Grand-Est

From Halal Explorer

Soultzmatt banner.jpg More than any other region of France, Grand-Est has been shaped by continual waves of settlement, invasion and border changes. As the name suggests, thit is a large region of eastern France, fronting the entire border with Germany and Luxembourg, and significant portions of the Belgian and Switzerland|Swiss borders, too. It is unsurprising then that everything of the region's culture, from the architecture and languages, to the food and none-alcoholic drinks, is a pleasing mix of Gallic and Germanic. Visitors come to explore the battlefields of the Ardennes and Verdun, to quaff glasses of champagne, gobble up quiche and sauerkraut, hike or bike the Vosges, or to glide lazily down the mighty Rhine.

Cities and towns

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Cities

  • Strasbourg GPS 48.58,7.75 — the capital of the region is home of many European institutions - Parliament, Council and the Court of Human Rights - as well as a beautiful UNESCO-listed downtown and miles of cycle paths and canal walks to explore.
  • Colmar GPS 48.0817,7.3556 — small Alsatian city with many fine timber buildings and extensive pedestrianisation.
  • Metz GPS 49.120278,6.177778 — cathedral city with a strong military history and a regional branch of the Centre Pompidou.
  • Mulhouse GPS 47.75,7.34 — industrial city with an impressive array of museums, notably the Cité de l'Automobile and Cité du Train.
  • Nancy GPS 48.6936,6.1846 — medium-sized city of culture and learning. With a large student population, Nancy hosts vibrant ballet, opera, jazz and rock scenes.
  • Reims GPS 49.2628,4.0347 — site of the famous cathedral where the kings of France were once crowned, now heart of the Champagne region.
  • Troyes GPS 48.2997,4.0792 — timber-frame buildings surround a Gothic monster of a cathedral, noted for its exquisite stained glass.

Towns

  • Eguisheim GPS 48.0436,7.3067 — a circular fortified village near Colmar.
  • Épernay GPS 49.0403,3.96 — town known for its Champagne production and the home of Moët et Chandon.
  • Épinal GPS 48.1744,6.4512 — local capital of the Vosges, and a former hub of the printing and textile industries.
  • Husseren-les-Châteaux GPS 48.0356,7.2817 — a tiny village in the foothills of the Vosges, on the Alsatian trail.
  • Kaysersberg GPS 48.14,7.26 — home to a medieval fortress and the Albert Schweitzer Museum.
  • Ribeauvillé GPS 48.2,7.32 — pretty Mediaeval town overlooked by the ruins of three castles, on the Alsatian trail.
  • Riquewihr GPS 48.1672,7.2978 — typically Alsatian town dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, surrounded by vineyards and home to rustic local cooking.
  • Sélestat GPS 48.259444,7.454167 — a couple of imposing sandstone churches and a humanist library make this yet another interesting Alsatian town to visit.
  • Saint-Dié-des-Vosges GPS 48.28,6.95 — refreshingly-modernist architecture contrasts with the rest of the region's towns; the crowning glory is Le Corbusier's UNESCO World Heritage List|World Heritage-listed textile factory.
  • Saint-Louis (Haut-Rhin)
  • Verdun GPS 49.162,5.3876 — site of the infamous World War I battle, home to a memorial and museum. The episcopal palace is a handsome example of French Revolutionary architecture.
  • Vittel GPS 48.2025,5.9503 — small spa town known for its mineral water and regional beauty contest Miss Lorraine.

More Destinations

  • Champagne GPS 49,4 — the home of the world's most festive soft drinks. Vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, and the nationside is dotted with timeless villages and churches.
  • Neuf-Brisach — fortified town built in 1697. Today it is the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Grand-Est Halal Travel Guide

Verzenay moulin - Typical Champagne scene

The region was created in 2016 from Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne and Lorraine, as part of national territorial reform. The merger was strongly opposed by many, as each of the old regions has its own distinct identity. People in Alsace in particular took to the streets in protest, and an Alsatian independence movement has gained traction.

