10 Day France & Germany Itinerary: From Parisian Charm to Berlin's History
Embark on a 10-day journey through France and Germany, starting with the iconic sights of Paris, exploring the unique Alsatian culture in Strasbourg and Colmar, before immersing yourself in the vibrant cities of Munich and Berlin, all connected by efficient train travel.
- 1Paris
- 2Strasbourg
- 3Munich
- 4Berlin
Day 1: Arrive in Paris
Begin your French adventure in the romantic capital, Paris, settling in and starting your exploration of its central areas.
Highlights
- Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), with RER B train connections to central Paris Gare du Nord in about 25-35 minutes.
- Alternatively, Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is accessible by RER, bus, shuttle, and taxi, located 18 km south of the city.
- Beauvais Airport (BVA) is another option, primarily serving budget airlines, though further from the city.
Day 2: Iconic Parisian Landmarks
Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Paris, visiting world-renowned museums and architectural marvels.
Highlights
- Discover masterpieces like the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum, one of the world's most visited museums.
- Ascend the iconic Eiffel Tower for sweeping city views and a quintessential Parisian experience.
- Stroll along the Champs-Élysées, a grand avenue connecting Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe.
Day 3: Parisian Art, History & Charming Neighbourhoods
Delve deeper into Parisian culture, exploring Impressionist art, historic cathedrals, and picturesque districts.
Highlights
- Admire Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works at the Musée d'Orsay, housed in a magnificent former railway station.
- Visit the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral on Île de la Cité, famed for its architecture and stained glass.
- Wander through Montmartre, a historic hilltop district known for its artistic atmosphere and village-like lanes.
Day 4: Journey to Strasbourg & Alsatian Charm
Enjoy a scenic train journey from Paris to Strasbourg, then begin discovering the unique blend of French and German culture in its historic centre.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Paris Gare de l'Est to Strasbourg, with the fastest journeys taking 1h 44m.
- Train tickets for this route start from €47, offering a comfortable way to reach the Alsatian capital.
- Upon arrival at Strasbourg station, explore the city's historic core, including the stunning Cathédrale Notre-Dame.
Day 5: Day Trip to Fairytale Colmar
Take a delightful train day trip from Strasbourg to Colmar, a picturesque town famous for its charming canals and well-preserved architecture.
Highlights
- Catch an early train from Strasbourg to Colmar, with services starting at 00:01 and a fastest journey time of 26 minutes.
- Explore Colmar's "Petite Venise" district, known for its canals and half-timbered houses.
- Return to Strasbourg by train, with the latest departures from Colmar available until 23:58.
Day 6: Travel to Munich & Bavarian Introduction
Journey by train from Strasbourg into Germany, arriving in Munich to experience its vibrant Bavarian culture and historic heart.
Highlights
- Board a train from Strasbourg to München Hbf, with the fastest journeys taking 3h 55m.
- Train tickets for this route start from €55, offering a comfortable transition between countries.
- Upon arrival, begin to soak in the atmosphere of Munich, a city rich in history and famous for its beer gardens.
Day 7: Munich's Royal History & Beer Culture
Spend a full day exploring Munich's impressive royal residences, world-class museums, and iconic beer hall traditions.
Highlights
- Visit the Munich Residenz, the city's largest palace, to explore lavish rooms and courtyards.
- Wander through the English Garden, a vast central park offering meadows, river scenes, and beer garden areas.
- Experience a classic Munich beer hall like Hofbräuhaus München, known for its lively traditional Bavarian atmosphere.
Day 8: High-Speed Journey to Historic Berlin
Travel by train from Munich to Berlin, arriving in the German capital ready to delve into its profound history and vibrant modern identity.
Highlights
- Take a high-speed train from München Hbf to Berlin Hbf, with the fastest journey taking 4h 1m.
- Train tickets for this route can be booked in advance starting from €17.
- Upon arrival, begin your exploration of Berlin's significant historical sites and contemporary urban landscape.
Day 9: Berlin's Iconic Landmarks & Cultural Depth
Dedicate a day to Berlin's powerful historical landmarks, from its iconic gates to its significant museums and memorials.
Highlights
- Stand before the Brandenburg Gate, an iconic symbol of Berlin's history and reunification.
- Visit the Reichstag Building, Germany's historic parliament, and ascend its glass dome for city views.
- Explore Museum Island, a UNESCO-listed district featuring monumental architecture and top collections like the Pergamonmuseum.
Day 10: Morning in Berlin & Departure
Enjoy a final morning in Berlin, perhaps revisiting a favorite spot or discovering a new one, before heading to the airport for your departure.
Highlights
- Spend your morning exploring a Berlin landmark such as the Berlin TV Tower for panoramic views.
- Depart from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), the city's international airport.
- Access BER from Berlin Hauptbahnhof via the FEX (Airport Express train) in 23 minutes, or regional trains (RE7, RB14) in about 30 minutes.
