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.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle
Medieval castle with armoury, drawbridge, and rampart views — every child's castle fantasy come true; free under 18
Price: €9 adults / free under 18 (~$9.90/free)
Lac de Gérardmer swimming beach
Supervised freshwater lake beach in the Vosges; pedalos, swimming, and lakeside picnic meadow
Price: Free entry; pedalos €12/~$13 per 30 min
Metz Cathedral stained glass
2,500 sq m of extraordinary stained glass including Chagall windows — free and visually stunning for all ages
Price: Free
Strasbourg by tram and foot
The CTS tram is reliable, stroller-friendly, and affordable; children under 5 travel free
Price: €1.70 per adult trip (~$1.90); children under 5 free
Reims Cathedral + Palais du Tau treasure room
UNESCO cathedral with dramatic Gothic facade; Palais du Tau has royal coronation regalia including Charlemagne's talisman
Price: Cathedral free; Palais €11 adults / free under 18 (~$12/free)
Plan d'Eau de Plobsheim (Strasbourg watersports)
Windsurfing, kayaking, and beach volleyball 20 min from Strasbourg; summer supervised swimming zone
Price: Free entry; kayak rental €8/~$8.80 per hour
Strasbourg Christmas market workshops
Late November – December: free children's craft workshops at Place Broglie and Place de la Cathédrale
Price: Free–€5 (~$5.50)
Exploring Alsace villages by bike (Colmar to Eguisheim)
8 km flat cycling route from Colmar; passes vineyards and medieval villages; suitable for children 6+
Price: €15/~$16.50 bicycle rental per day
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Hôtel Villa d'Est, Colmar
Hôtel Riquewihr Le Schoenenbourg
Novotel Metz Centre
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
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Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
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