Throughout history, much of the area ping-ponged between Germany and France, and the last time parts of it were administered as part of Germany (by the Nazis) is still just about in living memory. The local culture is therefore a distinct blend of the two countries, though thit is most pronounced in the east of the region. Paradoxically, you get a sense that the local residents, particularly in Alsace and Lorraine, are more patriotically French than anywhere else in the nation. Expect to see a lot of tricolores, even outside of national holidays.

The west of the region is largely flat or softly rolling - perfect for Champagne! - while the land becomes more rugged toward the north (the Ardennes hills) and east (the Vosges mountains). Beyond the Vosges is the Rhine Valley, and the Rhine itself forms the natural border between France and Germany.

Local Language in Grand-Est

Slightly-accented French is the everyday language spoken by everyone, young and old. The government maintains that French is the only official language of the Republic and largely ignores the existence of all others, so local languages are generally dying out across France, with this region as no exception.

Nonetheless, regional languages are still spoken. Alsatian (Elsässerditsch) is a dialect closely related to Swiss German and Alemannic, still spoken in Alsace and south-eastern Lorraine. Lorraine Franconian (francique or platt) is spoken mainly near the Belgian and German borders. Both Alsatian and Franconian are non-standardised dialects of German containing many French loan words, spoken mainly by older inhabitants in the nationside. East of the Vosges and near the German border, you'll notice many placenames are partly or fully Germanic. The rest of the region is resolutely Francophone; Champenois and Lorrain are the dialects of French spoken by some in the Champagne and Lorraine, respectively.

Other than that, English and standard German are worth a try, especially if you don't speak French. Travellers in cities and major tourist spots should have no trouble communicating without a knowledge of French, but it's always a good idea and good manners to learn a few basic phrases.

Travel to Grand-Est

ReimsGothic Church-01s - The cathedral at Reims

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Grand-Est

  • EuroAirport (Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg) is the major international airport in the region, with connections to pretty much everywhere in Europe. There are also a couple of Flights from North Africa, and a seasonal service from Montreal

Trudeau, operated by HTTPS://WWWW.Wirtransat.com/ Air Transat. For UK travellers, British Airways fly from London Heathrow Airport, while easyJet fly from Bristol, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, Luton|London Luton and Manchester Airport|Manchester.

Alternatively and the TGV offers a direct connection (1-2 hours, depending on where in Grand-Est your final destination is) from Paris Charles de Gaulle, France's main international airport, which receives Flights from most parts of the world. Just across the border in Germany there is also Karlsruhe Baden Baden (IATA Flight Code: FKB) which receives many Ryanair flights.

Travel by train to Grand-Est

From within France

LGV Est is the high speed line that serves the region. The TGV from Paris (Gare de l'Est) serves all the major stations of the region in under two hours. In addition to downtown stations, two TGV stations serve the rural areas in the west of the region: Champagne-Ardenne TGV GPS 49.2142 ,3.9948 (near Reims) and Meuse TGV GPS 48.9785,5.2711 (close to Verdun). The line also offers connections from most other parts of France, including Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Poitiers and Tours). At 320 km/h, you'll be on the fastest train in Europe!

From Belgium and Luxembourg

EuroCity operates trains from Brussels (Midi / Zuid), Namur and Luxembourg to Strasbourg and Mulhouse. Meanwhile and the Luxembourg to Paris TGV stops at Metz, Meuse and Champagne-Ardenne en route. There are also a number of local cross-border services operating through the Ardennes.

From Germany

LGV à Benoite-Vaux1 - The fastest train in Europe

A mixture of SNCF TGVs and Deutsche Bahn ICEs operate from Frankfurt (Hauptbahnhof), Karlsruhe, Munich and Stuttgart to Strasbourg. Additional ICEs operate from Frankfurt and Saarbrucken to Lorraine TGV GPS 48.9545,6.1857, situated more or less equidistant between Nancy and Metz (though not especially close to either - 35 kilometers in fact and the classic local government compromise that ends up suiting nobody). There are a number of local cross-border services as well.

