With bountiful vineyards, classic villages, and hearty cuisine, eastern France is a wonderful part of the country to explore.
Located where the Rhine River divides the European continent, eastern France has been at the strategic centre of empires and nations at war for centuries and has the historical landmarks and scars to show for it. Today it is a mix of cultures where you’ll find traditional French tastes and styles alongside distinct German influences.
A visit to eastern France offers a paradise for those who love to be outdoors, are looking for spectacular scenery, and appreciate good food and excellent wine.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, a week … or longer, here are eight great places to visit in eastern France to experience the best the region has to offer as recommended by fellow travel bloggers and us.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
8 GREAT PLACES TO VISIT IN EASTERN FRANCE
As the capital of the Alsace region in eastern France, Strasbourg is home to a dizzying combination of fairytale views, delicious local wine, and a charming pairing of French and German culture.
Come here to explore the food, the architecture, and (depending on the time of year)–the Christmas markets!
MUST DO IN STRASBOURG:
- Pay a Visit to La Petite France: Strasbourg’s most picturesque neighbourhood looks like it was ripped right out of ‘Beauty & the Beast‘: all about the half-timber houses, canals, and colourful buildings. If you only have time to do one thing in Strasbourg, visiting this neighbourhood has to be it. Depending on time, you have a couple of options for how to explore: you can wander through the neighbourhood aimlessly, using the pedestrian bridges to hop from one side of the canal to the next, or you can take a boat tour and admire the view from the water! Both have their advantages, and we’d definitely suggest doing both if you have the time.
- Taste the Local Wine and Cheese: Alsatian wine is absolutely delicious, and the region also produces some incredible cheeses–including Munster! Though you can certainly head out for a day to a beautiful winery, if you’re short on time, there are plenty of shops and restaurants in Strasbourg that will be eager to put on a tasting for you.
- Climb to the Roof of the Strasbourg Cathedral: Standing on the roof of Strasbourg’s Cathedral gives you a beautiful view of not only the intricately built cathedral but of the beautiful city of Strasbourg! Look directly down for some truly adorable birds-eye views of winding streets and classic architecture. The interior of the cathedral is worth a quick stop as well–grand and beautiful, it is also home to a quirky astronomical clock!
Contribution and Photo from Kate of Our Escape Clause
Reviews of La Petite France | Reviews of Wine and Cheese Tasting | Reviews of Strasbourg Cathedral
Grenoble is an exceptionally special French city that has captivated visitors for centuries. It is situated at the foot of the French Alps and is undeniably picture-perfect, boasting views of Mont Blanc and providing easy access to mind-blowing mountains and forests nearby.
But there’s beauty inside the city too. There’s a unique atmosphere in Grenoble thanks to an intoxicating blend of the old and new; history, architecture and culture collide.
MUST DO IN GRENOBLE:
- La Bastille: Be sure to take the short, yet steep, hike up to the ancient fortification of La Bastille. Or, if you don’t fancy the effort, take the cable car to the top! Positioned on Mount Rachais, these fortifications have immense historical significance to the city and are a must-do for any visitor. They’re great to explore and provide outstanding views over Grenoble too.
- Parc Paul Mistral: In the centre of the city sits Parc Paul Mistral- a huge area of green that provides some lovely respite from the buzz of cars and concrete all around. Simply walk around and soak in the atmosphere here. It’s a peaceful place to spend an afternoon.
- Musée de Grenoble: Finally, check out Grenoble’s main art museum: the Musée de Grenoble. The building itself is pretty cool in itself, but it’s the modern art within that’s the main draw!
Contribution from Danny of Coddiwomp
Reviews of La Bastille | Reviews of Parc Paul Mistral | Reviews of Musée de Grenoble
Experience the best of the Burgundy region with a visit to Dijon. Here you will discover a rich cultural heritage, exciting culinary experiences and a history dating back to Roman times.
Home to the Dukes of Burgundy, Dijon became a seat of learning, fine arts and the region’s signature wine making. Today you can wander through medieval streets, admire the stunning architecture, soak in the history and sample the local produce.
