At this point in my life, for better or worse, my travels are limited to vacations throughout the year. Much to my chagrin, my “job” dictates the time I have for travel. We all saw in my post title Bucket List – European Style, I have quite a few items on my list of European dreams so this year I will cross at least one off the list.
Wildflowers 1 by celesteh, on Flickr
In looking at our calendars for the year, we only have 10 – 14 days for our “vacation”. In talking, the hubby and I really want something a bit on the active side and have boiled it down to two options: either bike riding in the Loire Valley with some time at either end spent in Paris OR hiking in the Black Forest combined with driving, hiking and/or biking in the Alsace Wine region.
Upper Black Forest by GNTB: DZT/Honeck
Oooh even as I am reading my choices I get excited and unable to pick one!
Colmar Alsace Region by Calips
Neither of us has been to the Loire Valley and would really enjoy spending time riding along the river, stopping for wine, enjoying a picnic lunch in some idyllic spot, seeing castles, learning about the history, visiting the small French villages. . . Plus it has been a couple years since I’ve been to Paris and there are some sights I have not visited and more I’d like to revisit.
Blois Park by celesteh, on Flickr
Germany is one of my favorite places and one that pulls at my heart and always calls to me, so why should this year be any different? Wanderin ohne Gepack (Hiking without Luggage) has been something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. Add in cuckoo clocks, tradition, farm houses, lakes, forests, beautiful villages, history, great food, wine, beer and schnapps; well you’ve created something that is just plain hard to resist! After all that, we would cross into France and spend a few days wandering through more small, beautiful villages sampling Alsatian wine and maybe even spend a day or so riding bikes or walking through the vineyards!
Black Forest Tradition from Baden-Württemberg, Tourismus Marketing GmbH
So my dilemma is deciding which option to enjoy this year?
Azay Le Rideau by Ranvig
I’ve got more work to do and will share what I discover about each region that leads us to make this decision. Until then, tell us. . .
How you decide where to visit on your vacation?
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It is easy for me because I have been to Germany, so I will choose France if I want to travel next time. I always want to feel the romance of France. And Gremany also is a fantanstic place. I think you will be happy no matter which one you choose finally.
I vote for Alsace of course but only because I have seen the Loire Valley. Go for either one of those and you won’t be disappointed…I can guarantee it!!
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Sometimes these decisions are so tough! Think I’m leaning towards spending time in the Black Forest and Alsace. I get to see 2 countries too!
mmmm. I’m not keen on either France or Germany to be honest (though I love Berlin), so can’t be of much help. Have you decided yet?
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I think you are the first person I’ve heard that doesn’t like France or Germany! I’m leaning towards the Black Forest and Alsace. It would be a two for one
I haven’t been to the Loire, but I LOVE the Black Forest and had done a lot of hiking there. Besides being beautiful, there are a ton of castle ruins there as well, which you often have to yourself. I like the idea of combining the Black Forest with Alsace, then you get both France and Germany.
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Traveling is a kind of thing that full of fun and adventure, but I want a kind of traveling together with my family to gain a unique experience and capture every happy hour…
The Black Forest and all of Germany is pretty coo, though I am a bit partial to it, living there.
The Loire is definitely a thing to see. I would suggest going during the “growing” season. I went in February years ago and although good, was not the best. None of the gardens were awake, just kind of green stubble.
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I love Germany too! I’ll make sure to take your advice on timing in the Loire. It would be a disappointment to miss the beautiful gardens.
Very difficult indeed, but I’d go for the Black Forest and Alsace. In fact, I’m going to Basel this weekend and will make a forray into Alsace.
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Thanks Inka. I have to say Black Forest and Alsace are the way I’m leaning too!
Oh goodness… do both?! I just came back from Spain and met several people from Germany, so Germany is high on my list now.
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Germany (Bavaria) is one of my favorite places to go and is calling me again this year!
Well, Debbie, I thought I knew where you were leading when I read about France, then I read about Germany. Whew, it’s a hard decision. Both have their charms. Which does your husband prefer?
I don’t know that he is really hard over on either trip. He will go where ever I tell him! LOL
This place is one of my dream I want visit this someday..Thank you for sharing those beautiful photo..
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We travel to Alsace at least two or three times a year. Our favorite village is Eguisheim (near Colmar). It’s a round Roman village with a quaint square and great wine. There’s nothing like the smell of macaroons fresh from the oven.
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Thanks for the tip Christopher! I will definitely stop by Equisheim if we go. After reading about the macaroons, I’m sure my husband will make a bee line there since they are some of his favorites
Such a difficult decision. I say flip a coin!
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The coin toss may do the trick!
Wow! I know that you have gather a lot of happy moments, this coming summer vacation we are plan to have like this…
I’m really fascinated by Europe. But for me, i’d rather go to France. Paris specifically because I really want to experience the City of Love.
Great shots, anyway..
Paris does hold a special spot in Paris! It is such a wonderful city and I hope you get there soon.
I am lucky enough to be based in Europe and not far from most of the sights I’m interested in, but it’s still hard to pick from time to time. I usually try to look at the prices and actitvities, and see what’s doable from there. But in the end, I know one option will always have my heart and I usually end up picking this one.
Follow your heart!
(But if I were you I would pick Alsace, haha)
I think you should just do all of that, Debbie. ;o)
I agree but, unfortunately, I will only be able to make one area this year. The other will definitely stay on my list!
I love traveling and I think I will love this too…Thanks a lot!
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