Great East

Historical sites not to be missed

The Grand Est region is packed with fascinating historic sites, offering a journey through time. Here are a few emblematic places not to be missed:

• The Tranchée des Baïonnettes in Verdun, burial place of French soldiers who fell during the Battle of Verdun in 1916, symbolizing the sacrifice of the Great War.
• The Victory Monument in Verdun, erected to commemorate the French victory of 1918, stands out for its imposing structure topped by a golden rooster, offering a breathtaking view of Verdun and the Meuse River.
• Fort Troyon, part of the defensive line designed by General Séré de Rivières in the 19th century, valiantly withstood German offensives in 1914. Today, it houses a museum and a memorial dedicated to that period.

UNESCO heritage in Eastern France

The Grand Est also stands out for its UNESCO World Heritage SiteWith 16 listed sites illustrating its cultural, architectural and natural diversity. Among these treasures, be sure to discover :

• The Big Island of Strasbourg, the historic heart of the Alsatian capital, where stands the majestic cathedral Notre-Dame, the Rohan Palace, and the picturesque Petite France district.
• Place Stanislas in Nancy, considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world, built in the 18th century and surrounded by prestigious buildings.
• The Slopes, Houses, and Cellars of Champagne—the birthplace of the famous sparkling wine—where you can explore the landscape wine-growing region, the champagne houses, and discover the cultural heritage associated with this iconic beverage.

Festivals and cultural events not to be missed

The Grand Est region comes alive with its many festivals and cultural events, offering a rich and varied lineup throughout the year. Whether you’re a fan of music, theater, film, or street art, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. Here’s a selection of must-see events:

• The Décibulles Festival in Neuve-Église, the largest outdoor music festival in the Bas-Rhin department, takes place in July and features a diverse lineup of artists.
• Nancy's Nancy Jazz Pulsations Festival, one of France's most renowned jazz festivals, offers a variety of concerts in October at several of the city's most emblematic venues.
• The Cabaret Vert Festival in Charleville-Mézières, a major music and arts event in the Grand Est region, attracts internationally renowned artists every August.

The natural wonders of the Grand Est

The Grand Est region, with its varied and unspoiled landscapes, offers a mosaic of natural beauty. Whether you’re passionate about forests, lakesthe mountains Whether it's the vineyards or something else, this region is sure to charm you with its diversity and splendor.

Below, discover three of the Grand Est's unmissable natural wonders: the Vosges du Nord Regional Nature Park, the Lac du Der-Chantecoq and its rich fauna, and the wine-growing landscapes enchanted by the Route des Vins.

Vosges du Nord Regional Nature Park

This park, which covers 130,500 hectares and spans the Bas-Rhin and Moselle departments, is a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve. Its rich ecosystem and sustainable management make it an exceptional place.

The park is distinguished by its hills, valleys, clearings and lakes, with forest occupying 65% of its territory. It is home to a variety of species, including deer, roe deer, lynx and crested tit.

Explore the park on its 1,650 km of marked trails, on foot or by bike, and take advantage of the discovery outings organized by the Maison du Parc on various themes.

Lac du Der-Chantecoq and its wildlife

Lac du Der-Chantecoq, France’s largest artificial lake, covers an area of 48 km². Created in 1974, it is located on the border between the Marne and Haute-Marne departments and is used to regulate the flow of the Marne River. It is an ideal spot for water sports and birdwatching.

Every spring and fall, the lake becomes a prime spot for observing migrating common cranes. It is also home to the white-tailed eagle, the great egret, and various species of ducks, grebes, and loons.

Wine landscapes and the Wine Route

The Grand Est region produces renowned wines, ranging from whites to rosés and sparkling wines. The Alsace vineyards, stretching 170 km along the Wine Route, offer the opportunity to taste wines with unique aromas.

The Wine Route, dotted with picturesque villages such as Obernai, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim and Colmar, invites you to discover the region's winegrowing landscape, traditional cellars and cultural heritage.

Experience the Grand Est: gastronomy and lifestyle

The Grand Est, a captivating region, stands out for its gastronomy and art of living. It offers a variety of delicious culinary specialties, reflecting its history and cultural diversity.

This region is also known for its high-quality crafts and local expertise, which highlight its heritage and capacity for innovation. In addition, it offers visitors the chance to explore picturesque towns and villages that have preserved their authenticity and unique character.

Unmissable culinary specialities

The Grand Est, a region of gourmet delights, offers a wide range of flavors and local products. Its culinary highlights include :

• Nancy blood sausage, a traditional charcuterie made with blood and pork fat, seasoned with fresh herbs, best enjoyed hot or cold, served with mashed potatoes, an omelet, or soup.
• Bouneschlupp, a Luxembourg soup popular in Lorraine, made with green beans, potatoes, bacon, onions and broth.
• Sauerkraut, a symbol of Alsace, consists of fermented cabbage cooked in beer or white wine and served with potatoes and a variety of cold cuts.
• Flammekueche, a tart made with thin pastry, cream, bacon and onions, cooked quickly over a wood fire and ideal with a green salad.
• Kouglof, a brioche cake with raisins and almonds, flavored with rum, a Colmar specialty, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Local crafts and know-how

The Grand Est region showcases its craftsmanship and know-how in a wide variety of fields. Notable examples include :

• Organ building, an ancient art of organ construction and restoration, practiced by many artisans in Alsace.
• The crystal workshop, whose expertise dates back to the 18th century, is renowned in Lorraine for creating crystal objects such as glasses, vases, and jewelry.
• Pottery, which involves modelling and firing clay to create decorative or utilitarian objects, using a wide variety of techniques and materials.

