Visiting Colmar and Strasbourg: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Alsace
We made a road trip to the Alsace region, and trust me, it was quite a random plan to set off during the Christmas season. Although the journey was adventurous, we realized there were many things we could have known before planning this adventure. This blog serves as the ultimate travel guide for visiting Colmar and Strasbourg, detailing our experience on the road trip from Paris. Additionally, we provide essential information to help you plan your trip, highlighting the pros and cons of each travel route. Moreover, our full blog covers the magic of Christmas in Colmar and Strasbourg.
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How to Travel to Alsace from the UK: Visiting Colmar and Strasbourg
Initially, we travelled from London via Eurostar from St Pancras. Subsequently, the experience of journeying on the super-fast train was both exciting and memorable. Therefore, we chose the train over a flight because we found an incredibly cheap deal by booking our tickets well in advance. Additionally, we eagerly anticipated our adventurous road trip to France. Where to stay in Paris.
If you’re wondering what to do if you prefer not to drive, we’ve curated detailed travel options below. This includes journey durations and the pros and cons of each alternative mode of transport. I’m confident this information will help you plan your trip according to your budget.
London to Paris by Eurostar
To begin our journey, we kicked off early in the morning, arriving at St Pancras Station at least two hours before departure. Once we reached the departure gates, we scanned our tickets and noticed a new white slip with a different seat assignment. Tip: If this happens, always follow the seat number on the newly printed slip, as seat assignments might change from the original booking.
Next, we proceeded through baggage scans, similar to airport security. After that, we underwent immigration checks, where our passports and visas were verified. After completing the formalities, we headed to our designated seats and settled in for the journey. The Eurostar departed from London non-stop to Paris, and in less than 2.5 hours, we reached our destination.
Road Trip from Paris to Colmar: An Adventurous Journey for Visiting Colmar and Strasbourg
After arriving at the station, we took the Paris underground train from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon. There, we picked up our rental car, which we had booked via the Booking.com app. The process was seamless. After completing the formalities, we began our adventurous Christmas road trip.
Since we had booked our stay in Colmar instead of Strasbourg, our road trip took roughly eight hours. Along the way, we made a few pit stops along the way. The scenic beauty along the route was absolutely incredible.
Below, we’ve provided detailed information on what to expect, which routes to take, and tips for a smooth journey. This is part of the Ultimate Travel Guide to Visiting Colmar and Strasbourg. Hope you find this information helpful for planning your trip!
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Is a Road Trip from Paris to Alsace Worth It for Visiting Colmar and Strasbourg?
Ultimately, we absolutely loved our road trip from Paris to Colmar and then returning from Strasbourg to Paris. This journey was filled with adventure, scenic beauty, and breathtaking landscapes. While we enjoyed the flexibility of deciding our pit stops, here are a few pros and cons to consider when planning your trip: Where to stay in Colmar
Colmar or Strasbourg: Which to Choose When Visiting Colmar and Strasbourg?
If you love scenic beauty, historic charm, and have plenty of time to explore, consider driving to Colmar. However, the distance is approximately 650 km (400 miles) from Paris, and it typically takes about seven hours of non-stop driving.
If you start early from Paris and take 2-3 pit stops, you can expect to reach Colmar in around nine hours of total drive time.
In our experience, we found that driving to Strasbourg was more convenient. The best part was the direct route along the A4 motorway, stretching approximately 485 km from Paris to Strasbourg.
The total distance is about 490 km (300 miles), and it typically takes around five hours of non-stop driving. The smooth drive made the journey less tiring, resulting in fewer pit stops.
Toll or Free Routes
The A4 motorway is the most direct route from Paris to Strasbourg but be prepared for the toll fare, which can be quite high. For reference, we paid around €60 for the direct route. Keep in mind that toll prices may vary, so it’s wise to check a toll calculator or the official French toll website for the most up-to-date rates.
If you’re looking to save money, consider alternative routes that avoid tolls, although they may take longer. Free routes can be an option, but travel time might increase depending on traffic conditions. While smaller roads and heavy traffic could extend your journey, the upside is the opportunity to explore charming attractions and scenic spots along the way.
Navigation Tips for Visiting Colmar and Strasbourg
Use Google Maps for navigation. If you opt for the no-toll route, make sure to download the offline map for your entire journey. Network connectivity can be unstable in some areas, so having the offline map handy will help you avoid wrong turns and prevent extending your travel time.How to Find the Toll-Free Route?
To easily find a toll-free route while Visiting Colmar and Strasbourg, go to Google Maps settings and select the option to avoid tolls or fares. This simple step ensures you’re not charged for toll roads during your journey, allowing you to travel without unexpected costs.
Fuels
Make sure to fill your fuel tank before leaving any major cities, especially if you’re on a toll-free route or a longer journey. For those taking the toll route, there are plenty of service areas with fuel stations where you can also grab snacks while refuelling.
Planning Pit Stops When Visiting Colmar and Strasbourg
No matter which route you choose, planning for pit stops is essential for short rests, food breaks, or even some sightseeing. If you’re on the direct toll route, consider stopping at service areas for quick breaks. For those seeking a bit of adventure, here are a few exciting pit stops to consider:
- Reims – Located 1.5 hours from Paris, visit the Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or explore Champagne houses and enjoy a tasting tour.
- Châlons-en-Champagne – A scenic town with picturesque canals, just 30 minutes from Reims.
- Nancy – Famous for its beautiful architecture and parks, located about 1.5 hours from Châlons-en-Champagne.
- Metz – Approximately 50 minutes from Nancy, renowned for its magnificent cathedral with impressive stained glass.
