The beating heart of Europe, capital of Alsace and gateway to the Rhine, Strasbourg is a perfect blend of modernity and authentic charm. With its pretty facades and canals, Strasbourg knows how to win our hearts and stay there!
Metz has been awarded the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire (City of Art and History) label, and is not only a feast for the eyes, but also for the heart! As a creative city, Metz takes visitors on a sensory journey that turns our senses upside down.
The Voie Bleue owes its name to the Moselle, which accompanies it from start to finish: the blue of the river follows us like our shadow! In the Grand Est region, the Voie Bleue follows the river for almost 250km via the towpaths and the Canal des Vosges. It's a completely flat stretch, but above all it's reserved exclusively for bikes: ideal for a first cycling experience. The gentle setting sets the tone: you pedal at your own pace, with the sole aim of enjoying the scenery, its colours and the animals that thrive there, as evidenced by the concert of chirping birds! At once historic, heritage, cultural and gastronomic, the Voie Bleue en Grand Est is the route for every kind of initiation!
As you stroll through Mulhouse, one thing strikes you: art has taken over the town! The city's first painted wall dates back to 1552, and the tradition has continued ever since. Today, you can discover art in all its forms in the city: from mural frescoes to iron sculptures and the hijacking of road signs, art is everywhere! In the various districts, the walls are rarely bare, and the artists have left their mark for us to enjoy. At the junction of Rue de l'Arsenal and Grand Rue in Mulhouse, you'll find one of the most beautiful murals in the world by Vinie Graffiti: it was awarded the title in 2021 by the Street Art Cities application. What makes it special? The building's shutters are part of the decor - it's simply fascinating! Shall we take a look?
The Raid Bulles route is a 370km Gravel cycle loop, punctuated by stages that allow us to discover some of the nuggets of the Aube region. This unique route takes you through the Champagne region: from the plains of Troyes to the forests and valleys of the Pays d'Othe and Armance, via the vineyards of the Côte des Bar, the Raid Bulles is the ultimate nature trail! Throughout this adventure, you'll discover a region and, above all, the people who live there and shape it: you'll meet the cheese-makers who make Chaource cheese, the emblematic cheese of Aube, every day; you'll learn more about wine from the Côte des Bar winemakers who passionately produce Champagne, the nectar of the gods; you'll discover the beehives with the beekeepers who present their meticulous and fascinating work. All in all, a great bunch of people to meet on the Raid Bulles!
La Meuse à Vélo is the French section of Eurovélo 19, stretching 443 kilometres from Langres to Givet. As you cycle along the Meuse river, you're in for a journey to the heart of French history in the Grand Est region! You'll first pass through the town of Verdun, witness to and memory of the First World War, then on to Sedan, home to the largest fortified castle in Europe and witness to 6 centuries of history where lords, kings, princes and the French army followed one another. Finally, we continue to Charleville-Mézières, birthplace of the poet Arthur Rimbaud, where his life is retraced in frescoes highlighting the poet's sublime texts. Let's swap our history textbooks for a cycling trip along the Meuse - there's (almost) as much to learn!
The Grande Traversée des Vosges has been awarded many distinctions: it is one of the longest stretches of walking in Europe, and has also been awarded the title of Leading Quality Trails - Best of Europe, no less! The 430-kilometre route takes you on a wonderful adventure, taking in beautiful Vosges forests, lakes, the remains of castles and fortresses, picturesque Alsatian villages, breathtaking views and some surprising red houses. The trail, precisely signposted by the Club Vosgien, an association of enthusiasts committed to preserving this heritage, allows you to find your bearings straight away. Why not spend the night? Bivouacking is permitted in the Vosges mountains! You don't disturb the fauna and flora, and of course you make sure you leave no trace of your passage when you pack up your tent. Adventure is ours!
With its sumptuous countryside and authentic landscapes, the Grand Est is the perfect destination for a hike. The GR5®, for example, runs from the North Sea to the Mediterranean, linking Nice on the Côte d'Azur to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, via Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland, giving it its name: the Europe Trail. The GR5® winds its way through the Vosges mountains, giving hikers a chance to reconnect with nature, particularly in one of France's largest Regional Nature Parks, the Ballons des Vosges: its high peaks offer breathtaking views. Embark on the most European of the GR ® !