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Post by rachelnyc on Jun 22, 2014 8:36:07 GMT -5
I have never been to this region and would love to hear from someone who knows the area.
The plan is to use Strasbourg as a base for 5 nights and also visit Colmar, some of the small villages on the wine route and possibly a day trip to Germany. It seems possible to do this using public transportation, which we'd prefer but we can rent a car for a day or 2 if necessary.
Has anyone done a similar trip or know this area well that can offer advice? We are also considering a private or small group tour for one of the days for wine tasting but the companies I've found so far don't offer wine tours in December. I also heard there was a special Xmas bus service that went back and forth to all of the Christmas markets but I haven't been able to find any specific info on that.
Thanks to anyone who can offer assistance.
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Post by suzanne on Jun 22, 2014 12:17:34 GMT -5
Sounds like a great trip. I'd love to see the Christmas markets is Strasbourg. Keep us posted as you research for your trip please.
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Post by geordy on Jun 22, 2014 19:09:32 GMT -5
I have never been to this region and would love to hear from someone who knows the area. The plan is to use Strasbourg as a base for 5 nights and also visit Colmar, some of the small villages on the wine route and possibly a day trip to Germany. It seems possible to do this using public transportation, which we'd prefer but we can rent a car for a day or 2 if necessary. Has anyone done a similar trip or know this area well that can offer advice? We are also considering a private or small group tour for one of the days for wine tasting but the companies I've found so far don't offer wine tours in December. I also heard there was a special Xmas bus service that went back and forth to all of the Christmas markets but I haven't been able to find any specific info on that. Thanks to anyone who can offer assistance. Well Anne is the obvious choice here...but she doesn't check in very often any more..perhaps someone who's in touch via other social media can help...  |
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Post by suzanne on Jun 22, 2014 19:19:43 GMT -5
Wish we could bring back the revelry we once had on this site. Makes me sad even though I am guilty of the FB addiction too.
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Post by Jody on Jun 23, 2014 3:09:35 GMT -5
I'll ask Anne on facebook to check in. I miss the old times too
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Post by holger on Jun 23, 2014 7:17:54 GMT -5
I almost never post on Facebook or even check it. Hate it and also keep forgetting password. So if things aren't here or on Slow Travel-France, I do not see them.
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Post by Anne on Jun 23, 2014 8:23:24 GMT -5
Hi Rachel, Janet and Jody told me about your post on FB. I live in Strasbourg. I can help you re. which places to visit in Alsace and Germany. I don't know about the tours but I found this about public transportation, it's from 2013 but it gives you an idea : www.tourisme-alsace.com/medias/pdf/brochures/TER-noel-2013.pdf and this for general information : noel.tourisme-alsace.com/enMy advice : once you are decided to go, book your hotel ASAP, everything gets booked up very quickly during for the Christmas markets period. Same goes for the train tickets if you come from Paris : the SNCF usually issues them exactly 3 months ahead and you should grab them as soon as they are issued. I cannot recommend a hotel, but if you find a selection that you like on tripadvisor for example I can tell you about their location. |
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Post by rachelnyc on Jun 23, 2014 11:47:41 GMT -5
Anne, thank you so much! That brochure is exactly what I was looking for but for some reason wasn't able to find it on my own on the tourism sites or elsewhere. I'll keep an eye out for news that they are offering the same type of transportation this year as it looks like the perfect way to explore for us and not have to rely on a guide or renting a car.
I have heard things book up quickly at that time of year so I am going to try to reserve accommodations this week. I was thinking that staying in or just outside the Petite France area of Strasbourg would be ideal as it seems to offer a village vibe but also all the conveniences of public transportation & other amenities of city life. Do you think that's accurate? Any thoughts on the difference between the areas of say the Sofitel which is a couple of blocks North of Place Kleber vs. someplace like the Hotel Regent Petite France which is just off the Square des Moulins? I want to be walkable to the markets and sights but would prefer not the fight the crowds just to step out of the hotel either.
Anne, thanks again so much for your help and a big thanks to all who responded and esp. Janet & Jody for reaching out on FB on my behalf.
