5 Days in Europe: Paris and Germany
In late April 2023, Michael and I packed five days in Europe with enough adventure to feel like a movie montage — coffee in centuries-old cafés, vineyards tucked into rolling hills, storybook castles, and scenery so beautiful it made you pause mid-step. The trip was part celebration (friends’ wedding), part bucket-list dream (finally visiting Germany), and part reality check — with a family member sick back home, our time was short. So we took what we could get and made every moment count.
Day 1 — The Long Haul to Paris
Our trip began at the crack of dawn in Baton Rouge, with a flight to Atlanta, then onward to New York, and finally across the Atlantic. After hours of time zone hopping, airplane snacks, and people-watching in terminals, we touched down in Paris where our friends Eric and Alizée scooped us up.
Jet-lagged but buzzing with excitement, we dropped our luggage and spent 24 hours rushing through the city with limited time.
Day 2 — Paris to Freiburg, Germany
Early in the morning we hopped on a train from Paris Est to Karlsruhe and then continued to Freiburg where we got our rental car. The change from Paris to the quaint charm of southwestern Germany was instant — cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and a slower pace that felt like a deep breath. We spent the afternoon strolling through Freiburg’s old town, sipping coffee, and soaking up the fairy-tale vibe.
The highlight was visiting Kastaniengarten Beer Garden and enjoying the city view.
Day 3 — Baden-Baden Bliss
A short drive brought us to Schloss Neuweier, a picturesque vineyard surrounded by rolling hills. From there, we explored Baden-Baden, famous for its thermal baths and old-world elegance. The highlight? Kaffeesack Die Brewbar — one of those perfect coffee spots where time slows down, and you realize you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
We stayed at the Hotel Laterne and enjoyed the views that surrounded us. Finding beer and good food within 30 feet of our hotel was EASY.
Day 4 — Black Forest Adventures
We headed deeper into the Black Forest, starting in Triberg — home to Germany’s tallest waterfalls and enough cuckoo clocks to fill a lifetime.
After a coffee stop in Ottenhöfen im Schwarzwal, we explored All Saints’ Abbey, a 12th-century monastery now in romantic ruins. The day ended with a visit to Black Forest Brewing, because when in Germany…
We boarded our flight home with suitcases slightly heavier (thanks to wine and souvenirs) and hearts completely full. In just five days, we’d crossed countries, climbed hills, tasted wines, and made memories that will stick with us forever.
Takeaways from a 5-Day Sprint Through Europe
Small towns deserve big attention — Baden-Baden and Triberg were just as magical as Paris.
End on a high note — Whether it’s fondue, beer, or one last pastry, give your trip a proper send-off.
Europe in five days was fast, yes — but it was also a reminder that you don’t always need weeks to create something unforgettable.
