogne are outstanding. Needs no comparison to anything! <BR> <BR>If the shorter driving times appeal to you, I'd say you can't go wrong (either way). <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Burgundy is more French, but the Alsatian villages have considerable charm. Colmar's not bad, either. Burgundy has a significant edge in fine restaurants, but in three nights it really wouldn't make much difference. If you went to Alsace, you could stop off for dinner at Les Crayeres in Reims on the way back to Paris. That's certainly comparable to Burgundy's best. There are vineyards aplenty in both areas; no comparison in wine, though (Burgundy wins by a mile). Best suggestion: try one this year and see the other on your next trip.

<BR> Burgundy, Burgundy, Burgundy! You have to go there. It will be especially lovely in the summer. I went in November, but was still entranced with it. Everything is more slow paced here than in Paris. It is truly French. People were soooo friendly. I think I read somewhere a wonderful quote (but can't remember it, but it really suits Burgundy). It is: In Burgundy people slow down for the passions of life, like cuisine and fine wines and just enjoying the pleasures of life. Time truly stands still here! <BR> <BR>I stayed in Beaune, which was nice, but I would recommend for you to stay in one of the Auberges or bed and breakfasts that scatter the area. You can go into almost any bureau of tourism in (Dijon, Beaune, etc...) and get a catalog of the Auberges in the different areas of Burgundy and their prices. Or if you prefer, there are some offerings online, that way you could book in advance. (I have not done this yet, but next time, it will be a must!!!!!!) <BR> <BR> Also in Burgundy, especially in good weather, they offer ballooning which would be a spectacular way to see the ancient Romanesque castles and old monasteries in the area. Also, most of the towns offer wine tours. I did this out of Beaune and it was sooo much fun! <BR> <BR> The one thing I regret from my trip was not being able to see more of the countryside. I could only train as my method of transport and it is harder to see the region by train, but since you are driving, you will have a great opportunity to see many different small and charming villages. <BR> <BR>If I had a choice of whether to go back to Paris or see more of Burgundy, I would choose Burgundy in a hearbeat! I don't think you would be disappointed. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps! <BR>Patricia

Hubby and I are big fans of Burgundy, we've been there twice. Having a car is a definite plus, as it is not easy to visit the small villages and wineries by train. A great website to help you plan is www.burgundy-tourism.com. We have stayed at the wonderful Chateau Chorey Les Beaune, just outside of Beaune, Le Montrachet in Puligny Montrachet (my favorite - everything was done in maroon and rose, with rose bath salts in the bathroom, smelled heavenly), and Hotel Les Grand Crus in Gevrey Chambertin. Great restaurants all over the area, with of course, unbeatable wine. Make sure you buy some if you're into wine, the prices as compared to the US are amazing. And many, many of the vineyards do not export to the US, so it was fun to find that special wine to bring home.

Thanks, everyone! You really helped me to make up my mind. It sounds like Burgundy is exactly what we're hoping for and will be a shorter drive from Paris. I'm sure I'll be back looking for more suggestions once we get to the next stage in planning for our trip--thanks!

I know both regions very well as I live in Switzerland and it is a very difficult choice. I personally would prefer Alsace in Summer.But if it is too far from Paris, go to Bourgogne. Sorry, I cannot help you.