MUST DO IN DIJON:
- Visit the Ducal Palace and Beaux-Arts Museum: Phillipe le Bon began construction of the imposing Ducal Palace in 1450 on the grounds of a Roman Fortress. Today the palace is both a museum and the city’s administrative centre. Entering through the original chapel, you can see the remains of ancient 14th-century murals and the Salle des Gardes, containing the tombs of Philip the Bold and John the Fearless. The ornate tombs are elaborately embellished, demonstrating that the Dukes were as wealthy in death as in life. The remaining rooms feature collections of artwork and artifacts from the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. Entry to the museum is free but for a small additional charge, you can climb the 316 stone, spiral stairs in the Tower of Phillip le Bon to the roof terrace and enjoy spectacular views across Dijon.
- Follow the Owl Trail: Follow the “Owl Trail” to discover Dijon’s many historic treasures. Numbered brass owl plaques embedded in the cobblestones guide you through ancient alleyways, past medieval architecture embellished with gargoyles, town squares with elaborate fountains, and half-timbered buildings that have weathered the ages. The tour will take you to most of the major historic attractions in Dijon, including the famous “Dijon Owl” carved into the stone of Notre Dame Cathedral and the ruins of an ancient Roman temple. A walking map is available at the tourist centre, or you can download the “Owl App” if you prefer an audio tour.
- Sample the Local Produce: Dijon is also home to fine food, mustard, and, of course, fine Burgundy wines. Sample the local wines, mustards, and cheeses from one of the many market stallholders in the medieval town squares. There are also several food and wine tours available, or simply relax under a shady umbrella at one of the many restaurants and enjoy the local cuisine.
Contribution and Photo from Lesley of Empty Nesters Travel Insights
Reviews of Musée des Beaux-Arts | Reviews of Owl’s Trail | Reviews of Local Produce
The third-largest city in France, Lyon is the country’s gastronomic capital with a wealth of cultural and historic sites to discover too. Situated on the confluence of the rivers Rhône and Saône, the city covers the banks of both rivers and is joined by a series of bridges.
This strategic position means that Lyon has been a hub for trade across Europe for centuries. In Lyon, you will find Roman ruins, a UNESCO-listed medieval old town, and the largest fine art museum after the Louvre in Paris. But many people visit Lyon simply to eat.
From fine dining to local markets and traditional restaurants, Lyon is the place to immerse yourself in French cuisine.
MUST DO IN LYON:
- Explore Vieux Lyon and Get Lost in the Famous “Traboules”: These secret passages date from the 4th century and were used by the city’s silk workers to bring their wares to market. There are over 400 in the city’s Croix-Rousse district and some of these are open to the public.
- Discover Lyon’s Gastronomic Heritage: Dine at one of the many Michelin starred restaurants, traditional bouchons featuring simple fare, and the magnificent Les Halles Paul Bocuse market. Here you will find the best local cheeses, patisserie, and produce.
- Relax in the Parc de la Tête d’Or: With its beautiful lake, ponds, statues, and fountains, this park is a wonderful place to take some time to relax – there is even a small zoo inside the park that is free to visit.
Contribution and Photo from Katy of Untold Morsels
If you want to taste a bit of the quieter France, to leave behind you the busy city of Paris and explore a peaceful little town, then Clermont-Ferrand is what you need. Clermont-Ferrand is in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, around two hours’ drive from Lyon.
This small town is perfect for a short getaway, and it will make you fall in love with it.
MUST DO IN CLERMONT-FERRAND:
- Hike the Puy-de-Dôme: The fascinating thing about this little town is the fact that it is surrounded by dormant volcanoes like the Chaîne des Puys so it’s not surprising that most activities and tourists focus on them. The first thing you should do upon getting to Clermont-Ferrand is to hike the Puy-de-Dôme, which, at an elevation of 1,465m, provides a stunning panorama over the town. If you want to pump up some adrenaline, you can even try some paragliding from its peak!
- Visit the Cathedral: One of the main attractions of the city is the Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption. This incredible cathedral is the landmark of the city, and distinctive features help it stand out from all the other buildings in town. The remarkable feature of the cathedral is its Gothic design and the fact that it’s entirely built of black lava stone.
- Wander the Town: After you’ve admired the cathedral you should start wandering around it to explore the old streets surrounding the cathedral in the old town. These little streets all hide a variety of antiques stores and shops selling various traditional crafts, including cutlery, from nearby Thiers which is also known as the capital of cutlery.
Contribution and Photo from Andra of Our World to Wander
Reviews of Puy-de-Dôme | Reviews of Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption
Colmar is an idyllic city in eastern France, in the province of Alsace-Lorraine. It is a land that was fought over between France and Germany for centuries. Through it all, Alsace-Lorraine has incorporated the culture, architecture and cuisine of both countries, into a unique blend that is found nowhere else in the world.
