Camping Grand-Est

Grand-Est has plenty of hidden gems that everyone should see at least once in a lifetime. Thus, it is a great place for camping enthusiasts as it has well-arranged campsites in amazing natural surroundings. Plan your camping holiday now and explore the amazing Grand-Est! 

The Grand Est borders four countries: Belgium and Luxembourg on the north, Germany on the east and northeast, and Switzerland on the southeast. It is the only French region to border more than two countries and more countries than any of the French regions. Its neighbours within France are Bourgogne-Franche-Comté on the south, Île-de-France on the west, and Hauts-de-France on the northwest. The Grand Est contains ten departments: Ardennes, Aube, Bas-Rhin, Marne, Haute-Marne, Haut-Rhin, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Moselle, Vosges.

Grand Est is the result of territorial reform legislation passed in 2014 by the French Parliament to reduce the number of regions in Metropolitan France. The Grand Est is the merger of three regions: Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, and Lorraine.

Strasbourg

It is the capital city of the Grand Est. It is also the formal seat of the European Parliament and sits near the German border, with culture and architecture blending German and French influences. Its Gothic Cathedral, Notre Dame, features daily shows from its astronomical clock and sweeping views of the Rhine River from partway up its 142m spire. 

Colmar

Its old town has cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered mediaeval and early Renaissance buildings. The Gothic, 13th-century, Eglise Saint-Martin church stands on the central Place de la Cathédrale. The city is on the Alsace Wine Route, and local vineyards specialise in Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines.

Metz

It is a city with gardens and leafy promenades along the Moselle and Seille rivers. In the old town, the Gothic Metz Cathedral is famed for its massive stained glass windows, many by noted artists. Nearby, the Musée de la Cour d'Or displays artefacts from Roman to Renaissance times. The Centre Pompidou-Metz, with its undulating roof, exhibits contemporary art.

Reims

It is the non-official capital of the Champagne wine-growing region, and many of the champagne houses headquartered there offer tastings and cellar tours. For more than 1,000 years, French kings were crowned at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. This grand cathedral is known for its stained-glass windows and Gothic carved portals, including the Smiling Angel. 

Nancy

It is known for its late baroque and art nouveau landmarks, some dating to its days as the former capital of the Duchy of Lorraine. Its focal point is the 18th-century Place Stanislas, the grand square decorated with gilded wrought-iron gates and rococo fountains, which rests among the ornate palaces and churches that fill the city’s mediaeval old town.

1. Notre Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg

Strasbourg Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, Alsace, France. Although considerable parts of it are still in Romanesque architecture, it is widely considered to be among the finest examples of high, or late, Gothic architecture.

2. Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

From 1900 to 1908, the castle was rebuilt at the behest of the German Kaiser Wilhelm II. Today, it is a major tourist site, attracting more than 500,000 visitors a year.

3. Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

One of the largest of its kind in France, the museum houses extensive collections of paintings, sculptures, graphic arts, multimedia, and design from the period between 1870 and today, as well as a wide range of pieces in its photographic library. 

4. Palais du Tau

Because of its historical importance for the French monarchy, the Palace of Tau was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991. Today, it serves to host cultural events for the city of Reims. In recent years, it has been the setting for Sciences Po Paris's RIMUN association's annual gala.

5. La Petite Venise

Do not miss the gem of Colmar, admire the typical Alsatian half-timbered houses along the riverbanks. The so-called "little Venice" is the name given to the course of the Lauch in Colmar. 

1. Go Champagne Tasting in Epernay (Champagne).

Visit Epernay, the centre of champagne production, and stroll through Avenue Champagne, with its beautiful private mansions. Avenue de Champagne is considered the world’s most expensive avenue, thanks to the millions of champagne bottles stored below the grounds.

 2. Explore the Grande Ile in Strasbourg (Alsace).

The Grande Île is Strasbourg’s beating heart, a large island that lies at the city’s historic centre. On this island, you can find some of the best places to visit, like Place Kléber, the quarter of Petite France, characterized by its canal system and historical buildings, or the Gothic cathedral.

3. Explore Vosges Mountains (Alsace).

Set in the heart of the region, the Vosges Mountains are the perfect destination for nature lovers. In addition to the beautiful forests, pristine lakes, and superb views, the Vosges is also a centre for adventure sports like nordic skiing, paragliding, and canoeing.

 4. Explore the Medieval Fair Town of Troyes (Champagne).

A stroll around the Old Town, steeped in history and with beautiful half-timbered houses, reveals the town’s commercial past to us. Do not miss Troyes’ Gothic Cathedral, considered one of the most beautiful churches in all of Europe.

5. Drive the Alsace Wine Route (Alsace).

If you are interested in wine travel, you will love the Alsace Wine Route, from Colmar to Strasbourg or vice-versa. The Alsace Wine Route is the most famous French wine route where you can learn about Alsace’s wines, visit the picturesque Alsace villages, and marvel at the imposing medieval castles.

Do not leave the region before trying some of its cuisine, which is just amazing: coq au riesling, baeckeoffe, tete de veau, tourte lorraine, pot-au-feu, madeleines, and many other delicious foods.  

Visit Nigloland.

This is one of the most visited parks in France, after Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix. The park is divided into four areas: the Canadian Village, the Rock 'n'Roll Village, the Magical Village, and the Swiss Village.

Discover the Amneville Zoo.

It is a French zoological park where you can admire about 1,500 animals of 360 species. It is the only French zoo to present a show of tamed tigers.

Street markets can be found in most of the Grand-Est city centres. Just keep in mind that they open early in the morning and usually work till midday. 

The Carnival of Mulhouse (March)

When spring arrives, Mulhouse celebrates the first signs of it with lots of confetti. Colourful floats and carnival performers take over the streets.

Colmar celebrates spring (April)

Easter markets, concerts, fun events, and art exhibitions.

The slowUp Alsace (June)

You can walk, ride your bike or rollerblade, choose your activity and make your way along the legendary Alsace Wine Route.

The Decibulles Festival (July)

A lush green setting, catchy melodies, and major artists in a 3-day festival. Sounds fun? Take your friends and come!

Campsites in Grand-Est are well-equipped and usually have everything you need for your stay. Most of the campsites provide stays in pitches and bungalows, and are pet-friendly. So, if you are planning to go camping here, do not leave your faithful friends at home, bring them along!

RV campsites are well-equipped and usually come with electricity connections and water drainage. 

Glamping is the new dimension of camping! In Grand-Est, you can find some campsites that provide stays in safari tents.