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Post by Anne on Jun 23, 2014 13:32:55 GMT -5
I know both hôtels. Sofitel is on a quiet little square just off busy place Broglie (where the biggest and ancien market takes place) and place Kléber (little market and huge pine tree). It is only 2 minutes away from place de l'Homme de Fer which is where most of the tramways connect and where you will find 3 lines taking you directly to the train station. Régent Contades is in La Petite France. Both the hotel and area are much more charming than the Sofitel's but its less convenient for public transportation : you'll have to walk longer to catch the tramways to the station (well, not very long but it's on cobbled streets which is a pain with a suitcase). You can also walk the other direction to the river and get the bus 10 to the station. There are two smaller markets very close. The area will be very crowded as soon as you step out of the hotel, but then so will the Sofitel's one once you leave the small square. Here is a link to the public transportation network : www.cts-strasbourg.eu/fr/se-deplacer/plans-du-reseau/ Look for bus 10 and tramways A, D and C Wherever you stay you can easily walk to all markets anyway. So for me the dilemna is more charm (Regent) vs accessibilty (Sofitel) |
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Post by Anne on Jun 23, 2014 13:37:59 GMT -5
BTW do you know that there are direct trains from CDG to Strasbourg, no need to go to gare de l'Est ? Only 3 a day usually but it saves you much hassle provided that the train schedules are convenient for you
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Post by geordy on Jun 23, 2014 14:03:09 GMT -5
Rachel,We actually stayed at the Sofitel when we were there years ago. Enjoyed it very much and just a short walk from maind areas at the time the bar there was like a "local" for the locals! Got in on a birthday party champagne toast! Had a room with a balcony that was very private..
I had wanted to stay in Petite France..in the hotel on the canal? but it was booked. The Sofitel was perfect though...we were there though in September not winter.
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Post by rachelnyc on Jun 23, 2014 22:19:56 GMT -5
Thank you both. Yes, Geordy, the other hotel I mentioned is on the canal. Rooms are available at both with the Petite France being slightly more expensive. I think we're leaning towards the Sofitel since I'm sure the Christmas markets will make that area more charming than usual and with cold weather, accessibility will be more important. I also love that the bar is popular with locals!
Yes, we are planning to take the train directly from CDG and I am going to set a reminder on my phone to get tickets as soon as they go on sale.
I also know we should book Christmas Eve & Christmas day dinners well in advance. Anne, as a local I'm assuming you don't know which restaurants are open those days but if you happen to know of any that do something special on those days, please let me know. Any restaurant blogs or review sites I should be looking into (other than The Fork which I will be checking)?
Again, many thanks to all!
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Post by Anne on Jun 24, 2014 4:06:35 GMT -5
No I don't know of any such blog, although there must be some ... I don't think that you have to book the restaurants that much in advance. I remember seing the restaurants which advertise being opened and show their fixed menu for Christmas sometimes around November or early December in the local newspaper. I am sure that the tourist office will have a list this Autumn of the restaurants which will be opened.
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Post by rachelnyc on Jun 24, 2014 18:33:52 GMT -5
Ok good. I'm sure the hotel will be able to help with which restaurants are open on those days as it gets closer as well. I think that's all for now but Anne, I do hope you start checking in here more often because I am sure I will have more questions!  |
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Post by janetnj on Oct 15, 2014 9:16:10 GMT -5
Rachel I'm not sure which hotel you ended up booking but as I write this I'm sitting across the canal from Régent Petite France sipping a café crème. IIt's a charming location!
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Post by rachelnyc on Oct 15, 2014 16:30:30 GMT -5
Hi Janet. We decided on the Sofitel. If we were going a different time of year, we probably would have gone with Petite France but with cool/wet weather we thought it would be best to go for convenience to public transportation since we will do 2-3 day trips.
I didn't realize you'd be there, are you doing a day trip or staying longer? Would love to hear what you think of the town as well as any suggestions and of course photos!!
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Post by janetnj on Oct 17, 2014 7:23:59 GMT -5
I was there for one night. I took an early train from Paris, arriving around 9. Explored the city for the day, then Anne and I spent the next day exploring some of the nearby villages.
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Post by rachelnyc on Oct 18, 2014 14:33:06 GMT -5
Sounds lovely! I'll be on the lookout for your photo report.  |
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Post by geordy on Oct 19, 2014 7:51:23 GMT -5
Sounds lovely! I'll be on the lookout for your photo report. And Of course I want to know what you ate and bought! And am already looking forward to hearing about your trip Rachel! We did a day trip to Orleans in September. I did not get the same "sense" of Joan that I got in Rouen...but much of the City was damaged during the Wars since her stay there! There is a replica of the house she stayed in whilst planning/preparing for her quest . Not really a museum..just go in little room for short film and that's it..includes ticket to another small archiological museum. Again it was a glorious day so after tvisiting Cathedral spent most of the day just wandering and lunching out doors..though spent more time lunching than planned due to poor service and not a multi course lunch..we had tartines and wine! They comped the wine because of the wait! But always interesting observing folks on their lunch hour(s) and going about daily business in the provences! Almost missed train back to Paris...our tickets were actually for a stop a bit out of City centre but train going did continue on to City centre stop..when we got there to return...no train at that time...it was at the other station...dash to street car ..made it by a couple of minutes! My special price senior tickets bought on line! S/O says no big deal..he gets to trains a few mins before all the time and never misses..I said but now you are with me.. think I kind of scared him!  |
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Post by rachelnyc on Oct 24, 2014 9:53:32 GMT -5
lol Geordy! I will be there 2 months from today, can't wait!
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Let the riot begin! LOL -