Is Alsace region is worth going to instead of Amsterdam?

[Guest]

I’m planning a 9 day trip to Paris and Amsterdam in December. After doing some more research I’m leaning towards canceling Amsterdam and going to the Alsace region in France. We’ll be there the week leading up to Christmas so I’d love to see the towns decorated.

However, my husband is wondering if Alsace region is worth going to instead of Amsterdam. I’d like to hear your opinions or experiences in either places!

I know we’re going for a short period of time but we’re not interested in staying in Paris the entire trip.

Thanks in advance!

[Ginny]

Alsace should be stunning at that time of year. It’s an easy few hours on the train to Strasbourg or Colmar. We loved Colmar and it is very manageable for a short stay.

[Patrice]

I absolutely love the Alsace region. I love the little town of Colmar. It’s like being in a Fairytale. Strasbourg is a really fun town as well but it’s large.

[Rosa]

You can visit Freiburg in Germany, very close to Colmar, with great Christmas markets and a beautiful city.

[Victoria]

We loved the Alsace area, we’ve been twice. One visit was during Dec, it was absolutely beautiful! If you go to that area, don’t miss the small villages.Riquewihr, Equisheim, Ribeauville, as well as Strasbourg and Colmar.

[Beth]

9 days? I would pick ONE country and only do a small portion of that country. 9 days is not very much at all. I would go through France if I were you. 4 days in Paris and than venture out of Paris into another part of France. Rent a car.

[Meike]

As a dutchie I wouldn’t combine Paris and Amsterdam but I would say yes to Alsace and Paris. It's not that Amsterdam isn't great, but to be honest hopping only between these to makes that you miss so much of each country. So I would focus on France this time and the Netherlands another time.

[Brian]

I lived in Alsace for a year! The weeks leading up to Christmas are the best time to come as it’s when the Christmas markets take place!

[Katie]

Amsterdam is wonderful. I can imagine it is pretty spectacular decked out for the holidays. Have you considered Belgium? Brussels and making your way to some of the smaller historic towns such as Ghent and Bruges would give you a lot of variety in your trip. Ghent is my favorite!

[Batman]

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