Now that the TGV goes to Strasbourg, my husband and I are thinking it would be a good day trip during our month apartment stay in Paris in the spring. We hate to have to pay for a hotel in addition to our night in Paris apartment, so do you think it would be sufficient to spend just one full day in Strasbourg? I would also appreciate any tips on favorite restaurants and "good deal" hotels. I did a search and found a few things, but would welcome more. Appreciatively, MAP.

If you can get up in time to make the 6:24 from Paris-Est you can be in Strasbourg at 8:43. Then it will be a long day. But dinner in Strasbourg will not be happening, the last train leaves at 20:20 and gets to Paris at 22:37, and that's a bummer, Strasbourg is all about good eating.

If that's all you have, it would be an enjoyable trip and worth seeing, why not. I don't think any place worth seeing should be avoided just because you don't have longer.

Don't agree with the above, I don't particularly like the food served in Strasbourg and it wouldn't bother me if I never ate there again.

Hi Map,

You could do Strasbourg in a long day.

Have you considered Nancy?

No, I hadn't, Ira, but I will. I assume it is reachable by TGV as well. I will do some research as I have read on this site that it is a charming city. Thanks.
As an aside, I saw a TV program called International House Hunters in which a man named Ira moved from the US to France. I often wondered if that might by some wild coincidence have been you. He, too, was well traveled and seemed intelligent. I loved the house he bought and envied him his courage.

Strasbourg is a beautiful city with a ton of stuff to do - but if you get there early and plan carefully you can see several major sights.

Ii think the food is great and the wines wonderful (but then I love gewurtraminer) - so go for a substantial lunch and then have a light dinner on the train on the way back. (We had a very nice dinner in ancient and charming restaurant right near the Cathedral.)

NYtraveler, do you remember the name of the restaurant? We do love choucroute, spaetzle, and all that heavy food, and Strasbourg looks beautiful. I like the idea of a picnic on the train. Thank you. Did you stay in a hotel?

Hi Map,

Nancy is on the same TGVest line as Strasbourg.

It is a smaller city, so you will be able to see most of it in the time that you have.

It's particularly interesting if you like the Art Nouveau style.

The Ira on the TV wasn't me.

Thank you, Ira. I noticed after reading your most fascinating trip report to Germany and Alsace that you have a wife. The TV Ira was single! I really enjoyed your writing style and learned a lot.

Strasbourg deserves more than one day if you can. Wonderful old town and great dining options.

Maison Kammerzell, very near the cathedrale, is in a building that dates from the 15th century; it could be that well-known restaurant that nytraveler is referring to. Excellent food typical of the region.

Thanks for helpful comments. I believe we will go to Strasbourg and spring for an overnight. Sounds like it would be worth it. Any thoughts on hotels that would be a good buy for good value? (I'm thinking around 100 euro per night or less.)

I recommend the Hotel de Rohan; it's right across the pedestrian street from the cathedrale. Lovely little place and the standard rooms are within your budget.

www.hotel-rohan.com

Yes,if you can,stay overnight. It is an absolutely lovely city. The old French quarter is beautiful plus a boat trip up the river.Enjoy!

I agree with Peteralan.

Stay overnight if you can, then you have all the next day to take in all the sites.

Percy

Hi Map,

For Strasbourg hotels

http://www.cerf-dor.com/ is a Logis de France property

http://www.hotel-gutenberg.com/uk/navigation.htm is where we ploan to stay on our next visit

http://www.hotel-kleber.com/index.ph...&Itemid=80 has nice reviews

As does www.maison-rouge.com/

Enjoy your visit