France and Germany account for a sizeable amount of tourism in west Europe. Choosing where to go for a vacation can be a tough decision. In general, both countries are relatively costly, but France is a tad more expensive than Germany. They have their distinct cuisine, culture, food, etc., to offer tourists from all over the world. So, it will come down to what you consider a perfect vacation.

Quaint countryside and enchanting villages are part of what you will enjoy in France. In Germany, contemporary conveniences and lively cities are offered. France is also popular for its architecture and the arts. At the same time, Germany has a strong character that is unmissable, and you might prefer it if you want modern infrastructures etched in modern settings. You will have a delightful holiday experience regardless of where you visit. France will afford you rich antiquity, culture, history, and of course, Paris.

It is important to note that in Germany, tourism tends to be more equally distributed across the country. There is the German Fairy Take Road in the North and the Romantic Road. France, too has the gorgeous Loire Valleys and Rhone. Still, Paris is the center of attraction for tourist activities, and it might take several visits to France to see the rest of the country. This is unlike Germany, where the exciting and most inviting places are not concentrated in one city or region.

Germany has intermediate locations like Freiburg, Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Mainz, and Bremen, all with special historical characters. Neuschwanstein is an alternative to Paris’ Disneyland, so you can’t miss out on proper park fun. 

Eating Options

French is famous for its cuisine, and you will see it in lots of fine dining setups across Paris. For something affordable, French street food in stalls is perhaps the most exotic. You will find delicacies from different parts of the world waiting for you to try out. You should try out a baguette sandwich and a variety of crepes. French desserts are appetizing, and you cannot leave the country without having them on original crème brûlée, profiteroles, and macarons.

In Germany, there are great cuisines too, and some are a must-try. Beer lovers will love the many pubs and beer gardens that serve craft and local brews. A nice way to kick start the day is with an authentic German breakfast made up of cheeses, bread, and meats. Other popular German foods are stuffed schnitzels, local sausages known as bratwursts, and pretzels.

>>Also Read: Most Popular Traditional French Dishes 

Accommodation Options

An average tourist does not find Paris cheap, especially lodging in the city center. This is because accommodation generally does not come cheap. But if you do not mind, a place like Meurice Hotel Paris close to the Louvre or De Vigny Hotel close to Champs-Elysees are great fancy locations. For the cash-strapped travelers, Arbrial Hotel or Ambassadeur Hotel close to Arc de Triomphe or Villa Bellagio Bussy Saint Georges and Premiere Classe Bussy Saint on Paris’ outskirts are fantastic choices. These places are a ten-minute drive to Euro Disney.

Unlike Paris, Berlin has a wide range of options across all budgets in terms of accommodation. In the city center, you can go to any of the Park Inn by Radisson Berlin-Alexanderplatz Hotel, Best Western Hotel am Spittelmarket, or NH Berlin Heinrich Heine Hotel. Across the city are Berlin Hotel, Grand Hyatt Berlin, and Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome. Planning for your holiday to Germany and France depends on what you will like to do and see and where you intend to go.

Best Time to Visit France and Germany

Both countries are amazing to visit all year round. In the spring and fall seasons, temperatures are most comfortable and crowd less. These periods are great times to visit if you want to avoid the crowd and you want prices reduced on services and goods. Meanwhile, if you intend to visit in the summer months, France and Germany have many spots with somewhat cooler climates that could be more pleasant.

Winter is amazing in both and in general, prices are cheaper during the period. However, it has become slightly hard to get off-season discounts in recent years. In fact, even in wintry weather, several hotels are known to be patronized by tour groups and business travelers, thereby slightly driving up prices. You can still find decent airline ticket deals during the time. Around the Yuletide period, prices are often more expensive for vacationers heading to Germany and France.

>>Also Read: Paris Travel Guide

Cultural Centers 

There are an impressive 55 opera houses and 74 symphony orchestras in Germany, which is more than France and Britain, combined. Boasting of an extended line of classical music, from Wagner to Bach, some of the finest musicians call Germany home. The country doesn’t just have some of the finest artistry; it invites international artists too. It will be recalled that in 2016, popular artist Ai Weiwei, a resident of Germany, installed an exhibition of rings of life jackets opposite the Berlin Konzerthaus.

Museums are where you will mostly feel the cultural spirit of the French. The Louvre and Musee d’Orsay are the most popular, both in Paris. When you are through with them, go down to the catacombs to unravel the city’s bowels. In Lyon, on the slopes of the Croix-Rousse are poignant graffiti that will convince you of their artistic credentials. In Bordeaux, you will have the choice between cinema, theatre, and concerts all in one night. Many several exhibitions are held throughout France everywhere, and this is a testimony to the country’s rich culture.

Festivals 

As a tourist, nothing is quite like attending festivals with locals on a delightful night or evening. Both France and Germany have a lot to offer in this regard. The Oktoberfest held in Munich, Germany, annually is a popular event where for 16 days, beers are everywhere. Some other festivals are Karneval, which is celebrated in the Catholic sides of Germany. 

This one is held for many months and involves alcohol, fancy dress, street parties, and several days off work. Love Parade is another festival where love is the theme of celebrations on the street. 

As for France, the list of festivals can be endless. There are traditional food, cultural, family, and music festivals in the country. Fete de la Musique is one of the most popular street music festivals held across the entire country. It is organized on 21 June every year. Commencing in the afternoon and proceeding until the early hours of the morning, streets across the country are filled with public singing and artists doing their stuff.

Fete Nationale is also known as Bastille Day and is the most popular national French festival that is held every 14 July. When you visit then, do not miss the fireworks, as they are an absolute delight. Fete du Cinema, Mardi Gras, Festive de Cannes, La Feria d’Arles are part of the festivals held in France where culture is significantly showcased.

>>Also Read: 2 Days in Paris: How to Do it

Traveling Costs

So which is cheaper? This is an often-asked question by several travelers. By knowing which destination is more expensive, you will know how to financially plan your journey. According to BudgetYourTrip, 7 days in Germany will cost about 747 euros per individual. In comparison, 7 days in France is expected to cost about 1,315 euros. The difference becomes even clearer if you stay longer in your location.

Accommodation is generally cheaper in Germany (72 euros more in France). And as a budget traveler, staying in a hostel or guesthouse away from the city center would save you a fortune on travel expenses. As for food and dining out, both countries are close, but Germany (28 euros) is still cheaper on average than France (31 euros). 

>>Also Read: Is Paris Expensive?

France vs. Germany – The Verdict

I might be a bit biased, but Germany lacks France’s touristic masterpiece. Still, it does enjoy an evenly spread allure across the country for travelers. France and Germany are great destinations for anyone, and I suppose that it depends on what each traveler is looking for. They are both cultural hubs, naturally beautiful, and have amazing cuisines.