History, culture and gastronomy: discover the heritage of the Grand Est region

Comprising the former administrative regions of Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne and Lorraine,** the Grand Est region boasts a fascinating historical and cultural heritage!

With its picturesque architecture, medieval towns and royal squares, UNESCO World Heritage monuments, grandiose holy sites, fortified castles and areas that have witnessed the dark days of recent wars, the Grand Est is an open-air history book.

When it comes to culture, the region is particularly dynamic, with a wealth of festivals, shows and museums of national renown**, while jealously preserving its deeply rooted cultural heritage**. The latter includes intangible heritage such as the local languages of Alsace, Lorraine and Champagne, as well as regional gastronomy.

So, whatever you fancy and whatever the season, the Grand Est region offers a plethora of activities to nourish body and soul. The hardest part will be choosing! So to help you choose, here are a few suggestions for activities to discover the history and culture of a region open to Europe, with a strong identity.

© rphstock / Shutterstock

Live like in the Middle Ages at Sedan Castle (Ardennes)

The largest fortified castle in Europe, Sedan Castle was listed as a Historic Monument in 1965. Since the first stones were laid in 1424, it has taken eight princes and one princess to turn the castle into the impressive 35,000 m² building it is today.

For a totally immersive experience, in addition to the many activities on offer every day on site, a major Medieval Festival is organised every year in May. For two days, visitors are invited to experience life as it was in the Middle Ages, with a number of shows, crossbow and archery initiations, and a medieval market.

© rphstock / Shutterstock

Slow Up: pedal your way through the Alsace vineyards

Have you already travelled the Alsace Wine Route, and would you like to discover Alsace's wine heritage from a new angle? The Slowup is a 100% free event with activities and tastings, focusing on wine and cycle tourism. By bike, rollerblades or on foot, the Slow Up covers a 31km route between Châtenois and Bergheim. Make the most of it, as the roads are closed for the day in June!

© Slowup Alsace

Vibrate to the rhythm of the music at the Festival Le Jardin du Michel (Lorraine)

Want to discover new artists in a friendly atmosphere in Lorraine? In June, the town of Toul hosts the Le Jardin du Michel Festival, bringing together around thirty artists between the banks of the Moselle and the Vauban fortifications. A unique bucolic setting, and a fine eclectic programme mixing rock, hip hop, reggae, electro and national and international artists. Prices and bookings on the official event website.

© tokar / Shutterstock
Cosy flat just outside Toul and Nancy Great East
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Cosy flat just outside Toul and Nancy

magnificent hotel in Dommartin-lès-Toul
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Savour the delights of Strasbourg (Alsace)

The historic heart of Strasbourg, the Grande Île has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Enclosed by the River Ill, it is linked to the rest of the city by 21 bridges and footbridges. Its architecture bears witness to an exceptional medieval heritage, including Notre-Dame Cathedral.

To discover the city's historic centre in a different way and immerse yourself in the local gastronomy, don't hesitate to take a gourmet tour on a market day. For 2 hours, you'll combine a visit to historic sites with a tasting of typical products: local cheese, traditional bread, cold meats, kouglof (Alsatian brioche) and delicious wine.

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Gourmet tour of Strasbourg Great East

Gourmet tour of Strasbourg

Combine discovering Strasbourg's historic quarter with tasting local produce on a market day.
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£70
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Another option for discovering the secrets of the best Alsatian recipes is to take part in a cookery class! Several workshops on a variety of themes are offered throughout the year by establishments such as Cuisine Aptitude and Fenêtre sur cour(s). You'll learn how to prepare delicious dishes... before enjoying them on the spot, in a typically friendly Alsatian atmosphere!

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site in Nancy (Lorraine)

The French capital of Art-Nouveau, Nancy is home to many treasures, including Place Stanislas, one of the most beautiful in the world. It was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983, along with Place de la Carrière, Alliance and the Arc de Triomphe.

To help you discover all the treasures this city has to offer, the Tourist Office is offering tourists a guided tour of "L'ensemble UNESCO". Available at a cost of 10 euros (free for under-6s and Nancy CityPass holders), this tour will tell you more about the history and architecture of the site.

© Pete Stuart / Shutterstock
jaccuzi & spa in the Stanislas cellars Great East

jaccuzi & spa in the Stanislas cellars

magnificent hotel in Nancy
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£166
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Treat yourself to a sensory experience in Champagne

In the Champagne region, the vineyards, houses and cellars of Champagne are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Why not delve into the heart of Champagne's heritage with three tasting and sensory workshops with Arthur Marc, winemaker at Fleury-la-Rivière?

The programme includes a 4x4 tour of the vineyards and a foie gras tasting with Perla-Néra Grand Cru, a visit to an old cellar and a cheese tasting with Blanc de Blancs, and a tour of the cellar with a chocolate and Champagne Rosé pairing. You'll melt with pleasure as you discover all the secrets of this ultra-luxurious sparkling wine.

© MaxMaximovPhotography / Shutterstock
A sensory experience in Champagne Great East

A sensory experience in Champagne

Immerse yourself in the heart of Champagne's heritage with 3 sensory and taste workshops based around the vine and champagne.
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£89
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by Jude JONES
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