How to Get to Alsace: Best Airport for travelling to Alsace
There are multiple locations to consider when booking a flight to Alsace. Alsace is not just one town or city; it is, in fact, a whole region filled with beautiful villages. Additionally, each village is conveniently located near several popular airports. Below is a list of airports you can consider. Furthermore, keep in mind that flight costs tend to rise as the festive season approaches, so it’s best to plan early for your trip when Visiting Colmar and Strasbourg
Is Strasbourg The Best Airport for Traveling to Alsace?
Alsace has its very own airport in the northern part, located in Strasbourg. Therefore, the straightforward answer is yes; if you are planning to visit Strasbourg itself, you can easily reach the city centre by using the well-connected shuttle train, which takes about a 10-minute journey. Alternatively, you can hire a car or take advantage of public transport like trains or buses to explore the neighbouring villages.
This airport is relatively small with limited international flight connectivity, meaning flight prices are likely to be higher during the Christmas season. However, if you are just planning to visit Strasbourg, this is the best option for you. Where to stay in Strasbourg.
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Which is the Best Airport to Reach Colmar?
If you want to reach Colmar quickly, you might need to consider traveling from outside of France. Sounds interesting, right? While Strasbourg is one option, it is approximately 70 km (43 miles) away from Colmar. You can either take a 45-minute to 1-hour road trip or opt for a shuttle bus from the airport, followed by a regional train, which will take about 2 hours to reach Colmar.
Alternatively, you could fly to Basel, which is approximately 60 km (37 miles) away. The journey from Basel would typically take about 45 minutes by road or by regional train.
Is Basel, the Ideal Airport for Traveling to Colmar?
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP), located in the northwest of Basel, Switzerland, is the most convenient airport for reaching Colmar. An interesting fact about this airport is that it is situated at the borders of three countries: Germany, France, and Switzerland.
It is only 30 km away from Mulhouse, which is just a 20-25 minute drive, 20 minutes by bus, or 30-45 minutes by regional train. Additionally, Colmar is about 1 hour away by bus or regional train and a 45-minute drive from the airport. Therefore, if you are planning to visit southern or central Alsace, including Colmar, Mulhouse, or the Alsace Wine Route, this airport is the best choice for you.
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Is Zurich or Frankfurt the Best Airport for Traveling to Colmar or Strasbourg for Long-Haul Flights?
If you are travelling on a long-haul international flight, Zurich Airport is your best option. As one of the largest international airports in Switzerland, it offers a wide range of flights. Typically, Zurich is a 2-hour journey to central Alsace, including Colmar, by car or train, and about 3 hours to Strasbourg. Moreover, the fast trains connecting to various parts of the Alsace region make the journey both scenic and convenient.
Alternatively, another great choice for long-haul travellers is Frankfurt Airport, known for its excellent global connectivity. In terms of travel time, Strasbourg is roughly a 3-hour drive from Frankfurt, depending on traffic conditions. By contrast, public transport can take 3 to 4 hours. If you choose this airport, be sure to plan your journey carefully to avoid missing connections and wasting time.
Is Taking the Train the Best Option for Traveling to Alsace?
Yes, traveling by train is definitely one of the best options if you’re residing in Europe or the UK. The Alsace region is well-connected by high-speed trains from many popular European destinations. France’s regional train service, TER, links Strasbourg, Colmar, Mulhouse, and smaller towns like Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr. Honestly, when the travel time is around 4 hours, we always prefer the train over a flight. The main reason is that train stations are located in the city center, so there’s no need to travel early for a flight.
Additionally, it’s budget-friendly, as you save on transportation costs from the city to the airport and avoid extra luggage fees. Train luggage allowances are typically more generous. Finally, what could be more enjoyable than a scenic journey through beautiful landscapes on your trip Visiting Colmar and Strasbourg?
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Paris to Alsace by Train: Best Travel Options for Visiting Colmar and Strasbourg
The shortest travel distance from Paris Gare de l’Est station is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by train to Strasbourg. Alternatively, you can travel from Paris to Colmar, which takes roughly 2.5 hours, or to Mulhouse, with a journey time of around 3 hours.
From Germany to Alsace (Strasbourg, Colmar, Mulhouse) for Visiting Colmar and Strasbourg
Direct ICE trains operate daily from Frankfurt to Strasbourg, followed by a 30-40 minute regional train from Strasbourg to Colmar. Alternatively, you can take a direct ICE or TGV train from Frankfurt to Mulhouse, with a journey time of around 3 hours.
From Stuttgart, the journey to Alsace takes approximately 1.5 to 3 hours. There are daily direct trains from Stuttgart to Strasbourg, or you can opt for a 3-hour direct train to Mulhouse.
Moreover, travelling from Freiburg to Colmar takes about 35-45 minutes via direct regional trains. Additionally, there are daily direct trains from Stuttgart to Mulhouse, with a journey time of approximately 50 minutes.
Finally, you can take direct regional trains from Karlsruhe to Strasbourg in about 1 hour or from Offenburg to Strasbourg, which takes around 30 minutes.
From Belgium or Luxembourg To Strasbourg
Direct trains operate daily from Luxembourg City to Strasbourg, taking around 2 hours. Additionally, the journey from Brussels or Antwerp to Strasbourg typically takes about 3 to 4 hours.
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In Summary
Finally, in this Ultimate Travel Guide to Colmar and Strasbourg, we shared our memorable road trip experience from Paris to the magical Alsace region during the Christmas season. We discussed various travel options, including train and car routes, to help you decide the best way to reach these charming cities. Essential tips for a smooth journey were highlighted, from avoiding tolls to planning pit stops at scenic attractions. Additionally, we provided insights into the best airports for flying into Alsace, along with the advantages of train travel. Whether you’re visiting Colmar or Strasbourg for their historic architecture, this guide aims to make your trip planning effortless and enjoyable. Embrace the adventure of Visiting Colmar and Strasbourg and immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Alsace!
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