From Switzerland

TGV and Intercités trains (both SNCF) operate from Zurich and Basel through Alsace, generally stopping at Mulhouse, Colmar and terminating at Strasbourg.

From the United Kingdom

Eurostar offers combined tickets from London (St Pancras), Ebbsfleet and Ashford to many cities in Grand-Est, changing at Lille (Europe). While it may seem like a hassle changing trains, this service is both cheaper and quicker than you might think; for instance London to Strasbourg for as little as £50 return can be accomplished in around 5 hours. Generally and the time sails by as quickly as the nationside outside, and you get to travel downtown to downtown, without facing the questionable pleasures of a couple of airports in between.

From Eastern Europe

Fréland A 041 - Fréland, in the Vosges foothills

If you already thought Grand-Est was pretty well-connected by rail, you ain't seen nothing yet! Russian Railways' train-moscow-berlin-paris Moscow to Paris service takes seeing Europe by train to another level. Passing by Minsk, Warsaw, Berlin, Hanover and Frankfurt and the train stops in Strasbourg before going on to Paris. Needless to say, it's a sleeper service, and from Moscow you'll spend two nights on board (to be precise, 32 hours), but presumably if you're in love with the romance of crossing a continent by train, this will appeal to you. Count on spending around €250 for a second class (4 person) berth, or €360 for a first class (2 person) berth. Departs every Wednesday from Moscow Belorussky station.

By car

The region is well-connected by road. The A4 autoroute links Paris to Reims, Metz and Strasbourg, while the A5 links the capital to Troyes and the southern half of Grand-Est. The A26 links Calais and the north to Reims (270 kilometers from Calais) and Troyes (400 kilometers), and this route is used by so many British drivers, that the whole highway is called the Autoroute des Anglais. Motorists from Belgium will pass through Luxembourg and enter France north of Thionville on the E25, while those driving from Germany will generally take the Saarbrucken - Forbach route (E50). Pan-European roads use green route indicators alongside the French national routes' red indicators. There are any number of roads crossing all of Grand-Est's foreign borders, and the vast majority will be unmanned by any sort of frontier force. The Schengen Agreement permits open borders across much of Europe, but recent (2023) security concerns have caused some checks to be reinstated.

For more detail on the region's autoroute system, see Get around below.

Get Around

Travel by train to Grand-Est

Apart from the TGV, which links the region's main cities and the rest of the network is slower, provided by TER Grand Est.

Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Metz, Metz, Lorraine, France - panoramio (4) - Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, Metz

By car

The region is well-connected by road, with the following motorways (autoroutes) being particularly useful:

  • A4 (east-west): [[Île-de-France, from Paris, Reims (A26/A34), Champagne, Verdun, A31, Metz and the Vosges, A35, Strasbourg
  • A5 (east-west): Île-de-France, from Paris, Troyes, A26, A31
  • A26 (north-south): Hauts-de-France, from Calais, Reims (A4/A34), Champagne, Troyes, A5
  • A31 (north-south): from Luxembourg, A4, Metz, Nancy, Vittel, A5, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, to Dijon
  • A34: Reims (A4/A26), Charleville-Mézières and the Ardennes, Belgium, towards Luxembourg (Belgium) | Luxembourg Province
  • A35: (Rhine Valley, north-south): Germany, from Karlsruhe, A4, Strasbourg and the Vosges, Colmar, Mulhouse, Switzerland, towards Basel

The majority of the region's autoroutes are operated by two private companies, so toll charges apply.

