Things to do & places to visit in Grand Est, France

Grand Est #6 destination in France 2023. The average rating score is 4.47 based on 190.0k traveler reviews, of 348 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Paris, current date and time: Wednesday, May 08, 2024, 4:47.

Grand Est Weather Statistics view more »

Top things to do (27)

• Castles
• History Museums
• Military Museums
• Historic Walking Areas
• Speciality Museums
• Factory Outlets
• Religious Sites
• Bodies of Water
• Nature & Wildlife Areas
• City Tours
• Government Buildings
• Private Tours
• Neighborhoods
• Churches & Cathedrals
• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Water Parks
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Amusement & Theme Parks
• Escape Games
• Architectural Buildings
• Parks
• Historic Sites
• Zoos
• Segway Tours
• Wineries & Vineyards
• Art Museums

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

1. 5.0 Place Stanislas (5.449 reviews)
   - One of the most beautiful squares on earth.
   Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   Place Stanislaus not only lived up to, but exceeded the descriptions that it was one of the most beautiful places on earth. King Stanislaus of Poland, who Louis the 15th, his son-in-law, made the Duke of Lorraine, completely remade this area. In the center is a statue of Stanislaus. See more..
   
2. 5.0 Gros Ouvrage Maginot du Hackenberg (1.648 reviews)
   - Working gun turret
   Wednesday: 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites
   
   
   We visited the fortress on August 13. Free parking is available in front of the entrance. The guided visit is only at certain times and you have to book on their website. Most tours are in French. Our tour was scheduled for 10am. The website stated that you had to be present 15 minutes before the start of the tour. Luckily we were there 30 minutes before departure. They changed the start time but didn't inform us. Nevertheless, the tour was superb. In the first part you will get an explanation about the history of the fortress and the Maginot Line. Afterwards, wander through the fortress and see some of the places where they lived, ate and worked. The second part you get on a train to see a working gun turret. Beware, the train ride is very noisy and the inside of the fortress is chilly even in summer. See more..
   
3. 5.0 One City Tours (1.363 reviews)
   - Unforgettable Segway-Tour in Strasbourg!
   Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM City Tours • Segway Tours • Sightseeing Tours
   
   
   Thanks to our Segway-guide Yve our family (2 adults, 2 kids 13 & 15 years) had a great 2 hours tour through the awesome city of Strasbourg and the European institutions. It's really great fun and highly recommandable exploring the city by a Segway. After 10 minutes driving we all felt like real experts and after 2 hours we returned with unforgettable memories! Thanks again to One City Tour, Marcus & family See more..
   
4. 5.0 The Box Escape Game (1.332 reviews)
   - Super!
   Wednesday: 2:00 PM - 12:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games
   
   
   Welcome to The Box ! Open the door to one of our 3 incredibly immersive universes ! Come along with friends, family or coworkers and put yourself in the shoes of an undercover FBI agent, or try to rob the collection of a wealthy diamond dealer. You can also try to figure out the secrets of the Great Magicien Masqué, the famous illusionist! Escape rooms are team games and to succeed, you will have to cooperate in order to solve puzzles and try to understand the increasingly surprising mechanisms! You might be afraid of not being up to the challenge ? Don’t worry ! Our game masters are fully dedicated to you, they’ll follow your game from one end to another and will give you clues adapted to your level. Both experts and beginners will have fun ! Our 3 rooms are available in English for our English speaking friends ! The adventure awaits See more..
   
5. 5.0 Happy Strasbourg (1.136 reviews)
   - Petite France and Original Tours
   City Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours
   
   
   Really interesting look at the culinary details and architecture of Petite France with humour and much of historical interest. Lively and yet detailed morning tour. The afternoon tour was based on older Strasbourg with information on buildings, customs and much about the history of Alsace and the wars of the last 150 years, well explained and moving, too. The details of the other parts of the city were explained so well and with some really good stories and humour. Definitely recommend! See more..
   
6. 5.0 THE LITTLE RED DOOR (934 reviews)
   - Great experience
   Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games
   
   
   THE LITTLE RED DOOR is your escape room in Strasbourg. Your group will have to search and solve puzzles in an immersive themed setting. We offer 4 scenarios: - The Last ROBBERY: Your team must steal gold bars in the Royal Bank (4 to 8 players) – GHOST HUNTERS: Your team must capture the ghost that haunts the Van Emberg mansion (3 to 7 players) - BUNKER B-57: Plutonium Expedition! (2 to 5 players) - The MAYA Prophecy: Retrieve a crystal skull from a Mayan temple (3 to 7 players) - PIRATES of the 7 seas (3 to 6 players) See more..
   
