Great East
Culture & Heritage

Explora la cultura de Great East: Tradición viva

Sumérgete en la rica historia y cultura de Great East a través de sus museos y monumentos.

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Strasbourg, Grande-Île and Neustadt

Region
France
Region: Great East

The Grand Est is an extensive region in northeastern France, bordering Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Belgium. Its identity is deeply marked by a turbulent history and a double culture, especially in Alsace and Lorraine. It is a land of incredible diversity, ranging from the sunny vineyards of the Alsace Wine Route to the dense forests of the Ardennes, passing through the plains of Champagne and the Vosges mountains. The region is home to cities of art and history such as Strasbourg, with its medieval charm, Nancy and its Art Nouveau heritage, and Reims, the city of the coronations of the kings of France. It is a destination that combines idyllic landscapes, strong gastronomy, world-famous wines and a palpable historical memory at every step.

Languages: French
Great East
Cultura

Culture & Heritage

Discover the rich history, art and traditions of Great East

The Grand Est is an extensive region in northeastern France, bordering Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Belgium. Its identity is deeply marked by a turbulent history and a double culture, especially in Alsace and Lorraine. It is a land of incredible diversity, ranging from the sunny vineyards of the Alsace Wine Route to the dense forests of the Ardennes, passing through the plains of Champagne and the Vosges mountains. The region is home to cities of art and history such as Strasbourg, with its medieval charm, Nancy and its Art Nouveau heritage, and Reims, the city of the coronations of the kings of France. It is a destination that combines idyllic landscapes, strong gastronomy, world-famous wines and a palpable historical memory at every step.

UNESCO Heritage

Strasbourg, Grande-Île and Neustadt

Renowned for its characteristic Middle Rhine urban complex, which includes the cathedral and the 'Petite France' quarter, and its 19th-century German quarter.

Place Stanislas, Carrière and Alliance in Nancy

An outstanding example of Enlightenment urban planning, a monumental complex that celebrates the king of France.

Champagne Slopes, Houses and Wineries

It recognizes the cultural landscape where the method of making sparkling wines was developed, from the vineyards to the underground cellars.

World War I burial and memorial sites (Western Front)

A transnational site that includes numerous cemeteries and memorials in the region, testimony to the Great War.

Festivals & Events

Christmas market

Christmas Markets (Marchés de Noël)

From the end of November to the end of December.

The tradition par excellence of the region, especially in Alsace. Those in Strasbourg ('Christmas Capital') and Colmar are the most famous, but almost every town has its own market with lights, crafts and the aroma of mulled wine ('vin chaud') and gingerbread.

Wine Festivals in Alsace

Summer.

Throughout the summer, the towns along the Wine Route hold festivals to honor their winegrowers, with parades, tastings, dances and a very festive atmosphere.

Fêtes de la Mirabelle Festival (Metz)

End of August.

A great festival celebrating the mirabelle plum, the emblematic fruit of Lorraine, with a large market, parades, concerts and the election of the Queen of the Mirabelle.

The Grand Est is an extensive region in northeastern France, bordering Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Belgium. Its identity is deeply marked by a turbulent history and a double culture, especially in Alsace and Lorraine. It is a land of incredible diversity, ranging from the sunny vineyards of the Alsace Wine Route to the dense forests of the Ardennes, passing through the plains of Champagne and the Vosges mountains. The region is home to cities of art and history such as Strasbourg, with its medieval charm, Nancy and its Art Nouveau heritage, and Reims, the city of the coronations of the kings of France. It is a destination that combines idyllic landscapes, strong gastronomy, world-famous wines and a palpable historical memory at every step.

**Strasbourg, the European capital

** Cruise along the canals of the 'Petite France' quarter, with its half-timbered houses, and admire the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral and its astronomical clock.

**Colmar and Little Venice

** Stroll through the 'Petite Venise' neighborhood, with its colorful houses on the banks of the Lauch River, and visit the Unterlinden Museum to see the Isenheim Altarpiece.

**Reims, City of Kings and Champagne

** Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, coronation site of the kings of France, and explore the 'crayères', the underground cellars of the great champagne houses such as Veuve Clicquot or Mumm.

**Nancy and her UNESCO ensemble

** Let yourself be dazzled by the splendor of Place Stanislas, one of the most beautiful royal squares in the world, and discover the Art Nouveau jewels of the 'School of Nancy'.

**Metz, the garden city

** Visit the Center Pompidou-Metz, an icon of contemporary architecture, and the Saint-Étienne Cathedral, famous for the immense surface of its stained glass windows, which have earned it the nickname 'Lantern of God'.

**Memory of the Great War in Verdun

** Tour the battlefields of one of the bloodiest conflicts of the First World War. Visit the Douaumont Ossuary and the Verdun Memorial for a moving journey into history.

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Aviso de Viaje

During the Christmas markets, especially on weekends, cities like Strasbourg and Colmar can be extremely busy; It is essential to reserve accommodation many months in advance. Many of the mountain roads in the Vosges, such as the Route des Crests, may be closed in winter due to snow. To visit the great champagne cellars, it is almost always necessary to book the visit in advance.

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Quick info

Country
France
Best time
The best time to visit is very varied. **Winter (late November to December)** is magical because of the famous Christmas markets, although it is a cold and busy time. **Spring (April-June)** and **Autumn (September-October)** are ideal for exploring the cities and the Wine Route, with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. Autumn is especially beautiful because of the vintage colors. **Summer** is perfect for hiking in the Vosges and enjoying the wine village festivals.

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