Grand East
Grand Est
History
Grand Est, formed in 2016 through the merger of Alsace, Lorraine, and Champagne-Ardenne, encompasses one of France's most historically contested regions. Alsace and Lorraine have repeatedly changed hands between France and Germany, most notably becoming German territories after 1871 until their return to France following World War I. The region played a crucial role in European affairs, serving as a cultural and economic crossroads between the Germanic and Romance worlds. This turbulent past has left deep marks on the region's architecture, cuisine, and identity.
Culture
Grand Est is celebrated for its distinctive blend of French and Germanic influences, visible in half-timbered villages, local gastronomy, and festive traditions. The region is renowned for its wine production, particularly Alsatian wines, and its Christmas markets in Strasbourg and Colmar rank among Europe's finest. Local pride runs deep, especially in Alsace, where traditions such as the Kugelhopf cake, pretzel-making, and specific folk dress remain vibrant parts of community life.
Language
While French is the official language, Alsatian, a Germanic dialect, remains spoken by many locals and is taught in some schools as part of cultural preservation. Useful phrases include 'Bonjour' for hello and 'S'il vous plaît' for please, though learning basic Alsatian greetings like 'Guten Morgen' can be appreciated by residents.
Best time to visit
September to October for wine routes and autumn colors, or December for Christmas markets.
Places to visit
- Strasbourg — The capital of Grand Est and seat of the European Parliament, Strasbourg is famous for its stunning medieval old town w…
- Colmar — Often called the gem of Alsace, Colmar features a remarkably preserved medieval center with colorful Renaissance buildi…
- Reims — Home to the stunning Reims Cathedral where French kings were crowned, Reims is the heart of the Champagne region with w…
- Metz — This historic city on the Moselle River boasts a magnificent Gothic cathedral and the innovative Centre Pompidou-Metz,…
- Champagne Route — A scenic driving route through rolling vineyards in the heart of the Champagne region, connecting prestigious wine vill…
- Troyes — Known as the capital of knitted goods, Troyes features a remarkable preserved medieval town shaped like a champagne cor…
- Alsatian Wine Villages — Picturesque villages like Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg dot the Alsatian wine route, each featuring flower-li…
- Épernay — The second city of the Champagne region, Épernay is famous for its grand tree-lined Avenue de Champagne lined with pres…
- Verdun — This historic city on the Meuse River is best known for the World War I battlefields and the Verdun Memorial, one of th…
- Strasbourg Christmas Markets — Strasbourg hosts Europe's oldest and largest Christmas markets, transforming the old town into a magical winter wonderl…
- Nancy — A city of remarkable Art Nouveau architecture, Nancy features the elegant Place Stanislas and enchanting art museums li…
- Ardenne Forest — This vast forested region offers outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking on rivers, and cycling through dramatic…
- Mont Sainte-Odile — This sacred mountain in the northern Vosges features a historic convent perched at 764 meters with panoramic views acro…
- Vosges Mountains — These ancient mountains form a natural boundary between Alsace and Lorraine, offering pristine forests, glacial lakes,…
Where to eat
- Le Crocodile (French Fine Dining, Strasbourg Centre). Order: Foie gras terrine with Gewürztraminer jelly.
- Maison Kammerzell (Alsatian, Strasbourg Centre). Order: Choucroute garnie.
- Au Pont du Corbeau (Alsatian Traditional, Strasbourg Neustadt). Order: Flammekuchen (Tarte Flambée).
- Chez Yvonne (Alsatian Bistro, Strasbourg Centre). Order: Baeckaoffa (Alsatian meat stew).
- Le Petit Zinc (French Brasserie, Metz Centre). Order: Sole meunière.
- L'Étuve (French Contemporary, Metz Centre). Order: Duck confit with cherry gastrique.
- Le Grill de l'Etuve (French Grill, Metz Centre). Order: Côte de boeuf grillée.
- Villa Lorraine (French Traditional, Verdun Centre). Order: Quenelles de foie de veau.
- La Citadelle (French Bistro, Verdun Centre). Order: Pâté de foie gras.
- Le Valentino (Italian Fine Dining, Colmar Centre). Order: Risotto ai funghi porcini.
- Maison Adam (Alsatian, Colmar Centre). Order: Fleischnacka (Alsatian meat roll).
- Le Schenkele (Alsatian Winstub, Strasbourg Centre). Order: Leberknack with sauerkraut.
- Christophe Raclette (Savoyard/Cheese, Strasbourg Centre). Order: Raclette traditionnelle.
- Au Rendezvous des Chasseurs (French Regional, Mulhouse Centre). Order: Civet de sanglier.