Despite being a super-region of 10 departments and encompassing Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne and Lorraine, Grand Est remains unexplored by many. This year marks multiple sparkling anniversaries: the 100th anniversary of the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, Champagne’s most prestigious street; the 10th UNESCO anniversary of the Coteaux, Champagne Houses and Cellars; and the 30th year of the Champagne Route Celebration, an annual event that was held in Les Riceys in July.
The region is synonymous with fine dining, home to France’s first Michelin-starred restaurant in a museum and 55 starred establishments besides. Special tourist experiences abound and there’s some great new accommodation at the heart of the vineyards. Other notable places to stay include a five-star ski chalet in the Hautes-Vosges, which opened in January.
You know how seriously gastronomy is taken when the local crafts are all related to the dinner table: exquisite pottery, crystal, linen and chairs are produced in Grand Est. And 2025 marks cultural birthdays too, with the 800 years of Mulhouse sparking a series of artistic events, 100 years of Art Déco celebrated in Nancy, and the 15th year of the Centre Pompidou-Metz, a particular draw since the Paris Pompidou is about to close until 2030.
franceuncovered.com 