Colmar lies in the Rhine valley, just south of the Vosges mountains. The land is prime for grapes and wine production, and the city is the heart of the Alsatian wine country. There are a number of vineyards producing the region’s speciality wines.
The city is also known for its charming old town along the canals of the River Launch, which is an area known as La Petite Venise that is characterized by colourful half-timbered homes and cobblestone streets. Traditionally, the bright colours indicated the profession of the family. Although that is no longer the case, today it is required that no neighbouring houses be painted the same colour, to maintain the historic charm.
MUST DO IN COLMAR:
- La Petite Venise: The old town is easy to walk, and there are several points of interest and historical significance along the streets and canals. Restaurants and cafes offer canal-side seating, the perfect spot to enjoy the delicious Alsatian cuisine. But the most enjoyable way to experience La Petite Venise is taking a canal cruise, which affords fabulous photo opportunities.
- The Bartholdi Museum: Bartholdi was the sculptor who designed the Statue of Liberty as a gift to the United States. The museum houses many models and casts of the numerous works of Bartholdi which are found throughout France and the United States, and a tour of the family home is also included. Complete the visit by heading north of the city to see the replica of Lady Liberty.
- The Unterlinden Museum: Housed in a former Dominican friary, the museum covers over 7,000 years of history. The highlight of the museum is the stunning medieval Isenheim Altarpiece. Lovers of religious art should also make a stop at the Dominican church afterward to see the magnificent Madonna of the Rosebush.
Contribution and Photo from Roxanna of Gypsy With a Day Job
Reviews of La Petite Venise | Reviews of Bartholdi Museum | Reviews of Unterlinden Museum
A beautiful mountain town close to the Italian border – in fact, if you go on one of the cable car rides, you actually end up in Italy, before you make your way back into France.
Chamonix is a well-known winter destination for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, but in the summer, the town comes alive with hikers, mountain climbers, as well as Wingsuit flying!
MUST DO IN CHAMONIX:
- Ride the Train up to the Mer De Glace: You’ll see the glacier up close, and even go inside it as well as experience the effects of climate change. In the days when it first became a tourist destination, the cable car ended on the mouth of the glacier. Nowadays, you’ll have to climb down a few sets of stairs to the glacier.
- Wander the Town: A quaint, small town, with lots of places to eat and souvenir shops. The places to eat can take a small drag on your budget, but there are plenty of free drinking fountains to refill your bottle.
- Ride up the Aiguille de Midi Cable Car: The end of the French side is on top of an observation area, where you can see the town from up top. Remember to bring sunscreen as the snow on top of the mountain casts a glare. And yes, there’s snow even in the summertime!
Contribution and Photo from Ruby of A Journey We Love
Situated at the northern end of the lake of the same name, Annecy is an alpine town in eastern France with pastel-coloured houses, cobbled streets and winding canals.
Settled since Roman times, the town was the court of the Counts of Geneva from the 10th-century, transferred the Counts of Savoy in 1401 until the Savoy region was conquered by France during the French Revolution.
Wandering the town today there are plenty of buildings to admire which are hundreds of years old, canals which earned the town the nickname of the Venice of the Alps whose banks are bedecked in flowers and the glacial lake with its crystal clear waters to enjoy.
MUST DO IN ANNECY:
- Palais de l’Isle: This fairy-tale building is located on a small island in Le Thiou Canal and was built in the 12th-century and has served the town as a prison, courthouse, mint, and residence. It is now a museum that leads visitors through the history of the building and its importance to Annecy.
- Cycle Lake Annecy: Take a day, rent a bike and cycle this stunning lake. The whole trip should take about 2.5 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time for stops to admire the views and, being a lake, it is mostly pretty flat, except through Les Granges.
- Pont des Amours: This elegant bridge is known as Lover’s Bridge and legend says that if two lovers kiss on the bridge, they will be together forever. The spectacular view from the bridge across the lake and up to the mountains as well as back down the canal makes it worth a visit.
Reviews of Palais de l’Isle | Reviews of Lake Annecy | Reviews of Pont des Amours
Looking for more information to plan your visit to France? You may find these articles helpful.
RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO FRANCE
To book flights, rental cars, accommodations, and activities for your trip, please check out our recommended travel providers, favourite apps and websites.
- For all things France, you can’t go wrong with Rick Steves! Check out his France travel guide, full episodes of his TV show, or download his app for excellent audio tours.
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