Black Forest or Provence
 

Mom and I are going to France in September for 9 days. We'd like to spend the first few days in Alsace, but can't decide where to go from there - the Black Forest or Provence?

We don't really have time to add both, so we'll have to choose. Any recommendations? We will have car.

Thanks!

I have never been to the Black Forest but I love, love LOVE Provence! I stayed for ten days in Avignon, and did several side trips, and I can hardly wait to go back.

It somewhat depends on what you like (and where you are from). We cut short our time in the Black Forest, it just didn't interest us (maybe because we have much more dramatic forests and mountains here in western US). I'd go for Provence (or Normandy). Do be aware that the tolls for a cross-country journey on the Autoroutes in France can be pretty pricey.

We visited the black forest on our second trip to Europe 30 years ago. Thought it was pretty bland.

Since then, we've spent 32 weeks in Provence.

Nine days isn't much time, however.

Stu Dudley

I've been to both. Hiked and toured the Black Forest and stayed in Provence about 4 weeks in various locations. My vote would be Provence by a landslide.
Perhaps two days in the Alsace and then the rest in Provence--St. Remy? The car will be very helpful and you can daytrip in any direction. It will take you most of a day by autoroute/peage to transit, but it is the fastest way by far.
I hope you have an open-jaw itinerary--ie fly into Paris and out of Nice?
Good luck. Paul

One more vote for Provence.

Have been to both & I agree hands down Provence. St. Remy- Provence & Avignon our favorites.
Have fun.

We would pick the Black Forest for that time of year. It will be greener (the BF doesn't have big wildfires almost every summer, unlike the south of France) and with the exception of a few places, quieter. Also it's likely to be cooler--but that's just us--we like greener, cooler places.

Which area is best for you depends on what type of weather, terrain, activities you like.