Germany

Why Germany

Germany is striking for its depth. Not that of landscapes in the picturesque sense of the term, even if the Bavarian castles on their rocky spurs and the black forests of hundred-year-old fir trees are breathtakingly beautiful. No: the depth of history, the country's singular way of bearing its scars in the open air, of naming them, of showing them with a lucidity that commands admiration. In Berlin, the Holocaust memorial stands a stone's throw from the Reichstag. The East Side Gallery unfurls its frescoes on what was the symbol of a world cut in two. You can't visit Germany without being moved.

But it is a country that has reinvented itself with striking energy. Berlin has become the European capital of creation, a city that welcomes artists, architects and entrepreneurs from all over the world in a unique atmosphere of freedom. Munich displays Bavarian excellence in all its dimensions: world-class museums, generous gastronomy, art of living between beers and the Alps. Hamburg, the port of the world, has transformed its former warehouses into trendy districts without losing any of its commercial soul. Each German city has an irreducible personality.

And then there is the Germany of fairy tales: Rothenburg ob der Tauber with its intact ramparts and cobbled streets that the fifteenth century seems to have forgotten to liberate, the Romantic Road that crosses picture-postcard villages between vineyards and bell towers, Neuschwanstein emerging from the Alpine mists like the metaphor of a royal dream turned to stone. This country contains worlds. Twelve days are barely enough to scratch the surface.

When to go

Germany can be visited all year round, but each season has its own arguments.

April and Maymark the awakening of the country: the trees in bloom, the terraces that reopen, the temperatures between 15 and 20°C. It is the ideal period for the Romantic Route and the Bavarian gardens. The crowds are still under control, the prices remain reasonable.

Juneis perhaps the most balanced month: generous sunshine (23°C in Munich), long days, party atmosphere without the saturation of summer. The festivals are starting, the gardens are at their best. Excellent value for money.

July and Augustattract families and mass tourism. The must-see sites (Neuschwanstein, Reichstag, Speicherstadt in Hamburg) are crowded. The experience remains splendid, but you have to anticipate reservations and visiting times early in the morning. The price of accommodation is at its peak.

Septemberis the month of connoisseurs. The weather remains mild (20°C), the crowds are starting to retreat, and the Munich Oktoberfest (September 19 to October 4, 2026) offers a cultural event like no other. Book your Munich accommodation several months in advance during the festival.

Octoberis superb for cultural tours: autumn lights on the Bavarian forests, copper colours, attendance halved. Temperatures remain mild during the day (14°C).

November to March: Winter is cold, sometimes grey, but the Christmas markets (late November to early January) turn Cologne, Nuremberg and Dresden into fairytale settings. It's Germany's great seasonal specialty, and it's worth a visit.

How much does it cost

Germany is an intermediate European destination: more accessible than Scandinavia, significantly more expensive than a trip to Eastern Europe. It remains very competitive in terms of value for money, thanks in particular to a remarkable hotel and transport infrastructure.

Count between 60 and 110 euros per person per day for a comfortable trip (3-star hotel, mixed restaurant and market meals, transport and entrances). A budget of 150 to 250 euros per day allows access to boutique hotels, gourmet restaurants and premium experiences.

A meal in a traditional brewery (Bratwurst, Schnitzel, local beer) costs 12-20 euros. A coffee costs 3-4 euros. Train transport (ICE between major cities) is efficient but expensive: count 30 to 80 euros for Berlin-Munich depending on the anticipation. The Deutschland-Ticket (49 euros per month) covers all regional transport, an excellent tool if you travel outside the main lines.

A 10-day organized tour starts from 1,035 euros per person excluding flights. A Paris-Berlin return flight costs between 60 euros in low season and 220 euros in high season, non-stop.

Where to go

Germany is a federal country of 83 million inhabitants, four times the size of France in terms of surface area of curiosities. It is naturally divided into several travel territories, each with its own identity.

Berlin and the East: the capital brings together everything that makes Germany unique in its most modern and daring version. Twentieth-century history, masterful museums on Museum Island, underground art scene. Dresden, two hours away by train, offers a striking baroque counterpoint: the Florence of the Elbe, miraculously rebuilt after 1945.

