France or France/Germany for 10 days
 

Hi,

We have 10 days on the ground at the end of May for a European getaway. My husband has never been to Paris, so I thought we could do Paris, Normandy and Dordogne or Provence flying out of southern France.

Or we could spend 3 days in Paris, take TGV to Nancy or Strasbourg and work our way by car to spend final 2-3 days in Munich. My father was born in Munich and his family roots are in Schwaebisch Hall, so I thought that could be interesting also. Is it expensive to pick up car in France and return it in Gernany?

Other ideas are welcome too!

Thanks,,
Bonnie

There can be some hefty drop off charges to pick up a car in one country and drop it off in another.

I like your second scenario, but then I'm partial to Germany. Why not take the train from Strasbourg to Freiburg in the Black Forest then drop off the car later at the Munich airport?

And, Schwaebisch Hall is lovely so definitely plan to stop there on your way to Munich.

bettyk is right on - just take the train over the border to Germany and rent your car from there.

Having been to both countries a number of times, I must say I have a preference for Germany. And if value for the dollar is a consideration, it is my experience that you get far more for your money in Germany. IMO, Munich is a bargain as compared to Paris, and I personally enjoy it more.

I'll even the score a bit. We much perfer France over Germany. Starting in '77 when we first began traveling to Europe yearly, we spent a lot more time in Germany than in France. As we saw more & more of France, we appreciated it's geographic & cultural diversity over any other country in Europe. Too much of Germany was destroyed in WWII. Much preferred the food in France too.

My wife is 1/4 German (Fischer) & lived in Germany when she was young.

Stu Dudley

Thanks to all of you for your thoughts. We have decided to spend 10 days in France. Since it is my husband's first trip, we are thinking 5 days driving to Normandy and back through Loire Valley, maybe returning car in Chartres and train to Paris for 5 days. Would you do Versailles on first day on way to Normandy or maybe as day trip later from Paris? We would like to hire a private guide for DDay tour and visit charming villages. Stu, do you have an itinerary for this area? We did your drive from Sienna, which was very useful since we are amateur photographers.

Any favorite hotels in the 6th in Paris. I stayed last time at Aubusson (sp?) and liked the hotel and location.

Thanks,
Bonnie

I have a Normandy & Brittany itinerary - mostly Brittany. e-mail me at [email protected] if you want a copy.

Stu Dudley