I went to Germany in 2003 - great trip - my first excursion beyond Le2K.
Northern France is interesting during the week - I found the SIA guide on VFR really useful - expecially with details on all the restricted areas.
Germany was fine - excellent English on the radio and a good service from Frankfurt Info - Squawk and all above about 3000'
Overall I found it quite easy - the Germans were more willing to talk to me than the French (Paris Info was not really very helpful but it was not actually a problem).
Rgds
TZ