Munich to Paris and In between
My wife, our daughter and I fly into Munich in August and flying out of Paris. Total 17 days.
My question is we plan on Spending 5 days in Munich and 5 Days in Paris.
I am a bit stuck in filling out the middle portion. I was considering spending
2 nights in Frankfurt, allowing for a day trip cruise on the Rhine Bingen, Bacharach, St. Goar section.
3 nights in Strasbourg before heading to Paris.
Or given the choice should I head to Cologne and spend time exploring their for 3 nights.
Alsace region looks so relaxing I am just a bit concerned it may be too slow for our daughter 13?? Suggestions. Also, if we did a wine tour and tasting our children allowed to tag along?
Thanks for any suggestions commentary or alternative ideas?
Chris
Aliso VIejo, CA USA 3/1/13
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Hi Chris. Do mountains interest you? Great mountains in Germany, Austria, Switzerland. Enjoy your trip!
Yes, love the mountains!
I love the Alsace region. I actually went my first time as a 13 yr old and I have great memories of the cobblestone streets, climbing towers, etc. You could actually use Strasbourg as a base and explore much of the Alsace region in your 3 days.
However, I also love the Switzerland/Austria mountains idea. It would be gorgeous and you could do some fun outside activities.
Thank you for the input. Having visited the Alsace region as a 13 year old helps clarify my concerns for our own daughter same age. Nice to know you still have great memories. With 5 days in Munich we are planning on visiting the Alps area from Munich as a base. Yes, Strasbourg will be our base. Would you suggest 3 nights or 4 nights in Strasbourg?
Strasbourg is a great choice, especially because of the good TGV train connections to Stuttgart and to Paris. Colmar is about a 40 minute train ride from Strasbourg and at least as charming.
I was underwhelmed by Cologne (except for the cathedral).
If your daughter likes dolls, don't miss the doll museum in Paris - a small jewel tucked away in a corner near the Pompidou Centre - Musee de la Poupee.
And the Paris Walks Chocolate tour. Yummy.
Very Grateful for the advice. She would be thrilled to see the doll museum and experience the chocolate walk. I enjoy experiencing those items left of center places. I have particular interest in the life and writings of Victor Hugo if you have any suggestions?
Merci beaucoup
I think either Strasbourg or the Rhine could be a great choice. 3 nights would be excessive for Strasbourg itself, but if you're using it as a base to explore the surrounding areas, it's a good amount of time. Be aware that without a car it can be difficult to visit some of the more charming villiages in Alsace, however.
Along the Rhine, lack of car is not a problem at all.
I personally prefer the food/culture/wine of Alsace, but the castles and boat ride on the Rhine are really fun and hard to beat, and might be more interesting for you 13 year old daughter.
Have you considered all the Ludwig castles?