Grand Est

Discover Grand Est: heritage, nature, and fine living

Grand Est, located in the north-east of France, shares borders with Hauts-de-France and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, as well as with Germany, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. With a population of approximately 5.56 million and spanning 57,500 km², Grand Est is a region rich in history, diverse landscapes, and cultural heritage, made up of 10 departments:

Ardennes 08
Aube 10
Marne 51
Haute-Marne 52
Meurthe-et-Moselle 54
Meuse 55
Moselle 57
Bas-Rhin 67
Haut-Rhin 68
Vosges 88

Heritage and architecture

Grand Est stands as a crossroads of European history, its landscapes marked by centuries of significant events. The region has preserved its traditions, cultural heritage, and remarkable architecture.

Half-timbered houses — picturesque, especially in Alsace and Lorraine, often adorned with colourful shutters and flower-filled balconies.
Castles — a wealth of medieval castles, many perched atop the foothills of the Vosges. Alsace alone has traces of over 400, with around 100 still well-preserved.

Nature reserves and outdoor activities

With rolling hills, hidden lakes, dense forests, and over 16,000 km of signposted footpaths, the Vosges Mountains provide a paradise for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers, with traditional fairs and festivals adding to the charm.

The Grand Est Wine Route leads through some of the world’s most celebrated vineyards, winding past medieval villages, historic castles, and sun-drenched slopes of the Vosges. The region produces world-renowned wines, including crisp Rieslings, aromatic Gewürztraminers, and delicate Crémant d’Alsace.

Gastronomy and Alsace wines

Grand Est is a gourmet paradise, with its cuisine deeply influenced by both French and German traditions — home to numerous Michelin-starred restaurants blending traditional and contemporary flavours.

Flammekueche (tarte flambée) — a thin-crust flatbread topped with cream, onions, and bacon.
Choucroute garnie — a hearty sauerkraut dish.
Baeckeoffe — a slow-cooked meat and potato casserole.

Alsace is the only region in France that produces solely varietal wines, with seven principal grape varieties — late-harvest wines and sweet selections are highly prized by connoisseurs. As Christian Dior once said, “A small glass of Alsace wine is like a summer dress or a spring flower; it’s a ray of sunshine that makes life brighter.”

Travelling from the UK

By air — Grand Est is served by Strasbourg International Airport and Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Euro Airport, with direct flights from the UK via EasyJet and British Airways.
By train — high-speed and regional trains connect Grand Est to major European cities, making travel convenient and comfortable.

Our dedicated team at Sextant Properties is here to assist you in finding your ideal home in Grand Est. Whether you are looking for a charming farmhouse, a traditional longère, a historic castle, or a countryside retreat, we work with a trusted network of local real estate agents who speak both French and English. Contact us today to start your journey to owning a piece of Grand Est.