Leipzig is located in the north-eastern part of Germany and has established itself as a trendy city to discover in Europe. Culture and art have a special place in this city with a long history. Theaters, museums, festivals and other cultural venues attract travelers looking for new experiences and who want to discover the secrets of a city at least as creative and lively as the capital Berlin. And if Leipzig is a city with a lot of architectural interest, its parks and canals make it a privileged destination in Germany to get closer to nature and to indulge in a multitude of outdoor activities. For a weekend, a week or more, here are all the good reasons to head for the vibrant city of Leipzig.

Leipzig, city of music

Leipzig is considered the music capital of Germany and one of the epicenters of musical culture in Europe. Great names such as Wagner, Schumann, Bach and Mendelssohn have lived in the city. To get a feel for this during a stay in Leipzig, you can walk the "Leipzig Music Trail". With the help of a guide and an app, you will follow a route that takes you to places that played an important role in the musical history of the city center: the St. Thomas Church, whose famous choir was once conducted by Johann Sebastian Bach, but also the Grassi Museum and the Mendelssohn House. Along the way, walkers are also invited to listen to emblematic pieces by great musicians.

Don't miss the regular concerts in St. Thomas's Church, where you can hear the 100 boys of the church choir sing great classics, or the cultural program of the Mendelssohn House, which also features great repertoires.

Leipzig also hosts several festivals each year: the Highfield rock festival and the eclectic MDR Musiksommer in the summer. In the fall, the Leipzig Jazz Festival focuses on jazz.

Art and architecture in Leipzig

Leipzig is a city to be discovered for its architecture and for the place it holds for art in general. On a walk through the western part of the city, you can pass by and photograph amazing works such as the Koenneritz bridge over the white Elster river or the colorful and amazing work of architect Peter Kulka at the Bayerische Bahnhof subway station in the east of the city. In the Plagwitz district, you can discover Oscar Niemeyer's sphere, a 12-meter diameter sphere in black and white contrast located in the Techne Sphere industrial complex. The structure, made in homage to the Brazilian architect and designer, houses a bar and a restaurant. It is also in this neighborhood that one can contemplate a large number of street art works, which contrast perfectly with the red bricks of the buildings. And then, it is impossible to visit Leipzig without going to the "Völki", where the Monument of the Battle of the Nations proudly stands. This 91-meter high building, which resembles a cathedral, an Egyptian pyramid and an Inca temple, is reflected in a pool. Built as a tribute to the battle of Leipzig where Napoleon I suffered a decisive defeat, it attracts the curious by its appearance, its history recounted in the Forum 1813 museum, but also because it has a platform offering a beautiful panorama on its surroundings. Cultural events are also regularly held in this space that combines architecture and vegetation.

If the city has a multitude of cultural places to discover during a stay, some of them have this little extra soul and this mania to surprise the visitors. For example, the Spinnerei, a former industrial area for cotton spinning, is now home to restaurants, trendy cafés, shops, cinemas and exhibition spaces. Hall 14 is a particularly exciting place for contemporary art, and the Mule café offers a very design-oriented setting for drinks and food.

And then, photo enthusiasts must climb the Fockeberg. This artificial hill, built in the post-war period, offers a great vantage point for taking 360° pictures of the city.

Leipzig, a city of activities in the middle of nature

Leipzig offers a wide range of activities in its natural surroundings, so that you can enjoy the fresh air as soon as the weather is fine. Johanna Park is a beautiful area in the city center where locals and visitors alike enjoy strolling around the pond and admiring its bucolic bridge. It is directly adjacent to the large Clara-Zetkin Park, which offers a multitude of recreational activities. There is a restaurant, an outdoor café for a good beer, lemonade or iced coffee, and the music pavilion with its outdoor stage is a popular venue for concerts. Parents and children can also relax in the playground.

Leipzig also has canals that allow you to explore the city by water. The lush Karl-Heine Canal awaits those who enjoy a relaxing stroll in a canoe. But there are actually many ways to discover the city's architectural richness on the water: you can board a small motorboat, go stand up paddling and even hop aboard a real Venetian gondola! To do justice to the Venetian atmosphere, Leipzig has over 420 bridges - more than the famous Italian city.

And for those of you who like to take a trip on the water, there are no less than 20 lakes around Leipzig. The Störmthal lake is particularly beautiful with its beaches and translucent waters. Right next door, the Markkleeberg lake has a canoeing and rafting center for thrill seekers. Several resorts await water sports enthusiasts, such as Pier 1 at Lake Cospuden and Camp David at Schladitz Bay. You can even go diving in the Kulkwitzer lake with a maximum depth of 34 meters.

Another highlight in Leipzig and its surroundings is cycling. There are many routes through the city and into the surrounding countryside. Cycling is of course possible in the lake district, but it is also possible to reach the fields and orchards on the "Fruit Country" route. The "Coal-Steam-Light" bicycle path allows you to discover picturesque villages along the water and to immerse yourself in the history of the coal region.

If you are coming with your family, the Belantis amusement park is located just south of the city and offers no less than 60 different attractions on the theme of adventure. The Leipzig Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in Germany, is a must-see attraction for young and old alike: giraffes, elephants, penguins, meerkats... the park offers a wide range of rare and tropical species in a space divided into six themes. The Leipzig Zoo is recognized as one of the best in Europe.

Eating and drinking in Leipzig

A successful stay in Leipzig also means enjoying the local and regional gastronomy. The city is full of restaurants and pubs where you can enjoy yourself. You can try potato soup, Sauerbraten roast with gnocchi and fresh vegetables, not to mention tasty Saxon cakes like Eierschecke. Dankbar Kaffee, Franz Morish or Espresso Zack Zack are names to remember for a gourmet break or a delicious coffee.

Leipzig also has a lot of beer. Head to Spizz or Barfusz, which are located in the "Barfußgässchen" street, to try a wide variety of local beers. There is plenty of choice to relax with a drink. To round off a day in Leipzig, there is nothing like a cocktail or a glass of wine on the rooftop terraces of the Innside Melia, the Felix restaurant or the Falco bar.

Arrival in Leipzig

With the new direct flight from Paris to Leipzig of the airline Vueiling, you can reach Leipzig in less than two hours. The Friday and Monday departures make the extended weekend in Leipzig perfect. For those who have more time, it is possible to travel comfortably by train and arrive at Germany's most beautiful terminus station. Right next door is the long-distance bus terminal, which offers long-distance routes with Flixbus or Eurolines.

For direct flights from Paris to Leipzig, see www.mdf-ag.com/en/passengers-and-visitors/leipzig-halle-airport.