Thank you for the info, Bertrand. Sarreguemines doesn't sound like a very pretty place. I think I'll stay away, too. :)
(I'll check the websites, though.)

Bertrand, How nice of you to help! Four of us will be going to Alsace for a week in June, 2010. We have rented une maison in Obernai. Before we get to France, we will be traveling in Switzerland for a week. We plan to pick up a car at the Basel /Mulhouse airport on the French side. Do you know if this a good plan and is it easy to do?

Hi, thanks for coming.
You plan on landing in Basel/Mulhouse, pick up your car, traveling a week in Switzerland and then driving to Obernai to spend a few days in Alsace. Is that right ?
It's sounds nice. Switzerland is a beautiful country and yes, it's easy to pick up the car at the airport ( I think the French side is cheaper ).
IMO, I'd rather rented a house in Colmar which is more centrally located to make day-trips ( Germany is not that far and Freiburg worth a day ).
If you need anything, just ask. It's a pleasure.

Hello Bertrand--

Actually, our itinerary is to arrive in Geneva and spend our first week in Switzerland using their trains. We always use a car while in Europe, but have decided to use the trains for Switzerland. Once we get to France, we will pick up a car and use it for our week in Alsace and a couple of days in Champagne.

We have already made arrangements for the house in Obernai, and it seems to be a nice town...perhaps your suggestion would be better, but we are committed now. We thought it would be easy to take the train in to Strasbourg from Obernai for a day trip.

We will definitely go to Freiburg one day. I see your recommended towns above and will include them in my list! I am sure to have more questions for you.

I see that you are going to Texas this month--enjoy--the hill country and Austin should be very nice at this time of year.

Hi Bertrand,

Yes, I'm posting from Zuerich.

Finally I'm back from my wanderings and work and ready to focus on a bit of planning for when my friend comes from the US in a few weeks to visit.

She will be here the second week of December. She has visited Italy many times but only the southern part of Switzerland. We have 5 full days excluding her arrival and departure day. As she has two sons and does lots of snow sports with her family, I wanted to do the type of things her husband and teen sons might find boring. So, I was thinking a Christmas market trip to Alsace or Munich or Nurenberg. Last year I went to Colmar and Strasbourg by train and it was great (freezing cold but charming and so Christmasy plus we went to the Musee Unterlinden in Colmar). I am tempted to go back to Colmar because it won't disappoint, but life is short and perhaps you have a better idea? I would prefer to take the train, but could drive if necessary.

Any suggestions you have would be appreciated. Also, we stayed overnight in Strasbourg and paid a fortune for a distinctly uncharming hotel. If you know of charming accommodations that would be helpful too. As it is only one night, and a special friend coming from far away, I am willing to spend for a nice place in a good location.

So, I'm seeking a town like Colmar, delicious restaurant suggestions and possibly an inn or hotel... possibly without just going back to Colmar!

Looking forward to hearing from you - and wishing you good travels to your exotic destinations!!

gruezi

Hi Wren,
First I should have been in China at this time but I had to cancel. Then, in a hurry, we decided to go to Texas instead but we have to cancel too. Pardon me but this year is a bitch ! I know what I'm talking about ! Exotic destinations will be from my house to hospital ( cancer unit ). Do you know what is the worth ? It's not me who is sick, it's my wife ! It's gonna be a long and hard fight but we shall overcome !!!
Excuse me, it's not the topic.
OK for Obernai, it's lovely town and a day trip to Strasbourg will be fine ( train is the best way to do it ).
There are plenty of wonderful villages to see. Feel free to ask tons of questions, it will help you and it will help me ( you know what I mean )
Thank you.

Yikes Bertrand... I am sorry to hear of all your bad news. I am an oncology nurse so I do understand to an extent what your life must be like. I send you the very best thoughts for healing. Yes, sometimes Fodor's can be a helpful diversion from things that are troubling us. Plus, in the lounge you will find many people coping with cancer who can provide some support and advice as well.

Best to you and your wife...


gruezi

Désolée d'apprendre cette triste nouvelle Bertrand. J'espère vraiment que ce ne sera rien de grave et qu'elle se rétablira vite. Courage à vous deux :-X

Bertrand, Desolee aussi! Traveling is great, of course, but the health of your family is the most important. I am really sorry to hear of your wife's cancer. My thoughts and prayers will be that the doctors will have the wisdom to treat her in the best way available; also, that she heals quickly and your lives return to normal soon. (Somehow, words never work so well in these times)

ditto to the above - thankfully you have the world's best health care service IMO at your disposal and won't have to go bankrupt like many Americans would with such a diagnosis.

Bob Marley's "Everything Will Be Allright" will prove right.

Hi everybody,
I thank you all for your support, it's very kind.
We know we are not the only ones, millions of people in the world are experiencing the same but you never feel so alone when in such a situation.
Doctors said she has 70% "chance" to survive so we try to put ourselves on the good side of the statistics, that's all we can do. We will NEVER give up !!!
Tomorrow, we are gonna talk with the doctor and then we will exactly know how bad is the situation. It's friday the 13th, may that be a lucky day ! Maud ( it's her name ) will bet her life but unfortunately, it's not her who will throw the dice.

Please, Fodorites, gimme another 3 days to be back in business and help you to schedule your trips.
Once again THANK YOU.
Bertrand

Hello
I need some help with a road name that I heard of which drives parallel or so to the rout du vin. It is less traveled and very beautiful so I am told. Bicycles use it often. Are you familiar with this road? Does it have a number?
Merci!
Cheryl

Does anyone know whatever happened with Bertrand and his wife? It has been a very long time. I hope they are well and traveling.

Oh my yes, I just asked a question not realizing their situation and the dates. Hope all is well!!!

viagga
no it does not have a number, it is pretty good concrete or tarmac road through the vines mainly, though through the towns it often becomes just one of the back roads, it is reasonably well marked, pop into a TI in the area and they can point it out to you.