What to see in France

Camping in the Grand Est region

Vignoble de Reims dans la région Grand Est
Vignoble de Reims dans la région Grand Est

 

The result of the merger of the former regions of Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne and Lorraine, the Grand Est is a destination famous for its medieval castles, its half-timbered facades, its Gothic churches, the numerous cities of Art and History such as Colmar or Strasbourg in Alsace, the vineyards of Champagne-Ardenne and its historical heritage with the cathedral of Reims, the Alsace wine route or the cities of Metz or Nancy in Lorraine. The Grand Est is also a considerable natural territory. The large lakes, the immense forests of the Vosges mountains or the regional nature parks offer endless possibilities for water sports and hiking of all kinds. Choosing camping as accommodation is without doubt an excellent starting point for exploring all the facets of the Grand Est.

Everything you need to know about campsites in the Grand Est

More than 350 campsites in the Grand Est are spread over ten departments. There are about 20 campsites in the Ardennes, the same number in the Aube, a little more than 50 campsites in the Bas-Rhin, about 60 campsites in the Haut-Rhin, about 25 campsites in the Haute-Marne and about 20 campsites in the Marne, about 15 campsites in Meurthe-et-Moselle, 28 campsites in the Meuse, 37 campsites in the Moselle and 75 campsites in the Vosges, the most touristic department.

 

Campsites in the Grand-Est by number of stars

A campsite's classification is the indicator to follow in accordance with your expectations in terms of comfort. The number of stars determines the size of a pitch, the size of the campsite and the number of facilities such as a water park or fitness room, and other services such as a children's club or a wellness area, which are offered to holidaymakers.

Most of the campsites in the Grand Est are two and three star establishments, divided equally between 84 ** and 87 ***. In third place, the **** campsites number 26, followed by the * campsites with 20 establishments. Finally, there are less than ten campsites classified *****.

Size of campsites: how many pitches do the campsites in the Grand-Est have?

The vast majority of campsites in the Grand-Est region have less than 100 pitches. The ideal size for all holidaymakers who dream of a relaxing stay in a reasonably sized campsite. The campsite Le Clos de la Chaume *** located in Corcieux in the heart of the Vosges mountains is a campsite of a reasonable size (94 pitches). It is ideal for visiting the Vosges but also Alsace and Lorraine. It has a wide range of accommodation including chalets, mobile homes and bungalows.

The Grand-Est region also has a few hundred campsites with more than 100 pitches. Only nine campsites have more than 300 pitches. These offer a wide range of services and entertainment for children of all ages as well as for the whole family in the evening.

Which campsites are located by a lake or river in the Grand-Est?

A large majority of campsites are located on the banks of a lake or river in the Grand-Est, since there are 280 of them, i.e. more than ¾ of the total number of campsites in the region! This means that campsites always choose the best location for their establishment. This is the case of the Lac des Vieilles Forges *** campsite in Les Mazures in the Ardennes, it is located 200 metres from the magnificent Lac des Vieilles Forges, and in the middle of the Ardennes forest. You can enjoy the beach, swimming and water activities. The Ramberchamp ** campsite in Gérardmer in the Vosges is located on the edge of the lake and will allow you to enjoy all the activities that are offered there.

Which campsites offer unusual accommodation in the Grand-Est?

41 campsites have unusual accommodation in this region. For a night or a weekend, with your partner or family, unusual accommodation allows you to get away from the ordinary for a stay full of surprises. Sleeping in an old-fashioned gypsy caravan or a tree house gives a playful and regressive feel and leaves unforgettable memories.

The Domaine d'Haulmé *** campsite in Haulmé in the Ardennes is nestled in the heart of a site with the Natura 2000 ecological label, itself located in the PNR des Ardennes. These unusual rentals are in keeping with the environment in which they are located. You may sleep in Le Dôme, a geometrical wooden structure with a very warm interior, perfect for lovers, the Bell tent, a spacious and comfortable refusal in the middle of nature, the Tiny House, a very comfortable minimalist and ecological house. The suspended tent which offers a night (or more) in levitation! And finally the vintage caravan with a bohemian spirit, for a return to the past. So? tempted by the experience?

