Barnum

My wife and I are planning a two week trip to France in September. We are late in our planning, and would appreciate hearing from you regarding your experiences, recommendations, etc.. We enjoy food, wine, and small towns/villages. Not into historic things or long lines. We will be driving, and also enjoy staying different place each night.

Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Dick & Fay

Underhill

Could you please be more specific with your question?

Barnum

As of this date, and I know it's hard to comprehend, we have no definitive plans. We will fly into Paris, stay the night, train out to a town in Burgundy, pick up a rental car, and drive for about two weeks.

We would like to see a little of Burgundy, a little of the Alsace, and a little of the Alps (if all that is possible in 12 to 14 days).

We have been to France six times, and have visited most all of the other areas...Brittany, Normandy, Dordogne, Provence, Languedoc, etc...

We enjoy driving, staying at different places each night (fermes, chateaus, B&Bs, etc.)

Simply stated, where have you gone, and what areas would you suggest we visit, or what places would you recommend for lodging?

Underhill

I've sent you my two articles on Burgundy, although since historic things don't interest you they may not be what you're looking for.

Just what is it that interests you?

Barnum

Unhurried, small town life, relaxing over a nice meal, a bottle of wine, and trying to get a feel for what it is like living in France. We also enjoy photography, and driving the countryside.

It's not that we dislike history...we've realized over the years that waiting in lines, and paying money to see something was just not our cup of tea. If history plays a part in the area we are visiting we will certainly do out best to experience it.

cocofromdijon

Hi Barnum,
What about 2€ only to get the "owl's trail" brochure from the tourist office in Dijon and see all the great sights of the city center? You can of course do it by your own without the brochure but everybody says that it is very complete and pleasant and it is always interesting to know the name of what you see.(at your own pace)
http://www.dijon-tourism.com/uk/dijo...s_chouette.htm
And no need to queue! ;-)
coco

Alec

The best sights in Burgundy (other than restaurants and vineyards/wine growers) are Romanesque churches and abbeys, and it would be criminal not to explore some of them as they are beautiful and many are kept in the original state (not turned into Baroque theatricality as in other countries). In Alsace, the route des vins takes you through pretty wine villages, many of then with historical centres, and September sees many colourful wine festivals. From Strassbourg, visit Selestat, Haut-Koenigsbourg (castle), Ribeauville (my favourite), touristy but pretty Riquewihr, Kaysersberg to Colmar (with a fine centre with famous Isenheimer altarpiece at Unterlinden Museum). There are many estates you can stop off for a tasting - but at most places you are expected to buy at least a few bottles. If you want less commercialised experience, go to a local maison des vins (wine co-operatives, also in Burgundy). For French Alps, you have a choice of roughly three areas, from north to south, Haute-Savoie around Annecy and Chamonix-Mont Blanc, Savoie from Chambery towards Val-d'Isere and areas around Grenoble. I would suggest Lake Annecy and drive up the valley towards Chamonix provides a fine introduction, with a chance of spectacular cablecar rides to Aiguille du Midi. From Colmar, you have the choice of either through France via Besançon and Bourg-en-Brasse to Annecy, or my favoured drive through Switzerland via Basel, Bern, Fribourg, Montreux to Martigny and then over the Col de la Forclaz pass to Chamonix.

ira

Hi B,

Assuming that you train to Dijon from Paris to get your car,

This apartment has gotten good reviews here
http://www.myhomeindijon.com/

You might want to spend a few days along the Cote d'Or visiting Dijon, Beaune, Le Creusot, Autun, Vezelay, Semur and the various vineyards before heading north toward Colmar and the

http://www.alsace-route-des-vins.com/

before heading for the mountains.

If you are going to drive in Switzerland, you will have to get a road tax sticker, "vignette", if there is not one already on the car.

Have a nice visit.

cocofromdijon

Thanks Ira,
But I think Barnum is looking for small villages (also Dijon is like a village when you're staying in the center as you can walk everywhere)

RonZ

Having done a similar trip last year, I would suggest traveling between Strasbourg and Annecy. There are direct trains from/to Paris.

First night I would spend in Ottrott at L'Ami Fritz. Ottrott, near Obernai, is on the D35, which you can follow south through several villages to Selestat, then return on the autoroute, or on the N 422.

Heading south, one could stay near Colmar [a charming town] in one of the several villages in that area. We happened to choose the very nice hotel Le Parc in Thann, driving through the mountains on the Route des Cretes.

Heading into Burgundy, I'd conjure up a route, with a stop along the way, to the Grand Chaumiere in St. Florentin, near Auxerre. This is a marvelous little family run hotel with a very good Michelin* restaurant.

Another favorite of mine on the way to Annecy would be the Hotel Restaurant du Port in the medieval village of Yvoire on Lac Leman [Lake Geneva]. We will be returning for four days this summer.

cmenoni

Try Logis de France for small, historical, family run, quaint hotels. They have a good web site, and usually offer fixed price tremendous dinners in their restaurants.