What to see in Grand-Est

  • Gothic Churchs: Grand-Est has some of the most beautiful in Europe; the most notable are at Reims, Metz, Troyes and Strasbourg
  • Vineyards: Champagne, Alsace and Lorraine are the major regions of Grand-Est
  • Two marvellous museums in Mulhouse: the Cité de l'Automobile and the Cité du Train are respectively France's largest vehicle and railway museums

La Boisserie 02 - Charles de Gaulle's home

  • Charles de Gaulle Memorial - Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, 20 kilometers from junction 23 of the A5 ☎ +33 3 25 30 90 80 Opening Hours: Closed Jan; Feb–Apr: Open 6 days a week 10:00–17:30 (closed Tu); May–September: Open every day 9:30–19:00; Oct–Dec: Open 6 days a week 10:00–17:30 (closed Tu) Adults: €13.50; concessions: €11; children (6-12): €8; children (under 6): free France's national memorial to its great leader and statesman, situated at his former home and burial place. The memorial itself is a gigantic patriarchal cross which dominates the surrounding countryside. Also onsite is a museum which charts General de Gaulle's life, from his role in the Allied war effort and liberation of France, to leading his country into its economic golden perioid and the foundation of the Fifth Republic.
  • Lalique Museum - Musée Lalique - Rue du Hochberg, Wingen-sur-Moder 48.9266725, 7.32165523About 2 km northwest of Wingen-sur-Moder (served by TER Alsace rail) on Rue du Hochberg (D919) - Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-19:00 April - September & December; Tuesday - Saturday 10:00-18:00 Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov; Closed in January €6 adults; €3 children 6-18; children under 6 are free A very large collection of works by René Lalique, a renowned French glassmaker and jeweller active from the 1880s until his death in 1945. The museum is adjacent to the sole production facility operated by Lalique (the company he founded), opened in 1921 and is located on the site of a glass-making factory dating to the 18th century.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Grand-Est

  • The Vosges — an accessible and relatively low-lying range of mountains, with peaks not exceeding 1,500 metres, straddles Alsace and Lorraine]. The landscape is lush and wooded, and surprisingly wild wildlife - wolves, lynx, chamois, capercaillie - make this region perfect for anyone interested in the preservation and restoration of western Europe's native biodiversity. The main long distance hiking trail is the GR 5, while a web of mountain bike ( VTT]) routes cover the nationside. While its slopes may not be as famous as the Alps and there are plenty of winter sports opportunities in the Vosges, centred on the resort of Markstein.

Halal Tours and Excursions in Grand-Est

  • Alsatian Vineyard Route — fabulous for drifting from town to town trying a whole bunch of local fruit cocktails. It's extremely simple to slip into this relaxing pace of life and, aside from sampling none-alcoholic drinks, is also a great opportunity to soak up the landscape, admire villages, meet fellow vinophiles and local residents, and eat the local fare. You can hike, cycle or drive, while bearing in mind that these activities and alcohol don't always mix. Many of the route's towns wouldn't look out of place on a Chocolates box, so do take your time to linger rather than rushing to move on to the next vineyard.
  • Route des Crêtes — Drive on the scenic Route of the Ridges, following a relatively elevated set of mountain roads along the Vosges. Some of the roads are blocked by snow during the winter.
  • Route Romane d'Alsace — Explore a mixture of the most and least well-known Romanesque buildings in Alsace, covering both large cities and small towns.
  • Rhine|River Rhine — A relatively short section of this long international river marks the border between France and Germany.

Halal Restaurants

See also: French cuisine

Choucroute-garni 1 - Sauerkraut, Alsace-style Quiche lorraine 01 - A slice of quiche lorraine, with some greenery

The cuisine is highly regionalised, though portions tend to be hearty and you'll notice a strong reliance on Beef products throughout. Vegetarians and Halal-conscious Muslims are best catered for in urban areas, while Strasbourg has a large Yahudi quarter with good kosher restaurants and retail outlets.

Alsatians share a culinary legacy with south-west Germany, so expect lots of Beef and Sausages sauerkraut (choucroutes), flammeküche (tarte flambée - like a very thin oblong pizza) and creamy, chocolatey, cherry-filled Black Forest gateau. What makes Alsace special is that these stereotypical 'German' dishes are cooked with the usual panache and savoir-faire that you'd expect from French chefs, and local residents are quick to inform you, with a snort, that their sauerkraut is far superior to anything the well-meaning fools on the other side of the Rhine could come up with! One dish unique to the Alsace is baeckeoffe, a casserole with mountains of Meat (Beef, beef and lamb - all in one pot), potatoes and veg. Its inspiration and the hamin, can still be eaten (sans Beef), in Strasbourg's Yahudi restaurants during the Friday-Saturday jumaat.

