Consisting of the former administrative regions of Champagne-Ardenne, Alsace, and Lorraine, there are so many places to visit in Northeast France’s Grand Est region.
From historic cities, quaint villages, and medieval castles, to vast natural landscapes, wineries, and river views, here’s a taste of what it has to offer.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables. I share my personal experience and cannot guarantee yours.
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Places to Visit in Northeast France: Grand Est Region
Metz
By Moona from Secret Moona
Often overlooked, Metz is a vibrant city rich in history, charm, and stunning architecture. Its historical center, characterized by the iconic Jaumont yellow stone and its collection of diverse architectural styles, has earned the nickname “an open-air museum”.
There are many things to do in Metz. Must-see landmarks include the Gothic Saint-Étienne Cathedral, often called “The Lantern of God” due to its impressive 6,500 square meters of magnificent stained glass—the largest in France.
Another highlight is the Metz-Ville train station, a masterpiece of German architecture from the annexation era. The Governor’s Palace, resembling a castle, adds to the city’s allure.
Metz is a cultural hub featuring numerous museums and exhibition venues. While in the city, be sure to visit the Centre Pompidou – Metz, which is renowned for its unique hat-shaped design.
Also, don’t miss the Cour d’Or Museum, where you can enjoy impressive collections of Gallo-Roman artifacts, medieval art, and fine arts—all with free entry.
When the sun shines, the Metz Waterfront is the perfect place to relax. You can stroll, cycle, take a solar boat ride along the quiet waters of River Moselle, or simply unwind with a book in this peaceful green space near the city center.
Epernay
By Sabrina from Shades of Summer
Epernay is one of the most beautiful places in the Grand Est region of France.
Most people know Epernay for being the home of the most prestigious Champagne houses in the world.
The Avenue de Champagne is the first place to see when coming to Epernay. You can visit the cellars of famous wineries, like Moet & Chandon, and Mercier.
But I encourage you to take your time beyond the famous wineries and explore the smaller, hidden gems in town as well. Many family-owned wineries are located in and around Epernay, and they will let you do a tasting and show you around for a much cheaper price.
Make sure to book tastings and dinner reservations well in advance – the area can get super busy and you might wind up with nothing much to do.
If you want to save some money on food, opt for lunch menus instead of dinner – you’ll get the same food for less money!
Fall is the best time to visit the Champagne region and Epernay! You can participate in wine and harvest festivals, and the foliage is beautiful!
Reims
By Audra from The Nerd Traveler
Reims is a wonderfully charming town, perfect either as a day trip from Paris or as a home base for exploring northeastern France.
Travelers who love history and French culture and architecture will appreciate Reims as the “City of Coronations”. Over 1,000 years, 32 French kings were crowned in the iconic Cathedral de Notre Dame.
The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built on the site of the Abbey of Saint-Rémi, is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with stunning stained glass windows and distinctive sculptures.
Travelers who love a taste of the bubbly will enjoy Reims as the gateway to the Champagne region.
The famous champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger have wonderful tours and tastings where you can learn the intricate process behind this celebrated sparkling wine.
Foodies will savor Reims with its many cafés and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Whether you are looking for a magical day trip from Paris or a lovely town to explore for longer, Reims is an amazing destination that belongs on any itinerary for travelers who are dazzled by history, champagne, and French cuisine.
French Ardennes: Charleville-Mézières and Sedan
By Heleen and Jurgen from The Global Wizards
The French Ardennes is known for its beautiful scenery, many forests and rivers, and outdoor activities. However, another big reason to visit this region is its two enchanting cities: Charleville-Mézières (the capital of this department) and Sedan.
Sedan is mainly known for Le Chateau Fort de Sedan, its medieval castle, one of the largest in Europe. You can explore the castle with a guide or by yourself, taste local delicacies at Café Marck, and even spend the night in the castle.
If you are in for some adventure, paddle on the Meuse through the center of Sedan, or hike in the woods surrounding Sedan. If you happen to be here in May, don’t miss the Sedan Medieval Festival.
Charleville-Mézières is another highlight in the French Ardennes. Take your time to wander around and explore the beautiful streets and architecture.
One of the highlights is the Place Ducale, inspired by the Place des Vosges in Paris. Something you can’t miss here is trying ‘Le Carlo’, a local specialty.
Troyes
Known for its Champagne cork-shaped old town packed with medieval half-timbered houses, Troyes is an intriguing city in northeast France rich in history and culture.
Although it dates back all the way to Roman times, it flourished as a trading hub in the Middle Ages and as a knitwear producer in the following centuries. It was also the capital of the Champagne region.
