With its gorgeous towns and villages, dynamic cities, world-class vineyards, fantasy castles, and Gothic churches, Eastern France is the perfect area for you to discover. While traveling through this lovely region of France, you can’t miss out on the opportunity to sample the region’s great cuisine and wine.
Strasbourg, France’s international capital, is an excellent starting point for any Eastern France road trip. The journey will take you through the Alsace region’s picturesque towns and villages, past Burgundy’s vineyards, and up into the Alpine Alps of Chamonix, France’s world-class ski resort and summer destination.
Let’s Begin Our Journey in Strasbourg
There’s a lot to see and see when you visit Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region in eastern France, which is just a short distance between Switzerland and Germany.
Strasbourg’s charming cobblestone alleys, flower-decked buildings, and canals are hard to miss. Alsace cities like Ribeauville, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg are only a taste of what’s to be found in the region of eastern France known as Alsace.
Strasbourg Cathedral, the city’s centerpiece, and a must-see attraction features gothic towers from the 12th century as well as an amazing astronomical clock. Many classic restaurants may be found in the Cathedral Square area of Strasbourg, which is one of France’s top gastronomic destinations.
The city is renowned as “Petite France” for good reason, so be sure to take a canal boat to learn more. After that, stroll through the UNESCO-listed Neustadt, Germany’s imperial district, to the Place de la Republique.
Known as “the capital” of Europe because of its German and French heritage, Strasbourg is also home to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights.
Visit The Beautiful Colmar
French and Germanic cultures meet in the Alsatian city of Colmar, which sits just across the border from Germany.
Beautiful half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, attractive restaurants, and bakeries providing the regional specialty Kugelhopf cakes fill the Old Town, which is a lovely place to visit. Alsatian Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines are also widely available at the local wine shops.
La Petite Venise, whose colorful half-timbered buildings line Colmar’s canal network, is the most popular district in the Old Town. The butchers, tanners, and fishmongers used to call this neighborhood home, but now it’s stench-free! It’s a great place to sample some of the area’s best wines while relaxing on a restaurant patio overlooking the canal.
The magnificent St. Martin’s church, which towers over the Old Town, is a must-see for anybody interested in Gothic Revival style architecture. You may get your culture fix at the Unterlinden Museum, which has a large collection of works by local and international artists.
A slice of “Tarte Flambee” or “Flammkuchen,” a thin pizza-like foundation, topped with lardons (bacon), onions, and cheese, is a must while visiting Colmar.
Metz, a City Preserving its Medieval Heritage
Metz, located in the heart of Lorraine, is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a longer stay.
The city of Metz has a rich architectural history that spans from antiquity to the 20th century, preserving numerous elements of a medieval past that is popular with children. Even one of the world’s oldest churches may be found in the town center of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains. In addition, it is France’s oldest church. But Metz isn’t just about cathedrals; there are plenty of other attractions to see as well.
On the Place d’Armes, stop at the Saint-Etienne Cathedral. Since the one you see before you was constructed over three centuries, it’s well worth the trek! After that, we stroll around the city’s historic center, which is lined with cream-colored buildings. To cross the Moselle, we continue to Quai Paul-Vautrin. After that, visit the Center Pompidou-Metz, where you may learn while having fun at the same time with the free permanent exhibitions and kid-friendly activities.
Metz, like every other city in eastern France, goes all out for the holidays, hosting a slew of Christmas markets.
In Metz, the characteristic fruit of Lorraine, the mirabelle plum, we consume it in all its forms! Metz-style macaroons, boulet de Metz, and roasted hazelnuts are among the traditional treats we sample. There is also a chocolate cake made in Metz that is light and delicate. But there’s nothing stopping you from savoring some of the region’s other delicacies as well: Streusel – a brioche topped with crumble-like dough, apples, and cinnamon; Kougelhof – little baked bread dough balls that can be eaten sweet or savory at any time of day (a rich brioche, topped with dried fruits and raisins).
