Would you like to visit the Grand East and look for activities for your stay? Let's start discovering the must-see in this region!
The Great East is an administrative region of the hexagon, bringing together three former regions. It thus covers the territory of Alsace, Lorraine and Champagne-Ardenne. The region has long been a source of conflict between France and Germany. But the Great East is also bordering with the Germany , Belgium , Switzerland and Luxembourg . As a result, visiting the Great East is discovering a rather cosmopolitan region, and open to many international markets.
Marked by the many wars of our history, this region is a true jewel of our cultural heritage. Would you like to visit the Great East? So here are 13 things to do in this extraordinary corner of country!
1. Old town Colmar
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mapics
Often nicknamed the "little Venice Colmar is one of the most beautiful communes in the ancient Alsace. It overlooks the Lauch River and the Logelbach Canal, in the way it is during Italian. But what makes the charm of Colmar is certainly its atypical architecture.
The commune was able to effectively preserve medieval buildings, Renaissance-style doves and many remnants of the two wars. It is therefore a jewel of our historical heritage, in addition to being a most charming city. An almost obligatory stop for those who want to visit the Great East!
2. The Alsace wine route
Photo credit: Shutterstock – leoks
Whether you’re an oenologist or not, making a wine route is an excellent way to visit a place. The Alsace Grand Crus stretches over almost 170 km, and crosses beautiful villages in the region. Beginning in Colmar or Strasbourg, you will discover splendid Alsatian decors and an exceptional culture!
Between tasting local wines and discovering extraordinary landscapes, it is certainly a must if you asked yourself to do in the Great East.
3. The country of Gerardmer
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Sergii Zinko
Direction les Vosges, this time, with the exploration of a wilder area: the Lorraine slope of the Hohneck massif. This site is called the country of Gerardmer because of the eponymous lake it contains. It is also the largest natural lake in the region.
Its splendid fir forests include wolves, boreal lynx, deer and Tengmalm cabbages .
4. The Lac du Der-Chantecoq
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Instantvise
A few kilometers away Paris , this artificial lake was built to protect the capital from the river Seine.
Nevertheless, it attracts hundreds of visitors every year. Indeed, it will plunge you into a beautiful natural and wild setting. Its green flora and diverse fauna will immediately charm you.
5. The old town of Troyes
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Leonid Andronov
Troyes is obviously renowned for its iconic cathedral. But it is obviously not the only asset of this exceptional commune! The city is indeed characterized by its magnificent traditional architectures. Between paved streets and half-timbered houses, you’ll feel like you’re making a real leap in time.
Built in the 16th century, these surprising residences give an undeniable charm to this historic centre.
6. The castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg
Photo credit: Shutterstock – leoks
Dominant the Alsace Since the 12th century, the fortress of Haut-Koenigsbourg has risen to more than 750 metres above sea level. It is a medieval building, some of which were built in the 16th century. It is therefore a castle with a rich architectural heritage, since it is between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
The visit of Haut-Koenigsbourg is always the most enriching ones for the history fairies and the curious of our culture!
7. Sundgau
Photo credit: Shutterstock – ESTELLE R
At the turn of Switzerland, Germany and Franche-Comté, the Sundgau is full of exceptional landscapes. This small territory a few kilometers from Jura is constellated with green and wild valleys. A true paradise for bike lovers, it invites you to explore its natural areas.
Along the way, you can enjoy it to discover authentic villages, beautiful architectures.
8. The Stanislas ensemble at Nancy
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Claudio Giovanni Colombo
The last of the Dukes of Lorraine, Stanislas, created three atypical places in the city of Nancy. In the 18th century, Louis XV's father-in-law effectively ordered the construction of three beautiful places in the city. Stanislas Square, Alliance Square and Career Square are born. They are a set of neo-classical architecture, slightly inspired by the rococo style of the Renaissance.
The jewels of our cultural heritage are among the first places listed in Unesco since 1983. And of course, they are essentials for those who wish to visit the Great East.
9. The hill of Sion-Vaudémont
Photo credit: Shutterstock – LENS-68
This hill is a place of pilgrimage since medieval times. It stands in the midst of the Lorraine landscapes, and offers a spectacular view of their enchanting scenery.
