ruthruthruth

In late August, two of us are arriving around 11 AM in Frankfurt (airport) and have a day plus to get to Paris. We think we'll take the train, and are looking for suggestions on where to spend the night between those two places. ideally, we'd prefer to travel at least a couple hours before stopping, but after flying overnight, that thought might change once we get to Frankfurt! We will be visiting a number of places in Germany, including going down the Middle Rhine, otherwise I'd be more interested in the Rhine Valley. We will be visiting Lux, Wurzberg, Trier, Cochem, Rudesheim, and Bamburg, so if there is any place that's pretty different from those places, that would be a big plus. I'm leaning towards somewhere in France, as Paris will be our only stop in France.

I love small towns with atmosphere, things to photograph, and places to explore more than museums cathedrals, and castles. We prefer guest houses to modern hotels. Without a car, we'll need some place that has decent transportation and/or compact city/town for walking.

Is Metz a good choice? Looks pretty nice. Is there anything much in Saarbrucken? I can't find much info on it. I'm interested in the Loire castles (mostly Chenconceau), but waffling about going there due to length of travel (and number of connections - will have bags for 2 week trip unless we drop them in Paris!) and uncertainty as to how to get around once I get to Blois or wherever). We don't really have to be in Paris until late afternoon the day after we arrive in FF, so we have more than 24 hours to do what we'll do. However, I don't want to overplan as I usually do.......

Suggestions appreciated! I keep pouring over train routes and France/Germany maps, and can't decide.

Echnaton

Firstly, I would not recommend Saarbrücken.

Secondly, the train from Frankfurt to Paris takes different routes:

One route (4:40) stops in Strasbourg which meets all your criteria.

Another route (3:55) goes via Saarbrücken with no further stops.

A third route (4:16) stops in Cologne, Aachen, Liege and Brussel. You may pick each of these four destinations - they are all very attractive. I personally like Aachen very much - a cute university town full of history (Charlemagne). Brussel has more a big-city feeling and a small old town.

Alec

I'd go for Strassbourg: station within easy walk of compact, walkable centre (much of it barred to traffic), fab cathedral and other medieval buildings, tons of places to eat, washed down with a glass of Alsace Riesling.
Metz is a much smaller version of Strassbourg, not as exciting. Cathedral is worth a look (with wonderful Chagall windows).

ruthruthruth

Thanks! I will forget Saarbrucken; look into Strasbourg, Aachen, and Liege and keep Metz in mind. I think Brussels and Cologne would be great if I were more interested in a big city, but prefer smaller - even tiny, actually!


Anyone else want to weigh in, or comment on Strasbourg vs Aachen, Liege or Metz? Another place?

Leburta

Strasbourg is a nice walking town with some lovely waterways. You can take TGV from there to Paris in 2 1/2 hours when you are ready.

tower

RRR

I would suggest Strasbourg over the others. Stay in the center..plenty to see and do. It ain't tiny, but certainly not very big as cities go. Very easy to walk around, excellent resto choices.The way you describe your logistics, Strasbourg would meet your criteria. Taxi from station is a short ride to a perfectly adequate***hotel situated right on the main square, across from the gigantic cathedral. Priced at €80 two years ago) bkfst incl.
Again, very clean rooms, on the small side which anyone can take for one night.
stu tower

tower

RRR...sorry to have omitted, it's the Hotel Cathedrale.
stu