OK, I am running out of daytrips from Paris, so I will probably head to one of these two cities next week, via TGV, 1.5-2 hours is just fine.

If we are looking for a nice quaint place to pass a day, which do you prefer? I have not been to either, only a stones throw away in Stuttgart though.

Both IMO are fine fine places

Strasbourg is much bigger and has more diverse sights that may be too much for a day trip - the avant-garde EU installations for example are a few mile boat or tram ride from town - boat rides are great in Strasbourgh thru its quaint canals, etc.

Nancy however is a perfect day trip - everything clustered in the town center and close to the train station

but you cannot go wrong with either

Strasbout - without a doubt. Incredibly charming and way more to see and do. (We spent 4 nights, including a day trip down the wine road to Colmar.)

Not having been to Nancy, but thoroughly enjoying Strasbourg, I would say Strasbourg. The cathedral, the small streets, the urban feel once out of the historic center, Petite France, the river cruises, just lovely.

Thanks, we may then spend the night in Strasburg, any recommendations for a nice Hotel?

I have read that the Sofitel is not that nice, but know of no others, although I will check, but firsthand recommendations can not be beat.

www.hotel-rohan.com

The Rohan is very nice but not luxurious ( it's a 3 star), but the location is fantastic if you want to be on a pedestrian street right across from the famous cathedral.

I stayed there several years ago but have read good things about it on here in recent years, also.

I would opt for Strasbourg.

Have you been to Troyes?

We loved Strasbourg and loved the Hotel Rohan! I know you are only going on a day trip but wanted to second Grandmere about the Rohan.

We may also be headed to Strasbourg for a day in November. Has anyone stayed at the Villa Novarina (http://www.villanovarina.com/page17-en.html) that has any comments about it?

Hi In,

Nancy is a very nice town for a daytrip, especially if you like Art Nouveau.

You might find the Nancy part of my trip report useful:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=35014078

Enjoy your visit.

Has anyone stayed at the Petite France in the old town in Strasbourg? We are thinking of staying there for our trip in the Spring.

Hi, Socialworker! I've forgotten what year you were in S-bourg at the Rohan? My visit was many years ago, and I'm always glad when you follow up with a second to my recommendation.

G-mere

HI Grandmere, we stayed at the Rohan in '04 and we had a wonderful huge room overlooking the pedestrian street that ran behind the hotel. The bed was enormous, as it was the equivalent size of two extra-long twins pushed together, but was actually one really big king-sized bed. Each morning they delivered a heavenly breakfast of croissants and baguette with the most delicious tangerines to our room. It may not have been a luxurious hotel, in the traditional meaning of the word, but it was so comfortable and lovely that I remember it as one of our most luxurious experiences ever at a hotel!

This looks like a good place to jump in on this thread...

<b>Strasbourg's Christmas Market Advice</b>

I'll be taking my family on a day trip to Strasbourg via TGV on December 18 during our week-long stay in Paris. Any information or advice you have on Strasbourg in general, or on the Christmas Market in particular, would be much appreciated. It looks like the old town and cathedral are within relatively easy walking distance of the Strasbourg Gare.

We'll have about 5 hours to explore the town and market. Any must-see recommendations? Any favorite bierstubs or winstubs? Who serves the best Tarte Flambee (Flammekueche)? Thanks!