I am planning a trip to Europe next spring (2002) to visit Germany and France. I have two children traveling with me ages 13 and 15 years. What is the legal age to consume alcoholic beverages in these two countries?

The drinking age is 16 in France, but I'm not sure if it has any bearing on children accompanied by parents.

Officially the drinking age in Germany (and I think is pretty standard throughout Europe) is 16 for beer and wine and 18 for liquor, although I have yet to see anyone enforce these ages. I have seen a 5 year old buy a beer at a local soccer match for his mom, and I bought beer as a 14 year old for myself. The Germans do not get as strict as the Americans do as far as "carding" and age limits, but be very careful about driving and drinking. Most of my German friends don't drink even one beer if they are the "designated driver" because of the stiff penalties and low legal limits.

There's no "legal drinking age" in france. I mean there's no law forbiding to buy alcohol, transport it or drink it, even in public, under a certain age. So, I guess your 13 yo could manage to buy a bottle of whyskey if he wanted too (though some clerks could refuse to sell it, on an indidual basis, but it would be the exception rather than the norm). <BR> <BR>But there's a minimal age to be served alcohol in cafes or such places. AFAIK, it's 16 for wine, cider and beer, and 18 for other stronger alcohols. Though I've *been told* recently it has changed and it's now 18 for all alcohols, but I didn't check it since.

do you think that europe is in the middle age ???? give us a brake...this is not america, Europe is civilized. We donīt need rules to tell us what we can and what we canīt do. What we have is education, and good sense. If you feel that youīre giving a good example, allowing your children to drink,go ahead,itīs your problem. No one in Europe is going to forbid you to feed alchool to children, only your understanding can !!