Grand Est Travel Guide France

The Route des Vins d’Alsace

The Route des Vins d’Alsace (Wine route of Alsace) is one of Frances prettiest drives winding its way through vineyards drop dead stunning scenery. Dotted along the way are Caves (wine cellars) to stop and have a glass of local wine. The route is  170 km long road, crossing the main wine producing areas of the region.

Highlight Towns on the Wine Trail.

• Oberni: A walled town that is centred around place de Marche the ancient market square.
• Selestat: is most famous for its Biliotheque Humatiste (Humanist Library).
• Bergheim: A delightful walled town with half timbered houses bursting with geraniums and flower beds.
• Ribeauville: attracts many tourists and is perhaps one of the most visited towns on the wine route.
• Hunawihr: A tiny hamlet surround by 14th century walls with a fortified church standing just outside the walls.
• Riquewhir: Medieval Requewhir has 13th to 16th century ramparts and a labyrinth of alley ways to discover.[/lgc_column]

Strasbourg

Stasbourg has an historic centre called the Grand Ile which is a UNESCO world heritage site. The Catherdral Notre-Dame which was built between the 12 and 14th centuries is arguably Strasbourgs grandest building and houses the 300 year old Astrometric Clock. Other notable buildings are the baroque Opera House, Maison Kammerzell from the 15th century and the Palais des Rohan built in 1681.

Haut-Koenigsburg Castle

Built in the 12th Century Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg is located at Orschwiller in the Vosges mountains near Sélestat. The chateau held a major strategic point in Alsace and was used by consecutive rulers from the Middle Ages until the Thirty Years’ War.  Its architecture is unique in Europe, and the town is listed as part of the world Heritage by UNESCO.

Kayserberg

Kayserberg is a picture perfect town with hald timbered houses and cobbled streets. Visit the ornate renaissance Hotel de Ville (town hall) and the red sandstone Eglise Ste Croix. Don’t miss nearby Chateau de Kayserberg which stands surrounded by vines. Kayserburg was voted Frances favourite village in 2017

Colmar

The historic city centre is remarkably well preserved and features a number of half wooden houses. Sites include the 12th century Église des Dominicains which displays Martin Schongauer’s masterwork La Vierge au buisson de roses as well as 14th century stained glass windows and baroque choir stalls.

Mulhouse

Mullhouse is famous for its museums especially the Cité de and the Musée Français du Chemin de Fer respectively the largest automobile and railway museums in France. Mullhouse is the gateway to the Vosges Mountains a popular destination for hiking and outdoor sports.

Epernay

In the heart of champagne country Epernay is home of the most famous champagne producers, including Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët. There is said to be over 110 kilometres of wines cellars under the streets of Epernay and millions of bottles of champagne. 

Langres

A hill top town sometimes referred to as the Carcassonne of the North and has been a fortified city since Roman times. In the old town is a notable collection of historic buildings and 3.6 kilometres of ramparts dating from the 13th and 17th centuries.

Reims

Kings were once crowned in Reims at the Notre-Dame de Reims  a UNESCO World Hertitage site. Also see the Basilique St. Rémi dating from the 11th century, Porte de Mars a Roman triumphal arch, and the 17th century Hotel de Ville.

Lac du Der

The biggest reservoir in Europe (48km²) and is an important area on the migration routes of water birds. The annual visits of flocks of cranes draw birdwatchers from all over Europe. It is also a popular water sport destination.

Château-de Sedan

In Sedan is a grand medieval fortress said to be the biggest ancient fortress in Europe. It started its life as a manor house in the 1400s and over time was added to, becoming the huge fortified castle it now is.

Troyes

Troyes is situated on the Seine River with a lovely 13th century gothic cathedral with stained glass. Many half-timbered houses from the 16th century survive in the old town. The town has a number of historical sites including the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral, a number of grand homes and the beautiful Hotel de Ville.

Chaumont

The town of Chaumont was built in the 10th century around a chateau and enjoys a strategic position on the steep spur overlooking the Suize and Marne valley.  Sites are the 16th century church, the Chaumont Basilica which contains  a superb straight Tomb dated 1471 and a viaduct built in the 18oos.

Nancy

Burnt to the ground in 1218 Nancy at the end of the Way of Succession of Champagne and rebuilt over the next few centuries.  Don’t miss Place Stanislas built in 1737, one of the finest town squares in France and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery

This is the largest American military cemetery in Europe, with over 14,000 war graves from World War 1. It is located among the main battlefields of the 1918 offensive.

Verdun

Verdun was founded by the Gauls and is now most known for the WW1 battle of Verdun that lasted almost a year, taking 400,000 French lives and a similar amount of German lives. There is a Memorial museum in the town.

Metz

In Metz is Cathedral St. Etienne, a stunning gothic cathedral with beautiful  stained glass and Eglise St. Pierre aux Nonnains which is said to be the oldest church in France. Also see the Musées de la Cour d’or a history and archeological museum.

Domrémy la Pucelle

The birthplace of Joan of Arc with the Joan of Arc interpretive centre and pilgrimage basilica.