Choose a city that earns the hotel night.

Choose Strasbourg for architecture, Alsatian food, a walkable centre, and a rail-based break. Add a third night if you want a separate Alsace town; do not compress that into the cathedral day.

Choose two nights if you want one unhurried city day and one cellar or Champagne-focused day. A single night works for one booked cellar visit, but leaves little room for Épernay.

Choose Annecy for a rail-led short break with canals, mountain views and an easy lakeside walk. Two nights give you an arrival evening and one full day; a longer lake outing needs more time.

Choose Dijon for a two-night city break with food, museums and a taste of Burgundy. Add a third night when Beaune or a vineyard tour is a main goal.

Choose Rouen for half-timbered streets, Gothic heritage, museums and a walkable two-night stay. It also works as a rail stop within a longer Normandy trip.