UNESCO: travel back in time at listed sites in Grand Est

A city getaway in the heart of Grand Est’s iconic towns

In Nancy, one of the most beautiful squares in the world unfurls at the feet of the statue of Stanislas Leszczynski, the former Duc de Lorraine, who gave his name to this neoclassical masterpiece. Place Stanislas is certainly regal and the perfect place to sip a cup of coffee on a terrace.

In Strasbourg, the romantic atmosphere of the Grande-Île will win your heart! From the picturesque Petite Francedistrict to the sublime Rue des Orfèvres, half-timbered houses will take you on an incredible journey back in time. Next to the Grande-Île lies the best-preserved evidence of Imperial Germanic architecture: the Neustadt district.

Don’t forget to visit Strasbourg cathedral and its incredible astronomical clock during a stroll on the Grande-Île!

Discovering gorgeous religious heritage

As well as being the capital of champagne, Reims is also famous for its UNESCO-listed religious buildings. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, where the Kings of France had their coronations, has 2,303 statues! Its treasure, including the coronation mantle of Charles X, is on display in the nearby Palais du Tau. Just as impressive, Saint-Remi Abbey houses the tomb of the bishop who baptised Clovis, the first king of France, circa 496.

An iconic stop on the Way of St James, Châlons-en-Champagne is home to Notre-Dame-en-Vaux church and its carillon, one of the largest in Europe. Head to the Notre-Dame basilica in L’Épine to be blown away by its flamboyant Gothic architecture and astonishing gargoyles.

Be amazed by unusual architecture

In Alsace, the remarkable fortified town of Neuf-Brisach is bound to make an impression. Surrounded by ramparts, the octagonal city is a genuine masterpiece, boasting Vauban fortifications. More of this astonishing architecture can be found in Lorraine, in the heart of the Citadel of Longwy.

A veritable treasure trove is hidden in the UNESCO-listed hills, houses and cellars of Champagne, inviting you to follow the history of wine production in Champagne.

In Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, the famous visionary architect Le Corbusier designed his only industrial building: the Claude et Duval hosiery factory. This “green factory” on stilts is certainly surprising.

Whether you want an afternoon outing or attractions to fill several days, our region is brimming with astonishing places to visit. To discover all the historic heritage Grand Est has to offer, follow our guide.

Journey to the heart of UNESCO heritage sites

Since 2023, 26 sites in Lorraine, including 12 in Meuse, have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as First World War burial and memorial sites. In Verdun, the Ossuary and the Douaumont Necropolis, the Bayonet Trench, the Fort of Douaumont, and the Jewish and Muslim monuments tell the story of the intensity of the fighting and pay tribute to soldiers from around the world.

Surrounding these sites, the Haute-Chevauchée Ossuary in Lachalade, the Éparges, Vauquois, and Faubourg-Pavé necropolises, as well as the American military cemetery in Meuse-Argonne and the German military cemetery in Consenvoye, form a unique memorial route. Between peaceful landscapes and imposing monuments, these places remind us of the scale of the conflict and convey a universal message: remember to preserve peace.