The Grand Est Region of France
The Grand Est region of France is made up of three historically distinct regions: Alsace, Lorraine, and Champagne. The Grand Est is one of the most beautiful regions of France and a perfect place to visit while on a France vacation.
Champagne is all about luxury and celebration, a tradition that started in the 10th century when it became the official drink at the coronation of French King Hugh Capet. When 86,000 acres produces 200 million bottles of bubbly, you might say you have a popular product. And isn’t it impressive when your drink is so popular and well made they name it after the land? Visit the Champagne-Ardenne tourist office website for more information.
Alsace is all about medieval half-timbered houses, rolling hills, and fairy tale landscapes. Hikers love it. But don’t forget the food and wine, as with any French region. The local favorite is choucroute, which is sauerkraut served with sausages, smoked ham, and potatoes. You’ll drink Gewurtztraminer or Tokay (one of 7 wine varietals in the area) or a good Alsatian beer with your hearty meal.
Strasbourg celebrated its 2000th birthday more than 30 years ago. So yes, it’s truly a historic city. The Romans founded it, mindful of the useful trade routes possible along the Rhine. Successive civilizations have followed in the Roman’s footsteps, most especially under Napoleon, who commissioned the still-standing bridge over the Rhine to Germany.
Strasbourg – Places to See
- Musee d”art Moderne et Contemporain – Modern Art Museum
- Place de la Republique and its historic buildings built during the German period (1871-1918)
- The city’s half-timbered houses and canals
- Palais Rohan
- Orangerie Park
The Lorraine region of France has been a major crossroads of Europe for centuries. The region is replete with charming small towns and villages and is an idyllic setting for an off-the-beaten-path French vacation. The world-renowned spas and health resorts of Vittel, Bains-Les-Bains, Contrexeville, Amneville, and Plombieres are all located in Lorraine.
Metz was an important center of the Roman Empire and maintains numerous highlights from this era. Visit the city’s wonderful museums for a taste of this history or visit Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains, the oldest church in France, which dates back to the 4th century A.D.
Metz – Places to See
- Saint-Etienne Cathedral
- Saint Stephens Cathedral
- Museums in the Cour d’Or
- River walks along the Moselle and the Seille rivers
- Place de la Comedie, Place d’Armes, and Place Saint-Thiebault.
Nancy is famed for a UNESCO World Heritage site: the Place Stanislas, built by an exiled Polish Duke in the mid 18th century. By night, the Place is beautifully illuminated. In October, Nancy hosts a Jazz Festival, with inexpensive tickets and much street fare. The old town area is lovely for strolling, featuring many Art Nouveau buildings, galleries and wine bars.
Our Tours From Paris to The Grand Est
Champagne Tours
The region is only 45 minutes from Paris via high-speed rail. A day visit to the region is a delicious addition to any Paris vacation. We offer four different ways to visit from Paris.
- Day trip from Paris to Moet and Epernay
- Day trip from Paris to Veuve Clicquot and Reims
- Moet and Chandon tour in Epernay
- Visit G.H. Mumm (Reims)
Alsace Tours from Paris
Highlight Maps of the Grand Est Region
A simple map of the Champagne region in the Grand Est:
The historic Alsace region:
The Lorraine region in Grand Est:
