Europe in May or September?

We have been lucky enough to be able to take a couple of trips to Europe in the last few years during the month of May. Hoping to go again while we can still manage to get about (we're seniors), Perhaps France or Germany. Any preferred time of year? Thinking of late September, maybe be lucky enough to run into a few wine fests. Any suggestions?

Price-wise, I think May is a little cheaper than September, but since you're thinking late September it would be about the same. But my airfare (Detroit-Berlin-Paris-Detroit) was $667 in May, but (Detroit-Madrid-Barcelona-Detroit) $995 in September.

i have been looking fares to the netherlands for may 2007 and they are like 1100-1200 dollars.

You will find them from April through October in France and Germany. Parts of Germany have "hekenwirtschaften," where farmers put out a hedge clipping to indicate that their weinbau is open for tasting...wine is good and cheap. Try to go before October, when the weather is better, and outdoor fests abound.

Tourist offices in wine regions typically have a brochure/calendar of various winefests. When you know the region you want to visit, write to that tourist office and ask for their brochure.

The Mosel Region has excellent riesling wines, and the Frankonian region specializes in a mild silvaner.

in September, and was wondering about that particular month as well. Want to avoid the vacationing school kids (I just retired from teaching.) Have been to England twice, and I loved London, but want to see a country I have never seen. Have you been to Ireland? Have you tried the forums on www.tripadvisor.com? They are really informative and fun.

Anyone want to go to Ireland with a "senior?" Who smokes, but is a really good sport about it?

I don't drink, so I am ignorant about beer and wine (I know, I know,
what a waste). But the Rheinland is beautiful this time of year, and a
leisurely cruise between Mannheim and Düsseldorf is a trip with sights
you won't forget. I hang my hat in the Düsseldorf area when I am here,
and travel from here, as the connections to most places in Europe are
very good and frequent, without the congestion of Frankfurt. Cities
that are highlights are absolutely Hamburg and München (Munich), although
avoid München during Oktoberfest. Way too touristy, and way too much petty
crime from Eastern European gangs and Gypsies who prey on tourists there
at that time of year.

My wife (who is German) and I always make it a point to spend one or two
weekends a year in Hamburg, as the walks around the canals by the sea and
the great restaurants are just too good to miss. But we also like our
Rheinland area. Our town outside Düsseldorf has a 1000 year old castle
in our backyard with a top rated restaurant in one of the sections. The
perfectly kept castle grounds are maintained with a huge gardening budget.

What more could you want?

Just moved in June (second time living there) My hubby is German.

September is too iffy in Germany. This September has been gorgeous. 4 yrs. ago it sucked (torrential rain)