Discover the best of the Grand-East

Strasbourg is one of the leading cities of the Grand-Est and the must-see city of the Bas-Rhin department thanks to its old town and its admirable architectural and cultural heritage.

The Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, impressive silhouette, architecture and history

A visit to the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle is an essential part of a trip along the mythical Alsace Wine Route. Destroyed, rebuilt, and pillaged several times, it was definitively rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century. Located at an altitude of over 750 metres in the commune of Orschwiller, its bastions, its main courtyard and its 62-metre keep have been perfectly restored. From the outside, you can admire the drawbridges, the fountain, the inn and the lower courtyard. Inside, the hexagonal staircase to the flats with the empress's antechamber, the Kaiser's room, the Lorraine room and the weapons room are impressive. From the top of the towers of the Grand Bastion the view over the Vosges, the Alsace plain and sometimes even the Alps is spectacular!

Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle© iStock

The Der-Chantecoq lake, the largest artificial lake in France

The Lac du Der-Chantecoq is located in the Champagne region, near Saint-Dizier, and straddles the Haute-Marne and Marne rivers. This magnificent stretch of water is particularly pleasant during the summer months as it is a great place to practice water sports such as kayaking or water skiing, but you can also swim and lie on the sand as the lake offers six beaches perfect for relaxing. Around the lake, there are almost 80 kilometres of paths that allow walkers to practice mache, rollerblading or cycling. For those who like it! Three harbours have also been built on the lake for the pleasure of boaters.

A museum of the Pays de Der, which recounts the history of the construction of the lake, is to be seen in the small commune of Sainte-Marie-du-Lac-Nuisement. There is also a medicinal plant garden and an educational vegetable garden.

Lac du Der Chantecoq in Haute-Marne
Lac du Der Chantecoq in Haute-Marne© iStock

 

Colmar, capital of Alsace wines

It is difficult to discover the Haut-Rhin without mentioning Colmar, its old half-timbered houses and colourful facades typical of Alsace, its ultra-romantic district of Petite Venise, the pretty bridges and the Quai de la Poissonnerie which can be visited by boat to accentuate the charm of the place. As you walk through the old town, you will appreciate the collegiate church of Saint-Martin, a magnificent 13th century cathedral. In the Tanneurs district, the superb Pfister house dates from 1537 and is particularly popular with visitors. Finally, the Colmar wine fair takes place in August and offers tastings, animations and exhibitions, not to be missed if the opportunity arises!

Colmar in the Haut-Rhin
Colmar in the Haut-Rhin© iStock

Lake Gérardmer, the largest natural lake in the Vosges

At an altitude of 660 metres, this lake of glacial origin located in the Vosges department in the town of Gérardmer, is particularly popular during the summer season and water sports activities use all of its 115 hectares. You can canoe, fish, pedal boat, sail and enjoy its beaches. To enjoy the lake in a different way, electric boat hire is available. Every year, kayaking and rowing competitions are organised there and are much admired by tourists. All around the lake, there are well-developed but sometimes steep paths offering a 7-kilometre walk.

Lake Gerardmer in the Vosges
Lake Gerardmer in the Vosges© iStock

Reims and its Cathedral of the Angels

Known for its champagne, the city of Reims can also be proud of its four buildings listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Notre-Dame Cathedral, the coronation site of 33 kings of France, is a masterpiece of 13th-century Gothic art. Its nickname of Cathedral of the Angels is due to the splendid statues of angels with unfolded wings that adorn its exterior walls. The magnificent stained-glass windows designed by Chagall can be seen in the axial chapel, as well as the nave. The Tau Palace, the Saint-Rémi Basilica and its museum are the other monuments to discover in Reims.

Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral
Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral© iStock

The convent of Mount St. Odile, an important place of pilgrimage

In the town of Ottrott in the Bas-Rhin, the convent of Mount Sainte-Odile owes its name to the patron saint of the Alsatians. Situated at an altitude of over 760 metres, the convent dominates the Alsace plain. It is recognised as one of the most important places in Alsace and welcomes a large number of visitors every year. The sanctuary and the tomb of Saint Odile, who was at the origin of the monastery of Hohenbourg, can be discovered at the top of the mountain. The 12th century Angel Chapel and the Chapel of Tears are open to the public. The terrace of the monastery offers a magnificent view of the surrounding forest and the Alsace plain.

Convent of Mont Saint Odile in Ottrott in the Bas-Rhin
Convent of Mont Saint Odile in Ottrott in the Bas-Rhin© iStock

Troyes, historic capital of Champagne

In the heart of the Grand Est region in the Aube, the city of Troyes is classified as a City of Art and History. Famous in particular for its medieval and Renaissance historic centre in the shape of a champagne cork, it is very pleasant to stroll through the ruelle des Chats and to look for its secret passages, to admire its beautiful statues such as the Heart of Troyes encircled by water jets, the superb glass windows of the gothic cathedral of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul which bear witness to the precious heritage of the master glassworkers of the Trojan School. Having become the capital of the factory shops, one can see in the town the old establishments with red brick facades transformed into housing and witnesses of a radiant past.

City of Troyes in the Aube
City of Troyes in the Aube© iStock

The Cité du Train, pride of Mulhouse and its industrial past

The largest railway museum in Europe, you can't pass through Mulhouse without visiting its railway museum. It became the "Cité du Train" in 2005 and has been open since 1971. You will discover a whole collection relating to the history of the railways, from the racks to the TGV. Covering more than 50,000 m2, it is now one of the ten largest museums in the world on the theme of trains. A visit to the museum is a must for the whole family, as you can enjoy a ride on the Alsace Mini-Express.

The Sedan castle, the largest in Europe!

In the Ardennes, the impressive medieval fortress rises above the town of Sedan. You have to imagine a building on seven levels, with a surface area of 35,000 m2, gigantic! An animated visit is offered with reconstructed scenes of the life of the princes of Sedan as well as that of their servants and soldiers. A visit to the town of Sedan is also a must, a town of Art and History, with its imposing mansions and former textile factories bearing witness to the town's flourishing history.

Sedan Castle in the Ardennes
Sedan Castle in the Ardennes© iStock

Langres, one of the 50 most beautiful towns in France

A real green lung at the gateway to Champagne and Burgundy, the Pays de Langres is renowned for its sense of immensity. The town of Langres stands proudly in the middle of this landscape, with its 12 large towers and imposing ramparts. A beautiful walk which allows you to contemplate magnificent panoramas such as the Vosges, the Marne, the Liez lake, the Langres plateau and the Bonnelle valley. The Place Diderot, decorated with a statue of the philosopher, his birthplace and the sumptuous private mansions are also worth seeing.

Langres, Champagne
Langres, Champagne © iStock

Metz and the Centre Pompidou

Metz has a significant historical and religious cultural heritage. The historic city centre of the Sainte-Croix hill and its medieval imprint with the Sainte-Ségolène church and the Trinitaires church, its private mansions, its cobbled streets and its canals are worth a visit. Just like the stained glass windows of the Saint-Maximin church, which were made by Jean Cocteau.

City of Metz
City of Metz© iStock

 

Built in the shape of a hexagon with a wooden frame, the Centre Pompidou-Metz is a first experiment in decentralising the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. Open since 2010, it features regular contemporary art. The museum also benefits from the collections of the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Conferences, exhibitions, films and shows make up its cultural offer.

Centre Pompidou in Metz
Centre Pompidou in Metz© iStock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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