The 9 most beautiful villages in the Grand East

The region is rich in exceptional hamlets. Nothing like exploring the most beautiful villages in the Great East to discover the region!

In 2016, French administrative regions were modified. Thus, the Great East was born from the fusion of Alsace, Lorraine and Champagne-Ardenne. It runs along the Burgundy Franche-Comté to the south, and the Hautes-de-France to the north. In the east, it is bordering with the Parisian basin of the Île-de-France . A true heart of the European economy, the territory houses a multitude of beautiful villages and is also the central megalopolis of the continent, Strasbourg. However, its exceptional past shares the Great East culturally. Between Latin and Germanic traditions, it is an extraordinary place of discoveries.

Nevertheless, the region is not only characterized by its rich historical and cultural heritage. Indeed, it lies between the beautiful Jura and the imposing Vosgian massifs. It therefore offers a natural setting of the most unusual to its visitors. Watered by multiple rivers, the region is also characterized by a particularly clemency climate. Its rural territory is as attractive as its metropolises are dynamic. So we selected the most beautiful villages in the Great East for your visit to the region!

1. Riquewihr

In the heart of Alsace wine route , the village of Riquewihr is a peaceful hamlet. Its traditional paved streets are sublimated by high houses with doveage. Among the many boutiques of winemakers and craftsmen, you can explore its fascinating neighbourhoods. In an enchanting setting, you’ll feel like you’re making a real leap in time.

The Fears of History can even visit the fabulous medieval tower of the Dolder. At the entrance of this village of the Grand East, it served as a watch and as a defence. The museum that was built inside will allow you to trace the history of the commune through the centuries.

2. Rodemack

This village of the Grand East is one of the most beautiful of the hexagon. In the Moselle department, Rodemack is a must for culture enthusiasts. We sometimes surname her "small" Carcassonne the brass,” because of the ramparts around him. Over seven-cent meters, the fortifications will invite you to discover the exceptional past of the commune.

However, if the latter date back to the 13th century, the castle overlooking the citadel was built in the 11th century. Unbearable fortress of the Lords of Rodemack, he was fortunately able to resist the times. If you visit the town, you will not miss its magnificent towers and its traditional dungeon. Let yourself be tempted by the exploration of these places that have been marked by different extraordinary times.

3. Eguisheim

Considered one of the most beautiful villages in the Great East, Eguisheim has preserved its typical architecture. With its colorful shaded houses and paved alleys, you can quickly fall under its charm. Always flowery, its streets will plunge you into the heart of local traditions. You can even enjoy it to make a stop in a speciality restaurant. In a most bucolic setting, you will not be able to withstand the town for hours.

Nature enthusiasts can also be seduced by the fabulous hills around it. Between vineyards and enchanting woods, you can only enjoy the natural heritage of the region. Also, walking in the middle of its exceptional setting, you can only better admire the Trois-Châteaux. Protectors of the city since the 11th century, they still watch over this splendid little hamlet.

4. Hunawihr

At the heart of the wine route, this village of the Grand Est attracts hundreds of visitors every year. It includes a fortified church dating from the 14th century. It is therefore a must for the festivities of history and culture. However, it is not the extraordinary past of the territory that makes this commune so unique.

Indeed, it is an inevitable stop for wine and gastronomy enthusiasts. It is located in the middle of an exceptional natural setting. Between vineyards and historical fields, it will plunge you into the heart of local traditions. You can not only admire its enchanting landscapes, but also enjoy regional specialities. Between Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé, this village of the Grand Est will quickly charm you!

5. Kayserberg

In the heart of Alsace, this village of the Grand Est has one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the region. Each year, it is home to many travellers during the holiday season. But it is not only for its market that Kayserberg is renowned. The commune is in fact considered a must-see step in the region. It is located in the middle of beautiful vineyards, and a unique natural setting.

In addition, its shaded houses invite travellers to cross the centuries to better understand its history. Its historic centre will also seduce you by its medieval monuments. But the curious discoveries will have to go towards the imperial castle of this village of the Grand East. Now in ruins, the building still retains its impressive dungeon. By taking its stairs, you can admire the splendid panorama of the city and its vineyards.

6. Saint-Quirin

In the Vosgien massif, the commune of Saint-Quirin was created during Antiquity. This village of the Grand East is nestled in the hollow of an exceptional landscape. Between green hills and imposing mountains, it seems to exist forever. Its enchanting setting has seen many regional legends emerge. In particular, we think of the miraculous fountain that could soothe all the evils.

Nevertheless, this village of the Grand East is also characterized by its exceptional vestiges of the past. Indeed, he invites you to discover his fabulous medieval Priory, as well as his church with three bulb bell towers. In addition to its artisanal traditions, the city has an extraordinary historical and cultural heritage.

7. Essoyes

This village of the Grand East will be more appreciated by artists. Indeed, it houses the house of the famous painter Auguste Renoir and a museum in his honour. In the heart of Champagne-Ardenne, you can discover the magic of his works. By visiting his workshop, you can trace the history of his paintings. But it is only by looking at the sumptuous alleys of the commune that you can understand its inspirations.

This village of the Grand Est immerses you in the midst of the scenery that animated the artist’s passion. In an enchanting setting, you will be able to follow the Urce, which gave rise to La Yole or La Grenouillère. Dive into the heart of Impressionism by exploring the beautiful districts of Essoyes, and let yourself be charmed by its atypical atmosphere.

8. Mussy-sur-Seine

In the department of Aube, this commune is one of the most beautiful villages in the Grand East because it houses impressive historical vestiges. Still today, the city retains magnificent testimonies of its different milestones. Following its picturesque alleys to the Seine, you can discover its fabulous monuments. Between its tower of the Boulevard de la Renaissance and its medieval collegial, you will have the impression of crossing the ages.

Nevertheless, its history has also suffered the heights of the twentieth century. Indeed, its Resistance Museum will invite you to better understand the famous attack of the Maquis Montcalm. But for an unusual visit, we advise you to explore the exceptional cart of the Collégiale Saint-Pierre. It is then in a unique setting that you can learn more about the history of the commune.

9. Saint-Ménehould

The most epicureans will particularly appreciate this picturesque village of the Grand East. It is actually the place of birth of Dom Pérignon , the inventor of champagne. Since the 17th century, it is therefore a must for amateurs of this fabulous alcohol. Travelers can discover his magnificent Art and History Museum, which retraces his unusual past.

But to appreciate the best wines in the region, you will have to go to one of its excellent restaurants. Between traditional specialties and innovation, local chefs will easily stimulate your taste buds. Nothing like this to better discover this region with a thousand secrets!