7. 4.5 Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg (15.1k reviews)
   - View at night first if you can - INCREDIBLE
   Wednesday: 8:15 AM - 5:45 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
   
   
   This huge cathedral, Strasbourg's most famous landmark, is an intimidating example of 13th-century Gothic architecture. See more..
   
8. 4.5 La Petite France (10.5k reviews)
   - Charming Area of Strasbourg Old Town!
   Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Neighborhoods
   
   
   Strasbourg's historic neighborhood is a serene collection of cobblestone roads, fine restaurants and 16th-century buildings. See more..
   
9. 4.5 Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims (7.701 reviews)
   - Must see - impressive cathedral
   Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
   
   
   This is a massive and impressive building full of decorative art, wood work, glass and sculptures. There was no entry fee and the building was open for touring when we were there. There are many displays with descriptions of areas of interest but not in English so I wasn't able to fully understand them. But I enjoyed looking and if you have a guide book with you it will help. I was thrilled to see the stained glass windows. Not only were there windows by Marc Chagall but by Imi Knoebel, a new artist to me. It can take quite a while to walk through and enjoy all the areas within so allow enough time for your visit. There is a small gift shop where you can buy postcards of the artwork and other things. There is a public toilet outside the church. You have to pay. See more..
   
10. 4.5 Little Venice (5.958 reviews)
    - Colmar is a feast for the eyes!
    Spent More than 3 hours Neighborhoods
    
    
    The « little Venice » is the name given to the course of the Lauch in Colmar. This name probably came from the original line of the houses on both sides of the river, which serves the southeast of the city. This district starts behind the Koïfhus, goes through the fishmonger's district and to the bridges Turenne and Saint-Pierre. It is therefore at the beginning of the Krutenau, whose etymology refers to places of market gardening on the outskirts of the towns. Originally inhabited by a rural community of wine-producers, market gardeners and boatmen, the Krutenau stretches out around the Turenne Street that the marshal took in 1674 for his triumphant entry in the city. Boat rides are possible there. See more..
    
11. 4.5 Old Town (4.753 reviews)
    - Most beautiful city of Alsace
    Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    Colmar is located near Germany and Switzerland, between the Vosges and the Rhine, Strasbourg and Mulhouse. With its 67,000 inhabitants, it retains a 'country town' atmosphere which contributes so much to its charm. The city offers visitors a fascinating insight into 1,000 years of European history through its exceptional heritage. Wonderfully preserved from the ravages of time, its homogenous historical centre is classed as a 'protected area' and has benefited from careful restoration and ongoing improvements for more than 25 years. Colmar is really a condensed version of the Alsace region. Walking in its streets is like visiting à huge movie set with hundreds of century-old half-timbered houses, lovely canals and flourished pedestrian town center. The city has an impressive selection of quality restaurants and shops selling high-quality local products... Not to miss: the romantic and world famous district of 'the Little Venice'. Colmar is also the capital of Alsace wines and is nestled at the foot of the vineyard next to many idyllic villages. The city hosts the annual Wine Fair of Alsace in august, that has gone through six decades. This event gathers approximately 300 000 people during 15 days of music, party and wine tasting. The city with multicolored houses is also the birthplace of sculptor Bartholdi, father of the famous Statue of Liberty in New York and of Hansi, the well known illustrator of Alsace. The culture vultures will complete their visit by one of its 5 museums. We especially suggest to visit the Unterlinden Museum to discover and admire its wonderful Issenheim Altarpiece or the Toy Museum, if you're looking for something to do with your kids. See more..
    
12. 4.5 Chateau du Haut Koenigsbourg (3.384 reviews)
    - An enjoyable visit made better by the guided tour
    Wednesday: 9:15 AM - 5:45 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles
    
    
    This fairy tale castle looks down majestically across the Alsace plain for more then 850 years. Towering at 757 m over picture perfect villages and colourful vineyards, it is one of France's most widely visited castles. Restored in the early 20th century, its current state reflects how it looked in the 15th century. Passing the main gate of the impressive Haut-Koenigsbourg is to enter the medieval world. An enjoyable and breathtaking experience! The castle is open all year round except 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December. See more..
    
13. 4.5 Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix (3.041 reviews)
    - Unforgettable experience
    Zoos
    
    
    Le Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix, créée en 1980 et considéré aujourd'hui comme le 1er parc de faune européenne en France, s'étend sur plus de 120 hectares de Nature préservée. Il compte plus de 1500 animaux en semi-liberté issus de 100 espèces différentes : loups, cerfs, lynx, ours etc. See more..
    
