10 things to do in the Grand Est when it's too hot

Picnicking by the lake

For a refreshing moment in the heart of nature, there's nothing like a lakeside picnic. There are many lakes in the Grand Est region where you can relax and swim. Head for the lakes in the Vosges, such as the famous Lac de Gérardmer, or the more intimate Lac Blanc or Lac du Forlet, perched high up in the Munster valley. The higher you go, the lower the temperature: an excellent way to escape the heatwave!

In Lorraine, don't miss the Lac de Madine, ideal for a family day out with its playgrounds, beaches and water trails. In Moselle, the étang du Stock offers a peaceful setting, perfect for a refreshing break.

To the west, head for Champagne with Lac du Der, a popular spot for swimming and water sports. The lakes of the Forêt d'Orient, near Troyes, and the Lac des Vieilles Forges in the Ardennes are also great places to picnic, swim or simply relax by the water.

These natural spots are easily accessible from Reims, Nancy, Metz or even Paris, for a cool summer weekend in France.

Enjoy a moment by the water

Take a boat trip

In Châlons-en-Champagne, a town full of charm, you can enjoy an unusual and refreshing new experience: a trip on an electric boat along the canals. This gentle, environmentally-friendly activity lets you discover the treasures of the local heritage while enjoying the freshness of the water.

By day, you can cruise between ancient bridges, shady gardens and the city's most emblematic monuments. At nightfall, the walk takes on a whole new dimension thanks to the sound and light show projected onto the façades: a poetic and memorable experience to enjoy as a couple, with friends or with your children.

We love the dramatisation of the various sites and heritage sites.

Visit a fortified site

The Grand Est region has a wealth of historic sites to enjoy! Châteaux forts, citadels, bunkers, military forts... these places steeped in history plunge you into the region's past while keeping you cool in the summer heat.

In Alsace, explore the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, perched on a hill overlooking the plain. In the Ardennes, the Sedan fortress reveals its impressive vaulted rooms. In Verdun, follow in the footsteps of the Poilus through the underground forts of the First World War.

These cultural visits are also a great way to gain a better understanding of the history and commemorative events that are still very much alive in this region of France.

Tales of adventure and glory around every corner

Take refuge in the cellars of Alsace and Champagne

In the mood for coolness and bubbles? The wine cellars of Alsace and Champagne are perfect places to visit when the weather is hot. In Champagne, explore the crayères in Épernay or Reims, ancient underground galleries where the champagne ages away from the light and heat. The temperature there remains constant all year round!

In Alsace, the estates along the Wine Route open their doors to you for guided tours of the cellars, followed by tastings of fresh, fruity wines. From Colmar to Mulhouse, via the wine-producing villages, there's no shortage of opportunities to refresh yourself in moderation.

It's the ideal way to enjoy a wine-tasting holiday that combines heritage, terroir and thermal comfort!

See all our cellar tours in Alsace and Champagne.

Take advantage of the cool surroundings for a sparkling break

Taste the pleasures of water in a water park

When the weather's hot, head for the Grand Est's water parks! At Center Parcs - Aqua Mundo, or Parc Pokeyland - Water Jump in Moselle, young and old alike can have fun in structures entirely dedicated to keeping cool.

Wave pool, wild river, slides, paddling pools, children's games... everything is designed to ensure that the family has a refreshing and fun day out. These parks offer a full range of water-based activities, located close to major cities such as Nancy, Metz and Strasbourg.

Activities that guarantee hours of fun!

Sailing the canals of Metz and Strasbourg

Discover the emblematic cities of Metz and Strasbourg from an original point of view aboard an electric boat without a licence. Strolling along the waterways, you can escape the heat while exploring the urban heritage: cathedrals, bridges, historic districts...

In Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, let the current take you on a refreshing cruise through Petite France and the European Quarter. Why not opt for a private cruise on an electric yacht, with an aperitif on board? It's the perfect way to rediscover Strasbourg from a different angle, while enjoying the cool waters of the canal.

In Metz, the cruise takes you to the heart of a city of art and history, between the majestic cathedral, the banks of the Moselle and the gardens of the lake. The green and peaceful setting makes Metz an ideal destination for a summer outing on the water.

A fun way to discover the city in a different way

Try out water sports on lakes and rivers

Fancy getting active while staying cool? The Grand Est is the ideal region for trying out water sports that are accessible to everyone. Whether you're in the Vosges, Moselle or Ardennes, you'll find water sports centres offering canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, pedal-boating... and even cycling on the water!

If you're near La Bresse, some centres also offer paddle-boarding to share with friends. Great ideas to try out with the whole family, to vary the pleasures!

These sporting or family activities are perfect for alternating coolness and excitement. And for those who prefer the traditional way of swimming, many lakes are open to supervised bathing in summer.

Activities for everyone, from beginners to the more adventurous

Walk in the shade in the forests

To escape the heat, head for the forests of the Grand Est, the green lungs of the region. In Lorraine, the Vosges and the Ardennes, discover the signposted trails accessible on foot, mountain bike or scooter.

And for an even more refreshing outing, head for the forests of the Vosges mountains, which also offer educational trails and refreshing views of the peaks.

These nature walks, either on your own or accompanied by a guide, allow you to breathe in the fresh air while enjoying the soothing surroundings.

Birdsong in the background

Tree-climbing on a accrobranche

If you want to combine coolness and thrills, try tree climbing! Each forest adventure park offers a fun and sporting way to enjoy nature, in the shade of the trees. You'll find them just about everywhere in the Grand Est region: in the Vosges, around Colmar, in Moselle or near Reims. Monkey bridges, zip lines, leaps into the void... each park offers routes suitable for all ages.

Choose an accrobranche park near you or your holiday destination for an original family outing. It's the ideal way to gain height, have fun and cool off in summer!

An unbeatable view of nature

Visit old mines

Discover a little-known but fascinating heritage: the silver mines of the Vosges Massif. During your visit, you'll go down into the galleries dug out by the miners in the 16th century. These underground sites maintain a constant cool temperature, ideal for a trip in the middle of summer.

These sites are also regularly the subject of renovation work and local heritage news. Keep up to date with the latest news so you don't miss a thing!

A place that has remained intact since the days of the miners

The sounds and lights of summer in Eastern France

As daylight declines and temperatures drop, the towns and cities of the Grand Est region are putting on a colourful show! From Strasbourg to Reims, via Lorraine, there are free sound and light shows to enjoy on cool summer evenings and discover our heritage in a whole new way.
So, shall we go out?

All the shows

A new way to discover monuments

Many of the most popular places in the Grand Est region have excellent reviews from visitors, who are attracted by the quality of the sites, the freshness of the trails and their accessibility for families. It's also the perfect opportunity to try out a new activity, discover a nature park, a refreshing lake or a typical, as yet undiscovered village.

So, are you ready to organise your next cool getaway? Explore, choose, book... and let yourself be surprised by the treasures of the Grand Est this summer!