Another super interesting fact about Troyes is that it’s the birthplace of Rashi, one of the most important rabbis and Torah commentators of all time!
As you wander through the charming streets of the historic center, visit the Troyes Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul) to admire its stained-glass windows, which you can see much more of in the entire Aube department.
A stone’s throw away, the Musée d’Art Moderne is another highlight of Troyes. Other notable landmarks are the Hôtel de Ville, Saint-Urbain Basilica, and the history and ethnology museum – Maison de l’Outil (MOPO).
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is one of the loveliest cities in Grand Est, usually known for hosting the oldest Christmas market in France (and one of the best in Europe).
Filled with historical sites, stunning German and French architecture, unique neighborhoods, and fantastic places to eat, it’s a city where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the main focal point of this city is the Grande Île, the island-like historic center surrounded by the Ill River. Beyond seeing its landmarks, it’s a delight to roam freely around its streets and squares.
From the Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg) to the Rohan Palace and its museums to the enchanting Petite France canal quarter and the Vauban Dam, there’s no shortage of photogenic spots to explore here.
For something a bit different, don’t miss the Neustadt district, known as the German imperial quarter, built in the 19th and 20th centuries. This area showcases a perfect mix of architectural styles, including Art Nouveau, Neo-Renaissance, and Rococo.
If you have enough time, you can also head to Parc de l’Orangerie or the botanical garden.
Strasbourg can be visited as a city break, a stop on a trip to Alsace, or even as a day trip from Basel.
Alsace Wine Route (Colmar and Surroundings)
France’s oldest wine route deserves a bucket list post all on its own, but on this occasion, I want to introduce you to this majestic area as a whole.
It is usually a famous winter destination in Europe due to its Christmas markets, but to enjoy the liveliness of its landscapes, I recommend visiting in spring, though it has something to offer every season.
Situated on the upper Rhine River’s west side and spanning roughly 170 km, it’s the ideal place to relish scenic vineyards, colorful storybook towns with half-timbered houses, and a unique French-German culture especially notable in architecture and food.
You’ve probably already heard of Colmar, the main town on the wine route, with its enchanting old town and famous La Petite Venise district.
It’s a great base to explore Alsace without a car, surrounded by the most magical villages such as Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, and Ribeauville.
Another spot I utterly adored was the medieval, imposing Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, which overlooks the Vosges Mountains, the Plain of Alsace, and the Black Forest.
If you love old castles as much as I do, you’ll find many others here, though not as big and well-preserved, including Château de Kaysersberg and Château de Saint-Ulrich.
The Alsace Wine Route obviously boasts countless wineries, which offer tastings and tours in the most beautiful setting, but you’ll also find many walking and cycling trails, and lots more cute villages and castle remains.
Nancy
By Inessa from Through a Travel Lens
Located just a couple of hours away by speedy train from Paris, the charming city of Nancy has much to offer visitors all year round.
If you visit during the warmer seasons, the city’s historic center is a perfectly walkable adventure, with Park de la Pépinière drowning in blooming roses and all the city’s cafes luring you with their street terraces.
In winter, Nancy turns into a festive wonderland, with a Christmas tree on its main square, Place Stanislas, and weeks of celebrations in the city and nearby villages.
There are several experiences not to miss in France, such as the Valensole lavender blooming in summer and the Christmas festivities in Grand Est in the winter.
Back in the day, Nancy was chosen as a hub for living and creating by the artistic elite, resulting in a movement of artists, architects, and local craftsmen who invested in the city’s unique visual identity.
Catch up with this history at the Musée de l’École de Nancy and soak in the town’s architecture while taking a walk from Place Stanislas towards the Porte de la Craffe.
Nancy is absolutely beautiful and visually distinctive, leaving a lasting impression and a desire to come back and explore some more.
Hunspach
By Melanie from Postcards & Places
Hunspach is a very small town in northern Alsace with a population of only about 650. Being so small, it doesn’t have many restaurants or hotels, or even many things to do as a tourist.
What makes visiting this farming village worthwhile is that it’s like walking through a living museum.
When I was there just a few years ago, there were people moving around town on horseback and speaking with their neighbors in the old Alsatian language, not French.
The architecture is unique, too. While Alsace is famous for colorful half-timbered houses, the infill between the timbers is all white. It’s quite striking. As well, many houses have attached farm buildings and an open central yard, as is the traditional style for the area.
Fittingly, Hunspach has earned two special designations: it is one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France and was voted the Favorite French Village in 2020.
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