Munich is one of the most visited cities in the world. And the people of Munich love to pass on the exceptional cultural and historical heritage of their city. You have to sit at a Biergarten table to realize this: your neighbours will be happy to laugh and talk to you. As the history of Bavaria often merges with that of France, the people of Munich love our country but also expect in return that we will be ignited for their beloved city. Zoom in on the pearl of Bavaria, a few days from the famous Oktoberfest.

A rich heritage

Just sit down for a few minutes on a low stone wall on Place de l'Odéon and you will be able to appreciate the beauty of Munich. You have to climb up the Frauenkirche to contemplate the snow-covered peaks of the Alps that stand out behind the steeples of the "Monaco de la Bavière". Romantic souls will find in Munich and its region a small glimpse of paradise on earth. The landscapes south of Munich are stunning, valleys, forests, emerald lakes sparkling under the light, sumptuous and snow-covered peaks, sunshine from May, Bavaria is a land of contrasts and grace.

But the region has always attracted the attention of people, especially France. Munich reigns over a powerful Land, as rich in its own right as some of the smaller states of the Union and strategically located in the heart of Europe: one more force. A land cherished by the rulers who have shaped it over the centuries, the Bavarian capital is jealous of its rich and eventful history. Every corner of the street is full of history and every anecdote takes the visitor back decades. Munich is home to treasures, monuments and museums that bear witness to a glorious and exciting past, particularly around Marienplatz, the central square of old Munich.

Although the bombardments destroyed many cities in Germany, some escaped the massacre in part and architectural jewels remained standing. From 1940, Munich was pounded and suffered another 70 bombings until the end of the war! The city will be 50% destroyed, the old city 90%... And yet everything will be rebuilt in the same way, from the Gothic to the Baroque, including the Rococo and its beautiful warm colours. The result: an admirable architectural diversity. Further on in Bavaria, there are also some real little jewels like the adorable and authentic little town of Freising

A city in love with music

Munich is not only a city of art and theatre, it is also a great music capital of Europe. Three of the world's most famous orchestras (including the Münchner Philharmoniker) are from Munich. The great voices of the moment are also present at the annual Munich Opera Festival and famous American jazz performers such as Armstrong or Ellington have visited the Bavarian metropolis many times. Music is a cultural heritage in its own right that is transmitted from generation to generation. Each small village lost in the surrounding countryside has its own orchestra. Amateur musicians perform during the summer or for special occasions. The composer and conductor Richard Strauss (not to be confused with Johann Strauss father and son) and Carl Orff (the famous cantata Carmina Burana) were both born in Munich. As for Louis II, he dedicated his greatest work, Neuschwanstein Castle, to his idol: the musician Richard Wagner

A green and sporty city

For several years now, Munich has taken drastic measures to reduce its CO2 emissions and improve air quality. During the famous Oktoberfest, beer and sausages are not the only ones in the spotlight. Everything has been designed to reduce waste and save energy as much as possible: energy-saving lamps, recyclable plates, dishwashers equipped with water recyclers, etc. Since October 2008, access to the city centre by car has been strictly controlled in order to reduce exhaust gas pollution. Car traffic is a scourge facing all major cities, Munich's green policy is bearing fruit. Munich is a healthy city, with a huge park and many green spaces. Moreover, the air from the Alps always seems purer than elsewhere.

For sportsmen, Munich is therefore ideal. Wide bicycle paths on the main roads sometimes make it possible to travel much faster than cars. You can take a chance on rollerblading by paying attention to what comes from behind as cyclists ride at high speed in Munich. Munich's sports facilities are exceptional: let's not forget that it is an Olympic city! A surf spot that can be used all year round allows skiers and snowboarders to forget the distance to the sea. Munich also has the highest climbing silo in Europe (35 m). The lake region, the nearby Alpine chain and the beautiful Bavarian countryside offer a wide range of sporting activities, skiing, golf, climbing, hiking and sailing

Oktoberfest, the must-attend event of the year

Beer festivals had been common in Bavaria for several centuries. Indeed, September was an opportunity for brewers to empty their stocks before starting a new season. These celebrations were numerous but also smaller. The first major celebration was held in 1810. On 17 October of that year, the future King Ludwig I of Bavaria decided to organise a major horse race to celebrate his marriage to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Thus the meadow on which the race was held will be called Theresienwiese. The king of the time, Maximilian I, decided to make it a national holiday to strengthen Bavaria's identity.

In its early days, the festival was more like an agricultural fair. But as time went on, the operators left the stands and left their places at a fair as we know it today. Horse races were also abandoned, except for the jubilee years (the last one in 2010). Since its creation, the festival has been cancelled only 24 times, during a cholera epidemic in 1854, during the Austro-Prussian (1866) and Franco-German (1870) wars, during the two world wars and in the post-war years.

Today, Oktoberfest attracts more than six million partygoers each year. Many Bavarians, some Germans, but also many tourists. The latter try to blend in as much as possible with the mass by also wearing traditional Bavarian clothing. Participants set up in large tents scattered over the square, the largest of which can accommodate more than 10,000 people. On the program: beer! Here, it is often ordered per whole litre. Thus we see men and women marching (with impressive force) with their hands full of huge pints. A ball that is obviously part of the show! Speaking of shows, don't miss the orchestras that come to animate the different tents with their traditional Bavarian music. There is plenty to drink, then, but there is also plenty to eat. The best Bavarian specialities can be found on the plates: sausages, pork on a spit, etc. Outside the tents, different stands sell souvenirs, such as the famous gingerbread hearts. Attractions and other funfair games complete the picture to make this event an exceptional family activity.

Smart info

When? When? The most pleasant time to discover Munich and its colours is of course from May to October. This year, to attend Oktoberfest, visit the Bavarian capital between 21 September and 6 October.

Getting there. It can be reached by car (773 km), train or plane. It is possible to find flights from 80 €. It's a little more expensive by rail

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