I too, might skip Versailles this trip. If you go to the Louvre or D'Orsay museums, you will see the oplulence of the stunningly beautiful buildings and be killing two birds with one stone. I would take a Seine river cruise at dusk to watch Paris come alive at night.

Ingo, of course you know more about Hesse, than Hesse himself.

Interesting, Ingo... You can learn something on Fodors... I did not realize that...

Yes, you can learn that European history and geo-political changes can be somewhat complicated.
Obviously, as anyone with half a brain can understand, Hesse never was German.
Why this would be a reason to visit or not to visit Switzerland beats me.
I usually go because of mountains, chocolates, and schnapps :-)

Sorry Cowboy, I should have realized that everybody travels for the same reasons as you.

"...I realize I will miss out on some good stuff in both Switzerland and Paris but I will get a flavor of both. "

Good decision and well done Traveler1501. With all the beauty and culture those two countries and their cities/towns have to offer, I suspect that you will be planning your next visit to Europe before this one is over ! ;)

PS I am totally enjoying the educational and entertaining barbs and discussions above... involving a handful of Europeans on this board for a change. The International School of Fodors. Keep it up meine Damen und Herren !

I thought it was common knowledge on Fodor's that I have to approve any travel plan and itinerary of each individual Fodorite before they are granted admission to Europe.

If you follow this simple rule, you will have a meaningful and educating vacation, lots of opportunies for cheap sex and booze, and less body odor.
For just a little extra, I throw in for free the Beginners' Guide on How To Tip Sherpas in Belgium on Tuesdays!