Bavariais the romantic heart of Germany. Munich, the regional capital, unfolds its charm between Marienplatz, the Deutsches Museum and Englischer Garten, where surfers brave the waves of an artificial river. A 90-minute bus ride away, Neuschwanstein Castle rises from the alpine forests with a majesty that fully justifies its worldwide reputation.

The Maritime North, around Hamburg, is another Germany: more northern, more open to the world. The Speicherstadt, a red-brick warehouse district, reflects its facades in the canals with a beauty that owes everything to its architectural sincerity.

The Rhine and the WestCities with a strong personality are concentrated: Cologne and its colossal cathedral, Düsseldorf and its museum district. The Rhine Castles Route, between vineyards and medieval ruins, is one of the most beautiful river trips in Europe.

The Romantic Road and the Black Forest: from Würzburg to Füssen, the Romantic Route leads through the country's best-preserved medieval villages. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the absolute jewel. To the southwest, Freiburg im Breisgau is the gateway to a Black Forest of fir trees, waterfalls and vineyards.

Our itineraries

Germany lends itself to three types of travel: the great Berlin-Munich duo for an intense first trip, the tour from North to South by train for lovers of the inter-rail, and the romantic loop for those who prefer landscapes to megacities.

In pictures

Practical advice

Formalities

Germany is a member of the Schengen area and the European Union. French nationals travel freely with a valid national identity card or passport, without a visa or minimum validity period required. Since May 2025, Germany has tightened controls at all its land, air and rail borders: identity checks can take place at entry. No visa or prior procedure is required for a tourist stay.

For non-EU visitors, a single Schengen visa (valid throughout the area) is required depending on the nationality. Check with the German consulate in the country of residence.

Vaccinations recommended for stays in rural or hiking areas: DTP up to date, hepatitis A, and tick-borne encephalitis (FSME) for Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg between April and November.

Getting around

By plane:Five main airports serve Germany from France. Berlin (BER) and Munich (MUC) receive direct flights from Paris and several French cities in 1h30 to 2h. Hamburg (HAM), Cologne (CGN) and Frankfurt (FRA) complete the network. Frankfurt is the most important international hub: ideal entry point for travelers coming from far away.

By train:The ICE (German TGV) network is fast, punctual and comfortable. Berlin-Munich takes 4 hours, Hamburg-Berlin in 1 hour 45 minutes, Cologne-Frankfurt in 1 hour. Deutsche Bahn offers very attractive Sparpreis fares if you book several weeks in advance. The Deutschland-Ticket (49 euros per month) covers all regional trains, metros, buses and trams: a valuable tool for exploring the cities and their surroundings.

By car:Essential for the Romantic Road, the Black Forest and the Bavarian Alps, where public transport is less frequent. The Autobahn is free, well maintained, and without speed limits on many sections. Beware of environmental zones (Umweltzone) in city centres, which require a green sticker.

By bus:Flixbus efficiently serves medium-sized cities at very competitive rates. Interesting option for night trips or destinations not covered by the train.

Culture and uses

Germany is a plural country, where Bavarian, Prussian, Hanseatic and Rhineland cultures coexist with their own traditions. Some essential landmarks:

Punctuality:It is not a myth. Germans are attached to schedules. In museums, restaurants and transport, respecting the rules and queues is a fundamental social code.

Language:German is the official language. In all major cities and tourist sites, English is widely spoken. A few words of German are always appreciated:Guten Tag(hello),Danke(thank you),Bitte(please). In rural areas of Bavaria or the Black Forest, English may be less spoken.

Beer and table uses:Beer is a cultural institution in Germany. In a beer garden (beer garden, open on sunny days), you can bring your own food as long as you order a drink. Service is included in the bill, but leaving a 5 to 10% tip is still the norm. Raising a glass and sayingProst(health) before drinking is de rigueur.

Money:The euro is the national currency. In contrast to some neighbouring countries, Germany remains committed to cash: in markets, small shops and traditional breweries, card payment is not always accepted. Always keep some cash with you.

Sunday:Most shops are closed on Sundays. Museums, restaurants and tourist sites remain open, but plan your shopping on Saturday.

Frequently asked questions