Charming towns and villages to explore

The Grand Est region is full of charming places, ideal for walks and heritage discovery. A must-see!

• Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and the Grand Est region, is famous for its blend of French and German cultures, its UNESCO-designated historic center, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Rohan Palace, and the Petite France district.
• Nancy, a showcase of Art Nouveau and Renaissance architecture, featuring Place Stanislas—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—surrounded by prestigious buildings.
• Reims, a city of history and champagne, known for its royal cathedral and prestigious champagne cellars.
• Eguisheim, one of the most beautiful Alsatian villages in France, enchanting with its half-timbered houses and flower-filled alleyways.
• Rodemack, nicknamed the «Little Carcassonne of Lorraine» for its ramparts and remarkable medieval heritage.
• Essoyes, a village in Champagne dear to Pierre-Auguste Renoir, where visitors can tour his studio, his family home, and the museum dedicated to him.

Le Grand Est: A mosaic of departments

Grand Est is a French region created in 2016 as a result of the merger of Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, and Lorraine. This region, rich in history and diversity, consists of 10 departments with very distinct characteristics.

The 10 departments of the Grand Est

1. The Ardennes: Known for their dense forests and historic past, the Ardennes are home to the famous town of Sedan and the Ardennes forest massif.
   
    
2. Dawn: A quintessential agricultural region, Aube is renowned for its champagnes and rolling landscapes.
   
    
3. Haute-Marne: A rural department with an important industrial heritage, notably linked to metallurgy.
4. La Marne: The heart of Champagne, famous for its sparkling wines and Reims Cathedral.
   
    
5. Meurthe-et-Moselle: An industrial and tourist department, with Nancy as its main city.
   
    
6. La Meuse: A rural department with a rich historical heritage, notably linked to the First World War.
   
    
7. Lower Rhine: One of the two halves of the former Alsace region, the Bas-Rhin is marked by German influence and is home to Strasbourg, the European capital.
   
    
8. Haut-Rhin: The Haut-Rhin, the other half of Alsace, is known for its Alsatian culture and vineyard-dotted landscapes.
   
    
9. The Moselle: A department bordering Germany and Luxembourg, with a strong Lorraine identity.
10. The Vosges: A mountainous region, perfect for nature lovers and winter sports enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Are you tempted to discover the Grand Est? this French region rich and diverse? You’ve made an excellent choice! The Grand Est region has many surprises in store for you. Whether you’re interested in its rich cultural and historical heritage, its breathtaking natural landscapes, its delicious cuisine, or its unique way of life, you’ll be charmed by this region. It has managed to preserve its heritage and identity while remaining dynamic and open to Europe.

Don't wait any longer—plan your trip to the Grand Est region today! You'll have a memorable time, and you'll want nothing more than to go back!

FAQ

What are the main towns and tourist attractions in the Grand Est?

The Grand Est region is home to remarkable cities such as Strasbourg, Reims, Nancy, Metz, and Troyes, famous for their rich historical, cultural, and architectural heritage. Among the region’s gems are the Alsace Wine Route, Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park, the battlefields of Verdun, and Lake Der-Chantecoq, offering diverse panoramic views, outdoor activities, historical explorations, and tastings of local specialties.

How to get to the Grand Est region from Paris or other regions of France?

From Paris or other regions, the Grand Est region is accessible by various modes of transportation:

• By train, with direct TGV services to Reims, Metz, Nancy, Strasbourg or Colmar, with journey times ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes.
• TGV stations such as Lorraine TGV, Meuse TGV, and Champagne-Ardenne TGV are also access points from which you can continue your journey on the TER.
• The international airports of Strasbourg, Basel-Mulhouse, Lorraine or EuroAirport, served by direct flights, provide easy access.
• By car, the A4, A5, A26, A31 and A35 freeways connect the region efficiently.
• By bus, companies such as Flixbus, BlaBlaBus, Eurolines or Ouibus offer connections to the Grand Est region, with journey times ranging from 3 hours to 10 hours.

What are the culinary specialities and local produce of the Grand Est?

The Grand Est region is renowned for its culinary specialties and local products, reflecting the richness of Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, and Lorraine. Must-try dishes include tarte flambée, choucroute garnie, quiche lorraine, and pâté lorrain. Food lovers will also enjoy the pink cookies from Reims, Lorraine mirabelle plums, the Perle de Lorraine, and the Duchesses de Lorraine. The region is also known for its Alsatian wines, champagnes, and craft and commercial beers.

When are the best times of the year to visit the Grand Est region and enjoy its cultural, sports, and outdoor activities?

For an optimal experience, the choice of period depends on your interests:

• Winter—especially in Alsace and the Vosges—is ideal for those who love Christmas markets, snow-covered landscapes, and winter sports.
• Spring and fall are ideal for those who want to explore the vineyards in bloom, enjoy the mild temperatures, and take part in cultural festivals in Alsace and Champagne-Ardenne.
• Summer is the best time to explore the parks and historic towns and enjoy the sunny days in Lorraine.