Grand Est is a vast northeastern French region created in 2016 from the historic provinces of Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, and Lorraine. Bordered by Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Belgium, it is a crossroads of European culture, language, and cuisine. Strasbourg, the regional capital, hosts the European Parliament and flaunts one of Europe's finest Gothic cathedrals. Reims preserves the coronation church of French kings and the prestige champagne cellars of the world-famous Champagne region. In between, Colmar's half-timbered lanes, the vine-draped Alsace Wine Route, the Vosges mountain forests, and the solemn WWI battlefields of Verdun create an unrivalled diversity of experiences within a single region.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Grand Est.
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- family-friendly resort lake with promenade cafés and calm, sheltered water
- Supervised swimming (July–August)
- Pedalos and rowboat rental
- Café and restaurant
- Toilets
- Children's play area
- Picnic areas
Lac de Gérardmer — Plage Municipale
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 10:00 on weekends to secure a parking space in the municipal car park off Rue du 10e B.C.C.A.
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- tranquil alpine lake surrounded by Vosges fir forest, popular with campers and hikers
- Supervised swimming area (July–August)
- Camping adjacent
- Kayak and SUP rental
- Picnic meadow
Lac de Longemer
Editor’s tip. Park early — the small unpaved lot near the camping entrance fills by 10:00 on weekends in July and August.
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- remote mountain lake with granite shores, exceptional clarity, and Alsace ridgeline panoramas
- Scenic viewpoint
- Hiking access
- Fishing (permit required)
- Restaurant at lakeside
Lac Blanc (White Lake), Orbey
Editor’s tip. There is no lifeguard — water stays around 18–20°C even in peak summer; enter gradually and avoid solo swims in rough weather.
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- cross-border urban riverside park with a relaxed cycling and BBQ crowd and a European skyline backdrop
- Rhine river swimming area
- Cycling path
- BBQ areas
- Cafés in Kehl Auenpark
Plage du Rhin, Kehl (Rhine Riverbank)
Editor’s tip. Do not attempt open-water swimming in the Rhine — currents are swift and dangerous regardless of season.
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- active watersports lake close to Strasbourg, popular with windsurfers, families and weekend picnickers
- Supervised lake swimming (July–August)
- Sailing club
- Windsurfing
- Kayak rental
- Beach volleyball
- Restaurant
Plan d'Eau de Plobsheim
Editor’s tip. Windsurfers should check the Météo-France forecast for Bas-Rhin before visiting — westerly winds are strongest in the mid-afternoon.
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- remote Lorraine reservoir with a serious windsurfing pedigree and a submerged medieval village history
- Windsurfing (one of France's top inland sites)
- Sailing
- Kayak and SUP rental
- Camping
- Restaurant
Lac de Pierre-Percée
Editor’s tip. Windsurfers should check the afternoon forecast — strongest conditions typically build after 14:00 in summer.
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Grand Est memorable.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Grand Est’s coast.
Is swimming supervised at Lac de Gérardmer?
Yes. A supervised swimming zone is marked with buoys and patrolled by lifeguards from early July through the end of August. Outside this period, swimming is at individual risk with no lifeguard presence.
From the Lac de Gérardmer — Plage Municipale editorial.
Is there an entrance fee for the beach?
Access to the Plage Municipale is free. Fees apply for pedalo and rowboat hire, and for food and drink at the promenade restaurants.
From the Lac de Gérardmer — Plage Municipale editorial.
Is Lac de Longemer suitable for children?
Yes. The supervised swimming zone has a gently shelving entry and calm, wave-free water. Lifeguards are on duty July–August, making it appropriate for young swimmers.
From the Lac de Longemer editorial.
How can visitors reach Lac de Longemer without a car?
There is no direct bus service to the lake. The most practical option is to hire a bicycle in Gérardmer and ride the 5 km along the D417, which follows the valley floor.
From the Lac de Longemer editorial.
Can visitors swim in Lac Blanc?
Swimming is possible and not prohibited, but there is no supervised zone, no lifeguard, and no formal beach infrastructure. Water stays around 18–20°C in summer. Confident swimmers comfortable in mountain lake conditions can use the granite coves near the restaurant.
From the Lac Blanc (White Lake), Orbey editorial.
Is there public transport to Lac Blanc?
No. The lake is accessible only by car via the Route du Lac Blanc, or on foot via hiking trails such as the GR5 from Le Bonhomme. The nearest bus service runs to Orbey in the valley, roughly 6 km below.
From the Lac Blanc (White Lake), Orbey editorial.
Can visitors swim in the Rhine at Kehl?
Swimming in the Rhine is strongly discouraged due to fast-flowing currents, even in calm summer conditions. The site is suited to sunbathing, cycling, picnicking, and BBQ rather than swimming.
From the Plage du Rhin, Kehl (Rhine Riverbank) editorial.
Do visitors need a visa or different currency to visit the Kehl riverbank?
No visa is required for EU and Schengen area visitors crossing from Strasbourg to Kehl. Payment in Germany is in euros, the same currency as France, though German establishments may prefer card or exact change.
From the Plage du Rhin, Kehl (Rhine Riverbank) editorial.