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A direct flight from Bordeaux to Cologne takes just 1 hour and 15 minutes. There’s so much to appreciate in this beautiful city on the Rhine: its rich history, great atmosphere, simplicity and fabulous cuisine. You’re guaranteed a fantastic stay in Germany.
5 good reasons to go to Cologne
A stroll through the old town
The Altstadt is the historic centre of Cologne which has a picturesque charm. You’ll be able to see the colourful, old houses and some of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The splendid cathedral, town hall, Gürzenich Köln Concert Hall and Overstolzenhaus mansion bear witness to different periods of German history.
Spray on some Cologne
Discover all you need to know about this famous German fragrance! The secret’s out! Eau de Cologne really does come from Cologne! Take a guided tour of the Fragrance Museum and explore the origins of this world-renowned scent. By viewing distillation equipment, historical documents and more, the history of perfumes will unfold right beneath your nose!
Stroll along the Rhine
The river divides the city in two. You can enjoy a peaceful walk on both sides of the Rhine. There are a number of parks by the water which are perfect for a leisurely stroll. If you want to cross over to the other side, take the Hohenzollern bridge, whose striking, metallic structure stands out against the urban landscape.
It’s carnival time!
There’s plenty to do in Cologne, but the carnival is one of the city’s most famous events. Preparations begin on 11th November. But the best time to see the carnival is the week before Ash Wednesday. The party is in full swing on Women’s Carnival Day. Plus, there are children’s parades and the burning of the Nubbel (a huge straw man)!
Sample the local beer
Once you’ve booked your flight, picture yourself sitting at the bar in a traditional brauhaus. There’s no end of places to keep beer-lovers happy in Cologne. Quench your thirst with a kölsch, a well-known beer that’s brewed locally. Kölsch is golden in colour and quite sweet, and goes really well with traditional German food.
Offres de vols aller-retour
To see / do
Culture and history
An impressive cathedral
At 160 metres tall, Cologne’s iconic Gothic cathedral pierces the sky above the city. In fact, it’s one of the tallest churches in the world! Construction on it began in the 13th century, but the cathedral wasn’t completed until 1880! The interior houses many treasures, notably the Altar of the Poor Clares and the Shrine of the Three Kings believed to hold the relics of the Biblical Magi.
A city of museums
There are around 40 museums in Cologne! Our top three would include the Museum Ludwig dedicated to 20th-century art (Picasso, Modigliani, Malevich, Warhol, etc.), the Chocolate Museum, which is an essential stop for food-lovers, and finally, the Romano-Germanic Museum, which will delight archaeology buffs with its ancient Roman villa.
The Streets of Ehrenfeld
Explore beyond the city centre and head to the Ehrenfeld district. You’ll notice the spectacular graffiti brightening up the neighbourhood walls. A peaceful atmosphere prevails in the small cafés and slow food restaurants. And don’t forget to visit Melaten-Friedhof cemetery, which is reminiscent of Père Lachaise in Paris.
Outings
A meal in the sky
Have a lunch or evening meal to remember! The Osman 30 restaurant is on the 30th floor of the Kölnturm tower, which is about 150 metres tall. You can savour a delicious meal as you enjoy unrivalled views of the city at the same time. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, the restaurant organises special events, so you can enjoy Cologne by night.
A touch of Belgium in Cologne
If you want to do a spot of shopping or are looking for a great night out, then make your way to the Belgisches Viertel, or Belgian district. It’s very trendy and arty, and you can lose yourself in the pretty, little streets. The boutiques, cafés and bars are a mix of contemporary and traditional, but the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere is prevalent wherever you go.
Gastronomy
Halve Hahn, the German equivalent of a ploughman’s lunch
For a quick bite to eat, you need to grab a Halve Hahn. But do you know what it is? It may sound like it, but it’s not half a hen! A Halve Hahn is like a ploughman’s lunch and consists of a small rye bread roll, mustard, slices of cheese (often gouda) and large gherkins. So, no meat!
The best German sausage
When in Germany, you have to sample the local wurst, a traditional German sausage found all over the country. However, a delicacy local to the Rhineland is flönz, a popular, smoked black pudding. It’s a delicious sausage that’s usually served with mashed potato or fruit purée.
Practical information
Flight duration
1h15
Time difference
0h
Currency
Euro
Distance
880 km
Spring
14°C (max 23°C)
Summer
19°C (max 25°C)
Autumn
7°C (max 15°C)
Winter
4°C (max 11°C)
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* All the information on this page is provided for information purposes only. Changes to the programme, flight offers and schedules may be made at any time and without notice. Check with airlines or travel agencies for more information.