14. 4.5 Metz Cathedral (2.965 reviews)
    - See masterpieces of Marc Chagall free of charge
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    One of the tallest cathedrals in France, the 12th-century building is also known for its extensive use of stained-glass windows. See more..
    
15. 4.5 Musée National de l’Automobile – Collection Schlumpf (2.838 reviews)
    - Recommend if you are car fan or not
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
    
    
    With 400 vehicles on show, the Schlumpf Collection is certainly the most prestigious collection in the world. This is demonstrated by the two Bugatti Royales, including the famous Coupé Napoléon, the 150 Bugatti, Hispano-Suiza, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Maserati, Maybach, Mercedes models, etc. From the first car, a Panhard-Levassor from 1894, to the present day, the Museum de l'Automobile brings the saga of the automobile to life. A living history as visitors can start a vintage car with a crank. See more..
    
16. 4.5 Parc de l'Orangerie (2.268 reviews)
    - No 1 place
    Parks
    
    
    Amazig place. The stork nests are all around the park, there are literally dozens of them. 4 children's parks, separated by age, a small petting zoo (unfortunately, currently closed). I go there every day with my son. See more..
    
17. 4.5 Moet et Chandon (2.011 reviews)
    - Dom Perignon is a must tasting in Epernay
    Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards
    
    
    We are big fans of Dom Perignon champagne and we contacted Moët about a potential private tour couple of months prior to our visit. We were told that the tours were fully booked but we could walk in on the day and do the tasting. When walking from the train station and entering Avenue of Champagnes, Moët et Chandon is one of the first houses you encounter. We went full of anticipation, hoping we can do the tastings we hoped for. At the check-out a lovely lady confirmed we can do Dom Perignon tasting in their courtyard and asked if we wanted to taste their vintage as well as rose. For €170 you can have a tasting of a vintage and rose for 2 people. We were asked to wait for our host and after a few minute taken to their lovely courtyard where champagnes were served. The measures were very generous and a small snack was served alongside. This was a perfect start to the day and I would highly recommend the tasting to any champagne aficionados. See more..
    
18. 4.5 Nigloland, Parc D'Attractions & Hotel (1.957 reviews)
    - Great theme park for families with children and teenagers.
    Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks
    
    
    Nigloland was voted 3rd best European amusement park at the European Star Awards in the category of less than 1 million visitors. The park confirms its ambitions and establishes itself as a benchmark on the European scene. Nigloland meets the expectations of thrill seekers with, in particular, the Alpina Blitz, the stunning roller coaster, and the Extreme Dungeon, the tallest rotating free fall tower in the WORLD! The 27 attractions accessible to children under 1 meter will delight the little ones. Nigloland is one of the most suitable amusement parks from an early age. Stroll in an exceptional green setting, immerse yourself in 4 breathtaking worlds and find 39 attractions and shows for young and old as well as 8 themed restaurants. A few steps from the amusement park, the Hôtel des Pirates **** invites you to extend your stay in a setting inspired by the most beautiful legends of piracy. See more..
    
19. 4.5 Barrage Vauban (1.817 reviews)
    - Lovely part of La Petite France
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    It’s an elegant edifice joining the two riverbanks. We crossed both internally and scenically along the top terrace. It was interesting to discover that it was built in the late 1600s with a number of roles. Primarily as defensive in the event of an attack to raise the waters of the Ill River and thus flood surrounding lands. Superb vistas can be seen from the top route. While inside is atmospheric with displays of many sculptures from the Cathedral and Palais de Rohan. See more..
    
20. 4.5 Vieille ville d'Eguisheim (1.771 reviews)
    - Probably the pretties village in Alsace
    Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    Probably the best village we have so far visited in Alsace. Every year we choose a village for our lunch break and this time we stopped in Eguisheim. Just fantastic, a small village, a sort of maze with narrow streets, a lot of wineries and a small central square just lovely. It looks like being in a fairytale. It is few minutes from Colmar and it deserves absolutely a visit! See more..
    
21. 4.5 Cité du Train - Patrimoine SNCF (1.690 reviews)
    - Magnificent array of locomotives
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
    
    
    Formerly known as the French Railways Museum, the Cité du Train, the heritage museum of SNCF, continues to be a recognised Musée de France. It covers two centuries of railways in France, from the first steam locomotives to modern TGV trains. Through its rich collection of rolling stock, models, railway-related objects, posters and art works, the Cité du Train retraces a significant part of the history of the country and our collective memory. Each piece on display tells visitors something about this great adventure, where people tirelessly developed new technologies and brought regions and their inhabitants closer to each other. See more..
    