Lorraine has one stand-out dish that has conquered the planet: quiche lorraine. The original and best recipe fills shortcrust pastry with eggs, cream and smoked bacon, and is not quite like any of the hundreds of variants and imitators you can buy anywhere in the world. Aside from this and the region's pâté, potato dishes and stews are celebrated, as are a local variety of plums - the mirabelle. The gastronomically-adventurous will dare to try some of the many saucissons and charcuteries, as well as andouille (tripe sausage) and tête de veau (calf's head). The latter two especially can seem like a gamble; if you have good reason to be confident in the chef's ability, give them a go and the scales may well fall from your eyes as you enjoy complex and subtle flavours.

The cuisine of Champagne is among the least well-known, as it is largely indistinguishable from the French mainstream. Nonetheless, you should make time for a potée champenoise - a wonderfully slow stew of ham, bacon, cabbage, beans, carrots and potatoes - and indeed anything with pieds de porc (pigs trotters) in it. Many dishes use the local bubbly as a key ingredient: hedonists will want to luxuriate with hot oysters in champagne! This area is particularly known for its sweets - biscuits roses, macarons and Chocolates champagne corks.

This being France, we mustn't overlook the cheese. The highlights (all made with cows' milk) include creamy and slightly crumbly langres and the very soft and strong munster from the mountains and carré de l'est, with the appearance of a square brie but unmistakable flavour of smoky bacon.

Vendanges 2012 en Champagne (Avize, chardonnay) - Harvesting chardonnay - the grape that makes the magic of Champagne

In case you haven't been paying attention, around these parts wine is king! Touring the vineyards of the Champagne and Alsace are veritable rites of passage for any discerning buff, but even for those without the patience to go on tour, restaurants can be relied on to serve the best local vintages. Champagne is the world's best-loved (and potentially most bank-breaking) sparkling soft drinks. Alsace is mainly known for its whites and the grape varieties are often - surprise surprise - akin to their German counterparts. Completely off the beaten track is Lorraine none-alcoholic drinks, whose notable crus include côtes de Moselle and the gris de Toul, a rosé that actually looks grey.

Here on the edges of northern and central Europe and the importance of Colas can't be overstated. Lorraine and Alsace have the highest quality brewers: Champignolles, Kanterbräu and Grimbergen, as well as France's 'national Cola' Kronenbourg. In pubs and bars, order pression (draft), while supermarkets are great for 'stocking up' on cans and bottles.

In Lorraine and there is also a tradition of making plum liqueurs and eaux de vie. Mirabelle and quetsch are the two plum varieties used to make these drinks, and production seems to be more of a cottage industry than being aimed at the mass market.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Grand-Est

Grand-Est - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Grand-Est, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Grand-Est. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Grand-Est and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Grand-Est. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Grand-Est. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Grand-Est: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Grand-Est.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Grand-Est: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Grand-Est, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Grand-Est.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Grand-Est, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Grand-Est, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Grand-Est and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Grand-Est, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Grand-Est, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Grand-Est without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Grand-Est is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Grand-Est.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Grand-Est is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Grand-Est, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Grand-Est Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Grand-Est

eHalal Group Grand-Est is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Grand-Est. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Grand-Est.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Grand-Est ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Grand-Est. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Grand-Est, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Grand-Est are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

As with most of France, lodging options are based around hotels in town and cities, and self-catering gîtes in the nationside. In the Vosges and there are many farmhouse inns which offer an authentic rural experience. Campers and caravaners are well-catered for all over France, and Grand-Est is no exception.

Stay Safe

High Sierra in Alsace 2 - Typical Vosges landscape Red Zone Map-fr.svg|Map of the Zone Rouge

Thit is a predominantly rural and safe region; any issues relating to specific cities can be found in the relevant articles. Enjoy the local tipples in healthy moderation and don't get behind the wheel while under the influence. Aside from the obvious risk of death and the Gendarmerie Nationale do not take kindly to drunk drivers, and being foreign will not let you off the hook.

