The best things for groups to do in… Grand Est, France

Picturesque villages, technology museums, Champagne vineyards and a puppet festival - there’s no pigeon-holing Grand Est. Sharing borders with Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and Luxembourg has given the large eastern region its own identity forged from intersecting cultures and a love of tradition, making it a fascinating group destination. 

Mulhouse 

A city that often gets overlooked for big sister Strasbourg, Mulhouse has a lot to offer groups. The pedestrianised centre lacks the crowds of its busier neighbours but boasts Bavarian-influenced architecture and affordable prices, plus it is home to Europe’s largest cluster of interactive technological museums.

At the Musée National de l’Automobile, groups can see cars of all kinds, from the very earliest models to premier racing machines, while rail enthusiasts will be in their element at Cité du Train, one of the top ten largest rail museums in the world boasting a vast collection of locomotives. Along with exploring the mysteries of electricity at the Electropolis Museum, curious minds will be easily occupied in Mulhouse. 

Champagne Wine Route

Much like the drink, the Champagne Wine Route is designed to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. It boasts around 600 kilometres of walking routes (also driveable), split into six manageable circuits that take in fine views of sloping vineyards and journey through pretty villages. 

From ‘The Vallée de la Marne’ to the ‘Côte des Blancs’, there are many activities suitable for groups throughout the route. Highlights include cellar tours and tastings, touring UNESCO-listed Avenue de Champagne in Épernay (the capital of Champagne and home of the Habits des Lunieres festival in December), and Pressoria, an interactive and sensory museum of Champagne located in Aÿ. 

Alsace Wine Route

For wine connoisseurs, following the oldest wine route in France is a must. The 170-kilometre route snakes through bucolic landscapes and picturesque villages characterised by half-timbered houses and window sills laden with flowers.  

A favourite way to experience the route is by e-bike, and there are plenty of options for private and guided bike trips that stop at vineyards and cellars. Meet passionate winegrowers and learn about the process from grape to bottle during tastings and tours. Or take it easy by driving from town to town; highlights along the route include Eguisheim, labelled one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr and Obernai. 

Cultural festivals

In the Ardennes, Charleville-Mézières is a hub of vibrant festivals, with two special events taking over the town between August and September. Save the date for the biennial World Puppet Festival, taking place from 17th to 26th September 2027. The renowned cultural event welcomes 155,000 visitors a year, with artists from all over the world gathering to perform and exhibit their creations. 

The town also hosts the eco-conscious Cabaret Vertmusic festival in late August, named after the poem by the famous French poet Arthur Rimbaud, a native of the town. 

Strasbourg

Grand Est’s pastel-hued capital is full of atmosphere, with cobble stone streets flanked by historic half-timbered houses and grand Renaissance style buildings, cut through by canals. Groups should start a visit in Strasbourg with a private boat tour along the Ill River to the Grande-Île, an island in the middle of the city steeped in history. 

At Strasbourg Cathedral, groups can see the original Renaissance-era astronomical clock and venture up to a viewing platform for panoramic views across the city. Then find a traditional Winstub to dine communally on regional food such as tarte flambée. With plenty of accommodation options and good transport links across France and neighbouring countries, it’s a great base for group trips to Grand Est.

Home of glasswork

Leading names in contemporary and traditional glasswork are based in Grand Est. Lalique has a museum in Wingen-sur-Moder which groups can visit between April and September, housing permanent collections of works by René Lalique and his successors as well as temporary exhibitions. Baccarat also has a museum, open year-round, that explores over 250 years of craftsmanship and features nearly 400 pieces from Baccarat’s archives and private collections.

In 2027, groups will be able to tour the historic stained glass workshops of Atelier Simon-Marq, founded in Reims in 1640. The atelier worked closely with Marc Chagall to bring to life his stained-glass windows in Reims Cathedral, and today creates contemporary stained-glass pieces and restores historic glassworks.