Planning a December Trip to France / Need Advice
 

The wife and I are planning a December/January (2th - 2nd) trip to France. We would like to visit the Champagne-Ardenne, Lorraine, Alsace, Bourgogne and the Franche-Comte regions.

We did want to experience driving in France, but being from Florida we are apprehensive about driving in snow. Is it particularly snowy that time of year? What temperatures should we expect? I've read averages were in the 30s (F).

We are also worried about tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants being open that time of year. Should that be a concern?

Also, we would appreciate any information on what cities that are a must see and which cities/attractions that should be avoided.

So far, I have us arriving in Paris then taking the TGV to Reims. From there we'd like to start our journey.

Thanks in advance!

thill

I can tell you about Strasbourg...we were there the four days before Christmas 2008 and there was no snow. It was cold (we had sweaters and winter jackets on) but the roads were all clear. Of course it depends on the year! Driving shouldnt be a problem, the roads in France are great. Strasbourg and other villages in Alsace will have their Christmas markets on!

If you click on my username you can find our trip report.

Enjoy!

You've picked regions of France that are certainly going to be cold, with a fair possibility of snow too. I've been to Strasbourg 4 times in December-January, and three times we had considerable snow. Snow is a decent possibility in all the other regions, too. And rain.

Yes, some things will be closed. Throughout France, in towns that depend on tourism, business owners make calculated decisions about whether it's worth it to stay open in the winter months, balancing the cost of heating, etc., against anticipated income. In big towns and cities, that's not so much an issue, of course.

As for what are must-sees and what should be avoided, until we know something about you other than that you plan to go to France in winter, that's awfully hard to say. Should be recommend ski resorts? Musuems? Fine restaurants? Hikes? Battlefields? Great places for photography? Why are you going, and what made you select these places to begin with?

I would suggest you browse through some guidebooks of the areas you're focusing on to get some idea of what YOU want to do. What We would do could be completely irrelevant to you.

Just to clarify:

We are basically looking for general first hand tourism information.

We like sight-seeing, photography, small hikes, local restaurants (we aren't foodies, but we like good food and I love craft beer) skiing, biking, etc. I love history...the wife not so much.

For example...Why did YOU like/not like Strasbourg? Got a recommendation on a restaurant? Hotel? Bar?

Thanks!

thill

jamikins,

I really liked reading your trip reports and looking at your pics. You and your husband do a lot of what my wife and like to do. Your trip to Brittany looked really fantastic!

Hi Thi,

You might find my trip report helpful for Nancy, Alsace and Burgundy.
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...2&tid=35014078

((I))

Ira,

Very helpful...I also enjoyed your TR from the Alsace region. Thanks for the reply!

FYI, I have some friends from Madison.

Thanks Thill, we usually have a great time doing nothing but drinking, eating and taking in the atmosphere :)

Have browsed through various guides in your local library or bookstore? That's where I would start to find out what to see.

You might find the first part of this trip report of some interest:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...elle-paris.cfm

Thanks for the link Michael...very helpful indeed.

In general, how much time should I add for driving off the expressway? I know on the Cote d'Azure driving times were much worse off the expressway because of the terrain.

Also, how much do the tolls usually run? Just a general idea...

I haven't narrowed down my itinerary because we haven't booked flights, BUT...

If we fly round trip from Paris, I'm thinking:

Reims -> Nancy -> Strasbourg -> Dijon -> Auxerre

w/ daytrips to Verdon, Metz, Colmar, Beaune

If we fly into Paris and out of Zurich I'm thinking:

Reims -> Nancy -> Strasbourg -> Colmar -> Basel -> Zurich

w/ daytrips to Verdon, Metz, Colmar, Beaune


I'm still doing some research on which small towns we want to drive through. I also haven't decided on how much time to spend in each place.

viaMichelin will give the autoroute costs when you plot out an itinerary on its site.

Thanks again, Michael. I was using Google and it just says, "portions toll" about the autoroute...not very useful when trying to work out a budget.

That site is excellent Michael. I like how I can plot my own route. Thanks a million!

Glad to be of help.