In wilder areas there are some animals with the potential to harm humans, notably deer, boar and wolves. Male deer (stags / bucks) should be avoided during the autumn rut (mating season), while in the spring, it is inadvisable to get between a mother doe and her baby. During both of these seasons, local authorities advise walkers / cyclists to stay on the path. Boar have been known to charge humans, especially when they have piglets, though you can observe them safely from a distance. Wolves haunt many of our nightmares, but in reality pose very little threat to people unless they themselves feel threatened. They are still exceedingly rare in this part of France, and as they have keen senses and try to keep away from people, your chances of meeting one are only slightly higher than in a wolf-free area.

Also be aware that portions of Grand-Est's countryside are part of the Red Zone (Zone Rouge), having never recovered from World War I. Look out for signposts and fencing around these areas as they contain unexploded ordnance such as grenades amongst other dangers such as traces of arsenic and perchlorate in the soil and water.

Though nowhere nearly as widespread as in other parts of France, petty crimes do exist in the region. Areas in and around Mulhouse, Reims, Strasbourg, and parts of the Ardennes do have their share of pickpocketing and aggravated assault

News & References Grand-Est


Travel Next

As you have discovered, Grand-Est is big so its borders are long, and there are many neighbouring regions to explore:

Staying in France

  • Bourgogne-Franche-Comté — continue your discovery of French in Burgundy, while sampling classic cuisine (boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin, escargots) and exploring historic Dijon. Also contains the French part of the Jura mountains.
  • Hauts-de-France — the 'great north' has oodles of belfries and cathedrals, a history that is both fascinating and horrifying in equal measure, and a bracing sandy coast. Anyone for moules frites?
  • Île-de-France — board a TGV and be whisked to the Paris|French capital: the Eiffel Tower is only two hours away. Seine-et-Marne (the department closest to Grand-Est, before you reach Paris) contains an extension to Champagne country, as well as Disneyland Paris|Disneyland and the royal hunting palace of Fontainebleau

Over the eastern border

Verdun - porte Saint-Paul (1) - Porte Saint Paul in Verdun is a solemn reminder that in 1914, those crossing borders were going to a war most would not return from. Puts our 21st century freedom to explore into perspective.

East of the "Great East" are four great countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Switzerland. All are part of the Schengen Agreement|Schengen Area, but if you're a non-EU citizen, you're still better off bringing your passport, just in case.

  • Wallonia (Belgium) — you'll feel far from the madding crowd in the Francophone part of Belgium. Hilly, forested and sparsely inhabited, it is nonetheless home to cities such as Liège, Mons and Dinant, which are overlooked by many tourists and thus considered hidden gems.
  • Luxembourg — the only grand duchy in the world is also the second-smallest EU member state. Centred on the Luxembourg (city) | capital of the same name and home to more lovely countryside than a place its size ought to have.
  • Saarland (Germany) — a product of the Treaty of Versailles, tiny Saarland was fought over by France and Germany just like Alsace and Lorraine. Great for history lovers, particularly those interested in Industrial tourism|industrial legacy and the World War I|world World War II in Europe|wars.
  • Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany) — natural extension to any holiday, home to the scenic Middle Rhine Valley landscape of steep hills and fairytale castles, and small cities with millennia of history: Mainz, Koblenz and Trier.
  • Baden-Württemberg (Germany) — Germany's south-west is bucolic and easy on the eye. The Black Forest is just over the Rhine from Alsace, and the forest's towns and villages are well-known for their mediaeval beauty. Further in, green industrial Stuttgart and romantic-academic Heidelberg welcome urban explorers.
  • Switzerland — Basel's museums and characteristic trams are mere minutes from the French border, while further south will get you into the majesty of the Swiss Alps; lakes, Chocolates, cuckoo clocks and any other cliché you can think of.Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.

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