22. 4.5 Lac de Gérardmer (1.686 reviews)
    - Boating, walking, great views, loop walk or bike ride - what more could you want? Also great and cooler in summer!
    Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water
    
    
    Beautiful lake up in the Vosges even on a grey-ish day! Has an amazing long walk around the whole lake which apparently takes 3.5hrs (I suspect it might be a lot less for someone fit and without kids or a wheelchair or health issues). We did a full loop in the car and stopped on the far side of the lake at one of the parking viewpoints near all the campsites. Gorgeous Vosges scenery ! See more..
    
23. 4.5 Musée Unterlinden (1.663 reviews)
    - The Isenheim Altarpiece is a must see!!!
    Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums • History Museums
    
    
    Vast collection of paintings and sculptures features the Retable d'Issenheim (Issenheim Altarpiece,) considered to be the most important piece of art in the museum. See more..
    
24. 4.5 Parc de la Pépinière (1.591 reviews)
    - Nice chilling parc
    Parks
    
    
    That is a very nice place to chill. Great for kids because of the animals and activities. Local people get to chill there too. See more..
    
25. 4.5 Champagne Taittinger (1.576 reviews)
    - Keep an eye out for the cavé graffiti
    Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards
    
    
    We took the tour in French: didn’t understand everything but well worth it. The cavé incorporates sections dating from Roman times and also tunnels from the abbey above that was destroyed during the French Revolution. Interesting to us in one section were what appeared to be several carved faces and figures, and also extensive graffiti drawings on the walls. The guide mentioned neither but afterwards told us the carvings dated from Roman times and the graffiti from citizens who took shelter there to escape German bombings during World War I. Learned a little bit about champagne making and a little about Reims history. Topped off with a champagne tasting, which made a satisfying afternoon. See more..
    
26. 4.5 Sanctuaire du Mont Sainte Odile (1.554 reviews)
    - The Happy Sharing Company Exploring Alsace
    Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
    
    
    The Happy Sharing Company and friends visited the Saint Place for Prayers on AllSaints2021. During the Mass something happened that allowed all mass attendees to witness it. A red throat bird was inside the Chapel and flying around the Altar of the Chapel while the All Saints mass started at 11h30 am. A beautiful mass, with two preast, and herewith I would like to testify what I saw and share it as I consider it stunning. The Redthroat bird was a special guest and every one saw it during the mass. We were praying and at noon precisely noon the bells rang 12 times. At this moment, very precise moment, morelikely due to the tone and noise of the bells, the Red throat bird went on top of wooden central Altar, precisely on the cross, right in the center of Chapel, around the 6 or 7 bell ring the bird took a plunge and unlightened one candle on the left side of the Altar and went back. The Happy Sharing Company wishes all to experience the Saint Place and be delighted of it's magic. See more..
    
27. 4.5 Vieille Ville (1.510 reviews)
    - Fairy Tale village in France's beautiful Alsace region...
    Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    We stayed in Colmar and visited Riquewihr and Eguisheim during our quick stay in the region in Sept. '19. The entire region is very picturesque. For me, however, Riquewihr had the most charm and medieval fairy tale feel of the towns we visited in the area. Walking up and down the towns cobble stone streets and enjoying the medieval, half timbered (sometimes ornately decorated) buildings felt like stepping into a medieval movie set.... only this is a real town. To see charming, smaller villages like Riquewihr, Eguisheum, or Rideau illegal, I highly recommend having a rental car. Trying to navigate buses and logistics from Colmar or Strasbourg would be difficult. See more..
    
28. 4.5 Musee Alsacien (1.308 reviews)
    - Wonderfully atmospheric
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM History Museums
    
    
    This museum explores the historic culture of Strasbourg and the rest of Alsace through exhibits of clothing and other household artifacts. See more..
    
29. 4.5 La Volerie des Aigles (1.198 reviews)
    - Brilliant morning out
    Temporarily closed - Closed until Mar 25, 2023 Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    Nice place to visit birds of prey and visit a ruined castle. But the highlight of the visit is the stunning birds of prey demonstration. You see them hunt and you are extremely close to them. More than once we felt the tips of their wings touch us as they swooped past. Our children were spellbound, as were we, and one of my kids was selected to join in which was a great experience for her. Note the demo is narrated in French only. See more..
    
30. 4.5 Fort Douaumont (1.173 reviews)
    - Blind
    Historic Sites
    
    
    Must see part of the Verdun battle grounds. The fort was taken virtually intact by the German army and subsequently has sufferded severe shelling by the allied forces. It's huge and when walking the grounds you can see the strategic importance overlooking the surrounding plains. See more..