Colmar or Annecy
 

I'm debating about an 8-10'ish day trip to France at the end of June, with a destination of Colmar or Annecy. I would land in Geneva or Zurich, so Annecy has a more favourable distance with it being only half an hour from the Geneva airport, whereas Zurich to Colmar is a 2 hour drive. I love quaint villages, places to walk and/or bike, markets, pretty views, a terrace, a quaint gite or apartment to rent. I plan on renting a car so that I can have a home base and roam around (not too far away since my trip is a short one) and see other villages close by. Reading the forums, I read about several villages close to Colmar that sound right up my alley (Riquewihr, Eguisheim). I haven't heard about villages to see close to Annecy, but I would bet there are some nice ones.

Annecy sounds like it may be a bit too touristy compared to Colmar? Any input would be appreciated. Also, any recommendations on a cute place to stay with a lot of charm in a good location (preferably under $150 Cdn per night for a studio or 1 bedroom).

Thanks so much!

<b>Colmar?</b>

http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com/thread/7721/colmar

http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com...rlinden-colmar

<b>Annecy?</b>

http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com...nnecy-november

Hard to decide!

They're both pretty touristy, because they're both lovely. IMHO, I'd pick Annecy for the drop-dead scenic beauty of the area; I'd forgive it a lot. I don't love Colmar the way many people do; I thought it was pretty, but it somehow felt like a pavilion at Epcot.

That said, there are many charming villages around Colmar, as you know, although there is a certain sameness to them after a while.

From Annecy we went to Chamonix for a day. We also circled the lake and thought the village of Talloires was particularly lovely. We also went to Megeve and drove through the mountains through small villages whose names I no longer remember.

If I had to pick one to revisit, it would be a no-brainier. Annecy every time. But that's me; YMMV.

We've spent 2 weeks in a gite in Tailloires/Annecy and 1 week in a Gite near Riquewihr/Alsace.

My impression of the Colmar area is the same as frenchaucoeur's. After about 5 villages, they all appear the same. One week there was plenty. It is a very picturesque region, however. Great for biking (stay off the Route du Vin - too much traffic).

Different story with Annecy. More diversity to the sites. Canyons, lake, mountain passes, gorgeous mountain scenery, Chateau, Annecy itself, Mt Blanc etc. We're returning to the region in July for 1 week.

Stu Dudley

Loved Annecy and going to the top of the mountain at Chamonix-magical!

And make no mistake, the villages around Colmar are packed with tourists year-round. Annecy would get my vote, too.

Thank you for the responses. It looks like it will be Annecy. Any suggestions on where to stay?