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What to do when it rains? 10 dry activities to do in Eastern France

Don't panic, bad weather doesn't mean boredom. What about exploring a mine, discovering a museum, visiting a fortified castle or taking part in a creative workshop? Here are 10 ideas for activities to do indoors when it's raining, to keep busy and enjoy yourself while you wait for the weather to return.

Quand il pleut

Visit a wine cellar and take part in a wine tasting session

The Grand Est is one of France's leading wine tourism regions! Whatever your wine preferences, you'll be delighted to find refuge in the region's wine cellars when it rains.

From the Alsace Wine Route to the vineyards of Champagne, winegrowers open the doors of their estates and houses. On the programme: fun tours to discover exceptional know-how and memorable guided tastings. With a fruit juice option for the kids, of course. Enough to take your mind off the gloom!

A UNESCO World Heritage Site to explore... and taste

Cellar visits & tastings


Take part in a crafts workshop

There's nothing like a rainy day for the whole family to get their hands dirty! Ceramics, marquetry, bookbinding, glass-blowing, violin-making... the Grand Est region is bursting with unique skills and crafts... and there's something for everyone!
Spend a day or an afternoon learning from a passionate craftsman, and give free rein to your creativity!
There are even special activities for children, who will love making little objects with their own hands to take home!

Discover preciously preserved craft traditions

Moulin de la Fleuristerie

Visiting a museum

It's the perfect back-up plan! When it's raining, there's always a fascinating museum nearby where you can take shelter and learn something new at the same time. Take advantage of the downpour to learn more about your favourite subjects or to play the curious game!

Cité du Train, Mémorial de Verdun, Musée Unterlinden, Centre Pompidou-Metz... the museums of the Grand Est explore a wide range of themes, and there's something for everyone! Between the permanent collections and the temporary exhibitions, you'll be spoilt for choice in the museums of the Grand Est.

What's more, many museums offer activities and games for children, so you can combine culture with family fun!

For curious little ones and big explorers

Mémorial de Verdun, 1ère Guerre Mondiale décorations militaires

Relaxing in a spa

When it rains, we like to take refuge in the warm, comforting atmosphere of a spa. Whirlpool baths, steam rooms, saunas, relaxation areas... open the door of one of our exceptional establishments and immerse yourself in a moment of well-being. And why not take the opportunity to enjoy a treatment or massage? It's an activity you can share with your partner or even the whole family!

A rainy day is also an opportunity to recharge your batteries thanks to the beneficial properties of the thermal waters of the Grand Est region. Getting wet? All right, but only with massage jets on your back!

The soothing setting and facilities are designed for a moment of pure relaxation!

Find out more here

An escape game or virtual reality games

What better way to escape the rain than with an escape game? Assemble your team, then don your detective costume and try to complete the mission you've been given! Through a series of enigmas, puzzles and fun games, your powers of observation, logic and teamwork will be put to the test.

Accessible to all, escape games offer a range of scenarios and adventures: something to please children and escape game experts alike! Shall we take bets on the winning team?

Surprising settings that plunge you into another universe

Bibliothèque André Grandpierre

Treat yourself to a gourmet break

There's no better excuse to sample some of the best local flavours! Renowned for its generous, friendly and authentic cuisine, the Grand Est region has something for everyone. Dine out as a couple in a Michelin-starred restaurant, take an impromptu lunch break in one of the city's brasseries, enjoy a family brunch, or recharge your batteries over a delicious afternoon snack with the kids...

Local specialities are sure to be among your favourites. When it rains, our tables promise you the comfort you need!

Both sweet and savoury specialities

To find out more

Journey into the depths of the earth

Trade in your umbrella for a helmet and hiking boots, and let's set off on an adventure! Led by your guide, take a timeless tour of the underground galleries of the Val d'Argent mines, right in the heart of the Ballon des Vosges Regional Nature Park. In the depths of the Saint-Louis Eisenthür and Saint-Jean Engelsbourg mines, you'll discover a fabulous industrial and geological heritage. It's the perfect place for an unusual family outing when it's raining!

A look at the evolution of mining methods

Visit a brewery or distillery

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of beer-making! Rain, snow or shine, the master brewers of the Grand Est region welcome you to their establishments to share their secrets with you. Discover the different stages in the production of this hoppy beverage and learn how to detect its subtle aromas.

Don't you like it when it foams? The region's craft distilleries also offer tours and tastings, and even workshops for making your own spirit. Whisky, gin, eaux-de-vie... Taste the fruit of the land and its family traditions. In moderation, of course!

Discover, taste and reveal your talents as a master brewer!

Reawaken your sporting soul

Ski without worrying about the weather on France's longest indoor ski slope! Located in Amnéville, SnowWorld lets snow lovers hit the slopes all year round. Bookable online, the pass guarantees you a whole host of thrills! The kids will love it!

Do you love sport, but prefer to experience it from the stands? Well, the competition is in full swing in the Grand Est! Football, handball, volleyball, basketball... When it rains, make the most of being dry to watch top-class matches. Choose your favourite sports and come and cheer on your favourite teams! And for total immersion, mingle with the local fans and their celebrations!

Guaranteed thrills, both on the slopes and in the stands

Amnéville, snowhall / snowpark, ski indoor , enfants, snowboard

Discover all the secrets of a fortified castle

Enter the walls steeped in history of one of the sumptuous châteaux of the Grand Est region! From theArdennes toAlsace, step back in time and follow in the footsteps of emblematic princes, marquises and lords. Furnished flats, armouries, art collections... There's something for everyone to marvel at in these veritable cinema sets. Whether accompanied by a guide or on your own, it's sure to be a fascinating visit!

At the Sedan fortress (the largest in France, and indeed in Europe!) or the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle, children can already imagine themselves in the shoes of valiant knights! The thunder is rumbling and the rain is pouring down the moat? The visit will be all the more epic!

A medieval feast for an even more chivalrous adventure

Château-fort de Sedan

*Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health and should be consumed in moderation.