A land of traditions, skills and gastronomy located at the heart of Europe, the Great East is an appealing region that's sure to be appreciated by lovers of sightseeing and authentic charm. While the region is particularly renowned for its champagnes, white wines from Alsace, flammekueches, sauerkraut, baeckeoffes, Mirabelle plums and enchanting Christmas markets, it's also known for its cities of Art and History packed with treasures, delightful floral villages with half-timbered houses, medieval castle forts, Gothic cathedrals, fortified or timber-framed churches, famous museums, and renowned crystal and pottery works.
Anyone exploring the regions formerly known as Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne and Lorraine should be sure to visit notable sites like Strasbourg, with its famous Gothic cathedral and its picturesque Petite France, Colmar, with its romantic Little Venice and its famous Unterlinden Museum, Metz, with its Cour d'Or Museum and many parks, as well as the deeply moving memorial sites around Verdun, the impressive fortified town of Langres, old Nancy with its medieval, Renaissance and Art Nouveau heritage, the beautiful medieval town of Troyes with its ten listed churches, the splendid Place Ducale in Charleville-Mézières, Sedan's immense castle fort, the famous Mont Sainte-Odile mountain, the magnificent fortified town of Riquewihr, the great museums of Mulhouse, and the prestigious champagne cellars of Reims, Épernay and Châlons-en-Champagne.
The Great East is a great destination for a country holiday and boasts a remarkable natural environment. With their many marked paths, the regional nature parks of the Ardennes, Ballons des Vosges, Montagne de Reims, Lorraine and the Vosges du Nord are perfect for anyone who enjoys hiking or botanical walks. Lake Der-Chantecoq, Lake Madine and the four lakes of Pays de Langres are sure to delight lovers of relaxation and water sports. Those in search of spas and well-being can enjoy a rejuvenating stay at one of the region's eight welcoming spa resorts. Whether you pick Amnéville-les-Thermes, Bains-les-Bains, Bourbonne-les-Bains, Contrexéville, Morsbronn-les-Bains, Niederbronn-les-Bains, Plombières-les-Bains or Vittel, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying the benefits of the thermal waters as well as the many leisure activities available there!