I am out of my element here, as I have little experience with traveling in Eastern France or in Germany.

I'm looking at a possible trip for November of this year and, after reading an article about BadenBaden, I came up with an idea to visit that town for a week or so, to relax in the spas. Since it's close to Strasbourg, a city I've never visited, I thought we could take about 12 days to two weeks for a late fall vacation.

There are many other places that I might visit if I were traveling alone. My partner, however, gets tired walking more than a few blocks, so intensive big-city sightseeing is not in the cards any longer for him. I'd like a plan that allows maximum relaxing in good hotels, with spa and pool, and short walks around--just ambling with no plan. Food is at the top of my list, and I know both destinations are rich in great restaurants. Food markets are also key, for me.

Choosing very comfortable hotels means that he can relax while I go out wandering.

November is not the ideal time of year, but it's the only time we have free this year, and into 2027. If I bring the right clothing, including rain gear, am I making a big mistake going to these destinations at that time of year? The Christmas markets open on November 26, so we could stretch the time frame into the last week of the month. The plan would not include scenic driving, so maybe weather is not such a big factor (but maybe I am trying to convince myself..)

Does it make sense to plan three nights in Strasbourg and the rest in Baden Baden?
Do I need to have a car in either destination (I don't think so; I've visited Colmar and we have no interest in wineries).

Without a car, what would be the best plan? Our home airports are in NYC. I see that we would probably fly in and out of Frankfurt; maybe have one night in that city and go to Strasbourg by train from there, and then train to Baden Baden? Stay there and then direct train from BB to Frankfurt airport? I'm even open to hiring a driver if necessary. I'd prefer to avoid train trips requiring connections, unless he can book assistance at the stations.

I am looking at the Brenner Park in Baden Baden and, in Strasbourg, Las Haras looks good but I am open to suggestions.

I'd so appreciate any help, as this is fairly new territory for me....and my partner has been only to Munich, in Germany, and never to eastern France. Many thanks!!

Hallo eks!

I visited Baden Baden in 2017 and liked it quite a bit, and I am now thinking about a return visit next April. I am considering stayng at the Roomers Hotel there.

The town reminded me of Montreux, Switzerland, with its gracious 19th Century Resort feel. The town has a bit of a divide -- the lower part with most of the shops and cafes, and the upper part with the Roman baths and ruins and one or two hotels. I found the upper part to be more interesting and less crowded, but both were wonderful (the best coffee in the cutest cafe was on the hill as you walk up to the upper town). I also really liked the Lichtentaler Allee and walked its length, to the Kloster and the town of Lichtental. I guess that is one reason you may be staying at Brenner's?

One thing about arriving by train -- as with some German towns, the train station is some distance from town. When I arrived, I followed the crowd onto the bus into town, which was easy. But there was construction in town, and some bus stops were moved, so I missed my stop and had to walk a ways to my hotel. It had been a bad train ride (broken train, substitute, running up & down stairs with my suitcase), so I was in a very, very bad mood when I got to my hotel. I think you had better take a taxi from the train station, unless Brenner's will send a car for you.

Let us know if you'd like more information! Have fun as you plan!

s

Eks, a car would be useful if you intended to do either of
- driving the Alsace wine route (even if not for the wine, but the very pretty villages - Obernai, Kayserberg, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Eguisheim ... I could go on) or
- drive around the Black Forest (weve stayed in Freiburg and Schiltach previously, and spent a few hours in Baden Baden before heading to Stuttgart).

If the idea is to just relax and enjoy the spa/hotel experience in/around Starsbourg and Baden Baden, then you won't miss a car. Enjoy your trip.

Thanks to both of you!! I will do some more reading and return with questions......