Grand Est is a region with true cultural crossroads linking French elegance with Germanic traditions. Your road trip here will constantly shift from the hills of the Champagne region to the medieval villages along the Alsace Wine Route. This eastern frontier offers a spectacular drive that explores both war history and celebratory wine heritage.
The drive takes you across three historic French provinces all rich with unique character. You can visit the great champagne houses of Reims or follow the scenic Route des Vins d'Alsace through countless flower decked towns. Further east the road climbs into the Vosges Mountains where powerful castles and memorials stand as testaments to the regions contested past.
The architecture shifts from classical French to distinct half timbered German style creating a beautiful visual confusion. This region gives your trip world class gastronomy, deep history and the rare opportunity to tour the complex heart of Europe.
Grand Est highlights
- Strasbourg’s Grand Île Explore the historic heart of Strasbourg with its timber framed houses and the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral. Walk along the canals of Petite France and enjoy the mix of French and German influences.
- The Champagne Route Drive through vineyards to visit Champagne houses in Reims, Épernay and smaller villages. Taste world famous sparkling wine and learn how it is produced inside deep chalk cellars.
- Verdun Battlefield Sites Visit forts, memorials and preserved trenches that tell the story of one of the most important battles of World War I. The Douaumont Ossuary is especially moving.
- Colmar Colmar feels like a storybook with flower lined streets, canals and colorful Franco German architecture. Little Venice is the most photographed spot and a great area for a slow walk or a boat ride.
- Alsace Wine Villages Explore smaller towns like Riquewihr, Eguisheim and Ribeauvillé. Each village has local wineries, traditional houses and a authentic local atmosphere.
- Place Stanislas (Nancy) This grand square in Nancy is one of the most beautiful in France. Its gilded gates and elegant fountains make it a perfect place for evening walks and terrace dining.
- Château du Haut Koenigsbourg Drive up to this spectacular hilltop castle in the Vosges Mountains. A massive fortress completely restored providing stunning views of the Rhine Valley.
- Lac de Gérardmer A peaceful lake in the Vosges Mountains. Ideal for swimming, kayaking, hiking in nearby forests, and relaxing on small beaches.
The local Four
History of Grand Est
Historically the region was separated into distinct territories like Champagne Lorraine and Alsace each with its own traditions and language. This unique combination created the rich architectural and culinary mix you see today. A beautiful contrast of French elegance and Germanic influence.
The 19th and 20th centuries were especially turbulent. After the Franco Prussian War in 1870 Germany took control of Alsace and parts of Lorraine creating the contested land of Alsace Lorraine. This long period of shifting ownership brought immense hardship and made the region a major front line in both World Wars. Driving through the Vosges Mountains you encounter powerful fortresses and battle sites that mark these great conflicts.
Since its final return to France after World War II the region has become a symbol of peace and reconciliation. The city of Strasbourg now hosts the European Parliament cementing the region's role as the continent's modern heart. Your road trip here is a profound journey through a beautiful and complex land. A place that tells the complete story of Europe’s history and its future.