Guide to Grand-Est

Grand Est: Where History & Champagne Meet

The Grand Est region was created in January 2016 by merging three former administrative regions: Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, and Lorraine. This territorial reform, initiated by the French legislature in 2014 under President François Hollande, was part of a broader effort to streamline governance and enhance regional cohesion.

Cultural European Capital

Set in Eastern France, the Grand Est encompasses a diverse array of ten departments: Ardennes, Aube, Bas-Rhin, Haut Rhin, Haute-Marne, Marne, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Moselle, and Vosges. The administrative capital and largest city is Strasbourg, an iconic hub of European governance and culture. Strasbourg is not only the official seat of the European Parliament but also hosts the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights, solidifying its position as a bastion of international cooperation and human rights.

Culinary Heritage and Champagne

The region’s cuisine reflects its rich cultural past and proximity to Germany, with hearty dishes like choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with sausages and pork), tarte flambée (a thin-crust savoury tart), and decadent desserts such as Black Forest gâteau. The Grand Est is world-renowned for its Champagne, a sparkling wine crafted in the region's unique chalky soils under a semi-continental climate. The Champagne industry, concentrated in and around Reims, Épernay, and Aÿ, not only supports the local economy but also shapes the region's identity. Beneath these cities, an intricate network of chalk caves stores and ages this legendary wine, creating a fascinating underground world of effervescence and tradition.

Diversity and Outdoor Adventures

Geographically, Grand Est shares borders with four countries: Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg, with the Rhine marking the border with Germany. The region boasts contrasting landscapes, from the rugged mountains of the Ardennes and Vosges to the rolling, vine-laden lowlands of Champagne. This geographical diversity lends to various activities, from hiking and skiing in the mountains to leisurely wine tours through verdant vineyards.

Historic Legacy and Remembrance

The Grand Est is steeped in history, serving as a key theatre in World War I. The town of Verdun, the site of a brutal eleven-month battle in 1916, remains a poignant reminder of the region’s wartime sacrifices. Memorials and museums in Verdun commemorate the lives lost and provide a deeply moving insight into this tumultuous period of history.

An Invitation to Explore Eastern France

Bordering the regions of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Hauts-de-France, and Île-de-France, the Grand Est serves as a cultural and economic bridge between France and its northern and eastern neighbours. From its medieval castles and UNESCO World Heritage vineyards to its vibrant cities and serene countryside, the Grand Est invites visitors to explore its unique blend of history, nature, and European spirit.

Facts and Figures

• Capital city: Strasbourg
• Population: 5.6 million (around 8.4% of France's total population of approx. 68 million).
• Area: 57,433 sq. kilometres (22,175 sq. miles), about 10.5% of France's total area.
• Density: About 97 inhabitants per sq. kilometre, below France’s national average of 106.

Tourism Information

• Number of Tourists per Year: Approximately 15 million.
• Highest Peak: The highest peak is the Grand Ballon (1,424 meters) in the Vosges Mountains
• Average Sunshine Hours per Year: Around 1,600 hours
• Châteaux: Between 400 and 500 châteaux, notably the Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg (Haut-Rhin), Château de Lunéville (Meurthe-et-Moselle), and Château de Sedan (Ardennes).
• Most Famous Landmark: Strasbourg Cathedral
• Golf Courses in the Region: 35–40 golf courses

Getting to Grand Est

The main cities are Strasbourg, Nancy, Metz, Reims, and Mulhouse. They can be accessed using the road network (motorways, national and departmental roads), the train network, or by air. Here's a list of the region's airports and main train stations.

Airports

• Strasbourg Airport
• Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport
• EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg
• Châlons Vatry Airport
• Épinal-Mirecourt Airport

Main Train Stations

• Strasbourg-Ville Station
• Nancy-Ville Station
• Metz-Ville Station
• Reims Station
• Mulhouse-Ville Station

Regional Tourist Hotspots

• Strasbourg Cathedral
• Strasbourg
• Nancy
• Metz
• Reims
• Mulhouse
• The Vosges Mountains
• The Alsace Wine Route
• The Lorraine Regional Natural Park
• The Ballons des Vosges Nature Park

Regional Nature Parks

• Parc naturel régional des Vosges du Nord
• Parc naturel régional de Lorraine
• Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges

UNESCO Sites in the Region

• Strasbourg – Grande Île
• The Fortifications of Vauban (including the Citadel of Besançon)
• Champagne Hillsides, Houses, and Cellars

Economic Information

• Economic Strength: Grand Est is known for its diverse economy, with strengths in manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and healthcare.
• Gross Domestic Product: Approx. €160 billion (2022), around 6-7% of France's total GDP.
• Economy: Services 65% (tourism, healthcare and education, technology and innovation), industry 30% (manufacturing, automotive, food processing, chemicals and pharmaceuticals) and agriculture 5% (cereal crops, livestock farming and viticulture including Champagne).
• Unemployment Rate: Approximately 7.5% (France’s national rate = 7.2%)
• Universities and Grandes Écoles: Notable institutions include  University of Strasbourg, University of Lorraine, University of Reims and the University of Haute-Alsace.
• Regional Specialties: Grand Est is renowned for its wines, particularly from the Alsace and Champagne regions. The region is also famous for its charcuterie, including saucisson and various pâtés. Traditional dishes like choucroute  (sauerkraut with meats), quiche Lorraine, and flammekueche (tarte flambée) are other notable specialties. Additionally, the region is known for its Munster cheese and gingerbread.

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