The border between France and Germany is less a division and more a testament to modern European integration and reconciliation. What was once a fiercely contested frontier, particularly in the regions of Alsace and Lorraine, is now almost completely invisible, a place where communities and cultures blend seamlessly. Due to the Schengen Agreement, there are no longer formal border posts. You can cross between the two countries at countless points by motorway, local road, tram, or even on foot without needing to show a passport. Key transit cities include Strasbourg in France and Kehl in Germany, connected by the Pont de l’Europe (Bridge of Europe), where daily life flows uninterrupted across the Rhine River.
The Alsace region of France, which has been part of both Germany and France at different points in history, has a unique Franco-Germanic culture, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and local dialect. This blended heritage is a living legacy of the border’s past. Perhaps the most powerful symbol of the modern relationship is the Franco-German Brigade, a joint military unit created in 1989. The existence of this shared brigade is a profound statement of trust and cooperation between two former rivals, turning a historical frontline into a model of unity.