Grand Est Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Grand Est with our complete travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Introduction to Grand Est

Nestled in the northeastern part of France, Grand Est is a region that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. It borders Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Switzerland, making it a melting pot of diverse influences. The region boasts charming towns, scenic vineyards, dense forests, and impressive architecture.

In this comprehensive travel guide for Grand Est, we will give you insider tips on the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Grand Est

  • Strasbourg, the capital city of the region and home to the European Parliament
  • Colmar, a charming town famous for its colorful houses and Alsatian wine
  • Reims, the Champagne capital of France and home to the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral
  • Metz, a historic city with impressive architecture and museums
  • Nancy, another historic city with Art Nouveau architecture
  • Mulhouse, a city with a rich industrial history and world-renowned museums

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Grand Est is a region that is steeped in history and culture. Some of the must-visit museums and historical sites include:

  • The Strasbourg Cathedral, an impressive Gothic cathedral that took over 300 years to build
  • The Cité de l’Automobile, the largest car museum in the world, located in Mulhouse
  • The Unterlinden Museum, which houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts in Colmar
  • The Verdun Memorial, a museum and memorial dedicated to the Battle of Verdun during World War I

Natural Attractions of Grand Est: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The natural beauty of Grand Est is truly breathtaking. From the forests to the vineyards, there is something for everyone. Some of the best outdoor adventures and scenic views include:

  • The Vosges Mountains, where you can hike, bike, and ski
  • The Alsatian Wine Route, a scenic route that takes you through charming villages and vineyards
  • The Regional Natural Park of the Northern Vosges, a protected area with untouched forests and wildlife
  • The Lac de Gérardmer, a stunning lake with crystal clear water and plenty of water sports activities

Hiking/Biking Routes of Grand Est

The Vosges Mountains offer some of the best hiking and biking trails in the region. The Grande Traversée des Vosges is a 11-day, 433km long-distance trail that takes you through stunning landscapes. The Alsace Wine Route also offers great biking trails that take you through picturesque villages and vineyards.

Best Things to Do in Grand Est: Activities and Tours

  • Take a boat tour of Strasbourg’s canals and discover the city’s history and architecture
  • Visit a winery and learn about the production of Alsatian wine
  • Go on a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards of Colmar
  • Explore the historic fortifications of Verdun

Week-Long Itinerary for Grand Est

Day 1-2: Explore Strasbourg and visit the Cathedral and European Parliament Day 3-4: Discover the charming town of Colmar and go on a wine tasting tour Day 5: Visit the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral and explore the city Day 6: Explore the historic city of Metz and visit the Centre Pompidou-Metz museum Day 7: Spend the day hiking in the Vosges Mountains

Food and Drink Scene of Grand Est

Grand Est is known for its hearty cuisine and world-renowned wines. Some of the must-try dishes and beverages include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Choucroute garnie, a dish of sauerkraut and pork
  • Tarte flambée, a traditional Alsatian flatbread with cheese, onions, and bacon
  • Baeckeoffe, a slow-cooked casserole of vegetables and meat

Local Beverages

  • Alsatian wine, including Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Gewurztraminer
  • Champagne, the famous sparkling wine from the region around Reims

Where to Stay in Grand Est: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Grand Est offers a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, you’ll find something that suits your needs. Some of the top hotels include:

  • Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Île: a 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of Strasbourg
  • Grand Hotel Continental: a historic hotel with stunning views of Reims
  • Novotel Metz Centre: a modern hotel located near the city center

What to Buy in Grand Est: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Grand Est is known for its unique local products, including:

  • Alsatian pottery and ceramics
  • Lace and embroidery from the town of Guebwiller
  • Champagne and Alsatian wine
  • Local cheeses and sausages

Local Culture and Customs of Grand Est

Grand Est is a region with a rich cultural heritage. Some of the local customs and traditions include:

  • The use of both French and German languages in daily life, due to the region’s proximity to Germany
  • The celebration of Christmas markets in towns and villages throughout the region
  • The use of Art Nouveau architecture in many buildings, especially in the city of Nancy

Best Time to Visit Grand Est

The best time to visit Grand Est is from April to October, when the weather is mild and pleasant. During the summer months, there are many outdoor events and festivals taking place throughout the region.

Do’s and Don’ts of Grand Est

Do:

  • Try local foods and drinks
  • Learn a few basic French phrases
  • Visit the Christmas markets during the holiday season

Don’t:

  • Wear inappropriate clothing when visiting religious sites
  • Speak too loudly or be boisterous in public places
  • Forget to tip in restaurants

Safety and Health

Safety in Grand Est

Grand Est is a generally safe region to visit. However, it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

Health in Grand Est

France has an excellent healthcare system, and Grand Est has many hospitals and clinics. It’s always wise to have travel insurance before visiting any foreign country.

Getting to Grand Est: Transportation Options and Logistics

Grand Est is easily accessible by air, train, and car. Some of the transportation options include:

Airports Near Grand Est

  • Strasbourg International Airport
  • Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport
  • EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

Bus Stations Near Grand Est

  • Strasbourg Bus Terminal
  • Metz Bus Station
  • Nancy Bus Station

Other Options

  • Take the train to one of the major cities in Grand Est
  • Rent a car and explore the region at your own pace

How to Get Around in Grand Est

Grand Est has a well-developed public transportation system, including trains, buses, and trams. Taxis and car rentals are also available.

Where to Go Next from Grand Est: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Grand Est is ideally located near many popular destinations, including:

  • Paris, just a three-hour train ride away
  • Black Forest, a mountainous region in Germany
  • Alsace wine route, which takes you through charming villages and vineyards

Conclusion

Grand Est is a region that offers something for everyone. From history and culture to outdoor adventures and natural beauty, there is no shortage of things to do and see. We hope this comprehensive travel guide for Grand Est helps you plan your next trip to this beautiful region.

Place Stanislas, Nancy Place Stanislas, Nancy La Petite France, Strasbourg La Petite France, Strasbourg Typical Champagne scene Typical Champagne scene The cathedral at Reims The cathedral at Reims The fastest train in Europe The fastest train in Europe Fréland, in the Vosges foothills Fréland, in the Vosges foothills Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, Metz Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, Metz Charles de Gaulle's home Charles de Gaulle's home Sauerkraut, Alsace-style Sauerkraut, Alsace-style A slice of quiche lorraine, with some greenery A slice of quiche lorraine, with some greenery Harvesting chardonnay - the grape that makes the magic of Champagne Harvesting chardonnay - the grape that makes the magic of Champagne Typical Vosges landscape Typical Vosges landscape Map of the Zone Rouge from 1921 Map of the Zone Rouge from 1921 Porte Saint Paul in Verdun is a solemn reminder that in 1914, those crossing borders were going to a war most would not return from. Puts our 21st century freedom to explore into perspective. Porte Saint Paul in Verdun is a solemn reminder that in 1914, those crossing borders were going to a war most would not return from. Puts our 21st century freedom to explore into perspective.


    Eguisheim
    Husseren-les-Châteaux
    Kaysersberg
    Mulhouse
    Nancy
    Neuf-Brisach
    Reims
    Saint-Dié-des-Vosges
    Strasbourg
    Turckheim
    Verdun
    Vittel