Q & A

Subject: 8 days out of Paris.

Question: We're planning our vacation this summer and really hope you can help us. We'll be in Paris this July for two and a half weeks. We're thinking of traveling to some neighboring locations during the last 8 days or so. We had visited Belgium and Amsterdam in the past. We'll see Monte Carlo during the first few days of this trip. Too bad we must return to Paris later, otherwise, it would make more sense going to Italy from there. Do you have any suggestions for MUST SEE places that do not take more than 6 hours of driving (from Paris) at a time? With 4 adults, renting a car for 7-8 days are probably cheaper (a lot ?) than buying train passes, with cost for fuel included, right ? I was told Lake Lucerne is worth a visit. Do you agree ? If so, any suggestions for where should we continue from there ? Towns in Italy or Germany ? It would be of great help if you can give us with some estimate driving distances or times from Paris to some interesting places to visit.
Thank you very much, in advance, for your help. By the way, I found your answers to many previous questions very helpful. Thanks again.

Answer: For must see places I would say the Loire Valley(2-3 hours from Paris), Burgundy(3-4 hours from Paris) or Alsace(4-5 hours from Paris). See Q &A “Burgundy or Loire Valley?” on my site for more info about the Loire Valley and Burgundy. Here is my list of sites to see in Alsace, Strasbourg- Centre Ville(center of the city), La Petite France and Cathedral. Outside of Strasbourg- Haut-Kœnigsbourh(Go for the view), Mont Sainte-Odile(Don’t miss the Pagan Wall.), Ecomusée d’Alsace(Living Museum of Alsace, near town of Ungersheim), Route du vin d’Alsace(Wine road of Alsace, any tourist office will have a map. It is also marked, but you’ll want a map to avoid getting lost.), Le Plan Incliné de St Louis Arzviller(Lock system that allows boats to go up hill.), Châteaux du Haut-Barr(Make sure you climb up to the top of the large tower, the view is amazing. You get a beautiful view of the Alsace Plane along with the Black Forest.) Visit the town of Saverne, and the Château des Rohan(It has two museums plus the Château visit. The archaeological museum has a wonderful display of Roman Art.) Also try to visit the city of Colmar and the towns of Sélestat and Sainte-Maire-aux-Mines.
For a day trip out of Paris not needing a car think about visiting, Chartres(A touristy yet small town with a very beautiful church, http://www.ville-chartres.fr/anglais/index.html), Versailles or Auvers-sur-Oise(Where Vicente van Gogh is buried and where he painted the last years of his life. Thought out the village there are reproductions of his panting in the spot where they were painted.)
Yes, it would be better to rent a car than taking the train, not so much for price but you will have more freedom. With a car you will be able to get around much more easily and see more sites. You will not be confined to visiting a town just because it has a train station. If you do rent a car see the section on my site about driving in France. I have never been to Lake Lucerne so I can’t comment on it. Also I have yet to visit Italy or Germany, so I can’t recommend any cities or towns to see.

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