Once at the top, you can admire the surroundings and visit the legendary Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-Sion. Nothing like this to learn more about regional history!
10. Lake Madine & Hattonchâtel
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Philou1000
In the heart of the natural park of Lorraine, this site immerses you in the exceptional landscapes of the region. On the refreshing beaches of the lake, you can take the time to relax and relax.
Faced with you, a small green butt is drawn. Overlooking this enchanting setting, you can admire the medieval fortress of Hattonchâtel. Built in the Middle Ages, it seems to protect the territory of its high fortifications.
11. The Amnéville Zoo
Photo credit: Shutterstock – DAVID LEOTARD
This time we're in Lorraine, for a little lighter activity. Built in 1986, the Amnéville Zoo is one of the most visited of the hexagon. He is one of the only ones in France to present orangutangs and gorillas. With its 2000 animals from the five continents, it will certainly make you travel around the globe.
Also, the zoo has one of the most beautiful collections of faves in Europe, as well as a show of tigers. The visit of this unique place will necessarily appeal to the little ones as to the great ones!
12. The Cathedral of Reims
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Evgeny Shmulev
Notre-Dame-de-Reims is one of the most emblematic buildings in our history of France. Indeed, it was the place of sacre of almost all the monarchs of the country. Its construction began in the 13th century and spread over nearly two centuries. Considered as one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country, it will seduce both the historical ferus and visitors eager for discoveries!
Visit Reims is therefore an unforgettable experience if you are lovers of history.
13. Other activities to be done in the Great East
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alexander Sorokopud
This particular administrative region is marked by all the eras of our rich French history. In addition to having a rich cultural heritage and atypical landscapes, it will certainly fill history lovers. Obviously, the region is not limited to these activities alone.
In particular, we think of:
- Alsace Ecomusée
- The Abbey of Ebersmunster
- The birthplace of Jeanne d’Arc
- Toul Cathedral
- In the same way, exploration feruses can apprehend many other interesting sites in the Vosges.
How do I go to the Great East?
By plane
To visit the Great East, you can choose the way to the air. If you choose to fly, you can land to Strasbourg , Metz-Nancy, Vatry or Basel-Mulhouse . Would you like to find a flight offer at the best price? So we recommend you visit our partner's website, Skyscanner .
At the airport, you can either rent a car or book a taxi with TaxiTender . It is an online booking platform for reliable and affordable airport transfer. Your driver will wait for you in the arrival area, with a sign to your name. It will then take you to the exact place where you want to go. Cancellation is free. If you booked a flight early in the morning at Strasbourg Airport or if you would simply prefer to take a taxi to the airport, this platform is ideal for this use.
By train
By choosing the train, you can easily start admiring regional landscapes by going to destination. The most central stations are those of Strasbourg, Reims, Troyes, Nancy and Colmar.
By car
You can also choose to drive by the main highways to visit the Grand East. The most accessible route from Paris is obviously A31.
We recommend you reach the Grand East by one of the largest municipalities. Reims, Troyes, Nancy or Colmar. As a result, you can choose to visit the city in question to start, before apprehending your other visits. In addition to being central enough, the major cities of the region are also strong in their atypical architecture. Also, this will allow you to find more easily accommodation for your stay.
Where to stay in the Great East?
The Great East administrative region covers almost 60,000 km2 and covers a very large territory. There are many places to stay for your visit. However, we advise you to opt for one of the prefectures in the area. Indeed, by moving to a large city, you will have access to more activities and visits. So we advise you to use one Compare hotels to find accommodation and visit the Great East. This will help you choose the best cheap hotel for your stay. The price of a room for two people in high season varies between 30€ and 150€ . Obviously, the rates are different from one city to another, but also depending on the type of hotel you choose. For example, you can book a night at the hotel Armes de Champagne for an affordable price as you can book a night at l’Hilton Strasbourg to please you.
Apart from charming hotels, the region also has a wide variety of accommodations for your stay. For lovers of culture and traditions, there are, in particular, Airbnb . This allows visitors to have an experience of the most immersive in the region, in addition to sleeping atypical.
So you are ready to visit the Great East and discover its musts. So we only have to wish you a good trip!
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