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

Picnicking by a lake

For a cool picnic with the whole family, head for the lakes of the Grand Est region! A holiday atmosphere at Lac de Madine in Lorraine,Etang du Stock in Moselle or Lac de Gérardmer in the Vosges... the hardest thing will be choosing! Further west, young and old alike will enjoy the refreshing atmosphere of Lac du Der and the lakes of the Orient Forest, or Lac des Vieilles Forges in the Ardennes. On the Vosges peaks, other more intimate lakes such as Lac Blanc and Lac du Forlet are perfect for a lunch break after a good walk. But the good news is that the higher you go, the lower the temperatures!

Enjoy a moment by the water

Take a boat trip

Embark on an unusual and refreshing boat trip in Châlons-en-Champagne!

Aboard an electric boat, you'll discover the city's iconic monuments and ancient bridges. As close as you can get to the water and lush countryside, you'll be able to escape the heat! As night falls, the ride is enhanced by a sound and light show to be admired along the water. It's a unique experience to enjoy as a couple, with friends or surrounded by your little family!

We love the theatrical presentation of the various sites and heritage features.

Visit a fortified structure

Go back in time in the Grand Est! Castles, citadels and other military forts open their doors to give you a better understanding of the region's rich past... all while keeping cool! Young and old explorers can relive themedieval era in Alsace or the Ardennes. The great world wars also left their mark in Verdun, where you can walk in the footsteps of the Poilus. Don't forget your woolly jacket - the visits are chilly!

Tales of adventure and glory around every corner

Take refuge in the cellars of Champagne and Alsace

From the Alsace wine route to the vineyards of Champagne, our passionate winegrowers take you on a refreshingly immersive tour. In the midst of hundred-year-old oak barrels, the wines of Alsace will no longer hold any secrets for you. In Champagne, enter the crayères, these ancient underground galleries with their invigorating coolness, and taste a few bubbles away from the heat! All in moderation, of course!

See all our cellar tours in Alsace and Champagne.

Take advantage of the cool surroundings for a sparkling break

Taste the pleasures of water

Paddling pool, slides, wave pool, wild river... enjoy the pleasures of water with your family during a day atCenter Parcs' Aqua Mundo! Looking for a thrill? The Water Jump at Parc Pokeland is the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer's day! Take a plunge down the slides or get on a buoy: coolness and thrills guaranteed for young and old!

Activities that guarantee hours of fun!

Sailing the canals in an electric boat

Sail along the Moselle and conquer Metz on board an electric boat! It's an original and environmentally-friendly way to discover the city while enjoying the cool waters of the canals. And why not extend the experience into the evening with an aperitif or dinner on board? In Strasbourg, take a private trip on an electric yacht. Your pilot will be waiting for you for an exclusive ride along the water!

A fun way to discover the city in a different way

Try out water sports

The best way to escape the heat is to take to the water! Lakes, ponds, rivers.... in the Grand Est region, there are plenty of places to cool off! Swimming may be the main holiday activity, but for the more sporty there's canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding and, what's more original, water-biking! There's a whole host of water-based activities to enjoy with family and friends, with lots of laughs guaranteed!

Activities for everyone, from beginners to the more adventurous

Bathing in the forest

To escape the summer temperatures, take refuge in the forest for a walk in the shade of the trees. The forests of the Grand Est region are ideal for a wide range of activities. Accompanied by a guide or on your own, it's time to take a deep breath of fresh air and greenery. On foot, of course, but why not try a bike or scooter and feel your hair blow in the wind? With family or friends, choose equipment with electric assistance, so you don't feel the strain too much and enjoy the ride all the more. And for an even more refreshing outing, head for the forests of the Vosges mountains to lose a few more degrees!

Birdsong in the background

Climbing in the forest

Enjoy the coolness of the forest with your family... and have fun! Tree climbing, zip lines, monkey bridges... there's plenty to do under the shade of the trees. Climbing, descending, jumping... from the Ardennes toAlsace, via the Moselle and the Vosges, young and old adventurers alike will have a ball!

An unbeatable view of nature

Visit old mines

Awaken your adventurous spirit, because you're in for a real trip underground! A visit to the old silver mines in the Vosges Massif will plunge you into the world of 16th-century miners. You'll explore the underground galleries dug into the rock and discover a fabulous geological heritage! All in the shade!

A place that has remained intact since the time 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