3-day weekend in the Grand Est :
relaxation, nature, gastronomy and heritage

DAY 1 - 11H

Discover Baccarat and the Vosges countryside

Our weekend began in Baccarat, a town famous for its crystal manufacture. As soon as we arrived, we plunged into the fascinating world of this traditional craft with a guided tour of the Baccarat Collection. Here we discovered not only the iconic pieces that have marked the history of the crystal works, but also all the ancestral know-how that continues to this day. A true journey through time, between luxury, art and precision.

12h00

We had lunch at Café Baccarat. This restaurant, with its elegant, contemporary ambience, showcases seasonal produce with a gastronomic touch. The dishes are as beautiful as they are good, and the designer setting completes the experience. It's the perfect opportunity to have lunch while using the brand's products. A perfect way to round off a visit to the Baccarat Collection.

13h30

After this gourmet break, we continued with a guided tour of the town of Baccarat. It's a small town full of charm, marked by its glassmaking heritage, with beautiful buildings and a peaceful atmosphere. A stroll through its streets will give you a better understanding of the local history and the importance of glassmaking in the region.

One of the highlights of this visit was the discovery of the church of Saint-Rémy. This modern church, rebuilt after the war, is a jewel of contemporary architecture. Inside, you are immediately struck by the play of light and colour created by the Baccarat crystal stained glass windows.

These multicoloured stained glass windows project colourful hues onto the walls and floor, creating an atmosphere that is both spiritual and artistic. A surprising and unique place, well worth the diversions.

14H30

In the middle of the day, we set off for the Pierre-Percée lake. This lake, although artificial, is very pleasant. Surrounded by dense forests, it offers a very pleasant setting for nature lovers and all kinds of activities (hiking trails, tree climbing, water sports, etc.).

We particularly liked the Roche du Corbeau viewpoint: a rocky outcrop overlooking the lake, offering a breathtaking bird's-eye view. Ideal for photo enthusiasts and nature lovers.

17H

We then spent the rest of the day and the night at Domaine Ourea, an address we absolutely loved. Situated in the heart of the Vosges countryside, this estate invites you to totally disconnect with its various unusual accommodations.

We stayed in the African lodge, a comfortable cabin with a Nordic bath nestling in the woods. In the evening, there was not a sound, just the sounds of the forest and a starry sky: a real return to basics during our 3-day weekend.

DAY 2 - 10H00

Hiking and relaxing in an exceptional setting

Wewake up at Domaine Ourea to a gourmet breakfast discreetly laid out in front of our lodge by the lovely owners. And then there was a wonderful surprise: a doe passed just a few metres from us as we were having our morning coffee on the terrace. It was the kind of suspended moment that only nature lodges can offer.

After this gentle start to the day, we put on our hiking boots and set off to discover the Roche de Faucompierre. The trail winds through the Vosges forests and offers several magnificent viewpoints. It's not a difficult hike, but it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local environment.

We then set off for Ventron, a charming mountain village nestling in the Hautes-Vosges. Our final destination: the Domaine de Montagne. Our aim here? To recharge our batteries in an exceptional location. We got to know the place, took time to relax in our room, before enjoying the spa with a view of the trees. On the programme: heated swimming pool, sauna, hammam and jacuzzi with a view of the mountains... What more could you ask for?

In the evening, we dined at the gourmet restaurant Le M, located just below the rooms. We really fell in love with it! The chef offers inventive cuisine, where each dish tells a story, with local produce enhanced by modern techniques. A memorable taste experience, in a warm and welcoming setting. We'd also like to give a special mention to the staff, who are so charming and attentive, we just love it.

DAY 3 - 9H00

Electric scooter ride and gastronomic discoveries

After a restful night, we enjoyed a final breakfast at the Domaine de Montagne. Pastries, fresh juices, local cheeses and sweet treats, all set against the mountain backdrop... it couldn't have been a better way to start our last day in the Grand Est.

After checking out, we headed back to La Bresse for an original and thrilling activity: an all-terrain electric scooter session! We were able to meet the owners of Green Mojo and discover their range of electric bikes and scooters. It's a great way to discover the region in a different way!

With our helmets screwed on, we rode along the forest paths, making the most of this fun time. In our opinion, it's an excellent way to discover the region in a different way, combining fun and nature.

Once our walk was over, we headed for the last stop of our weekend, the Couchetat restaurant.

We were pleasantly surprised by this address. What made it special? A menu combining Vosges specialities and South American influences, particularly Chilean and Peruvian. Generous, creative and perfectly

mastered. A real treat for the taste buds, and one that we warmly recommend. Many thanks to Jonathan and Julie and their team for welcoming us and helping us discover their fusion cuisine. It's a great way to return to Paris with fond memories, and a desire to come back again very soon!

Practical information for organising this weekend from Paris

The Grand Est is easily accessible from Paris. It takes around 5? hours by car.

If you don't have a car, no problem! You can take the train to Metz (about 1? hours from Gare de l'Est), then hire a car there to explore the region.
In fact, that's what we did: we hired a car in Metz from AVIS and returned it in Colmar, making it easy to get around. We then took the train back to Paris, which was simple and efficient.

The roads are well maintained and the distances between stages are reasonable. So it's perfectly possible to make the most of this type of holiday without rushing.

Our opinion of this 3-day weekend in the Grand Est

As you can see from this article, we absolutely loved our 3 days in the Grand Est. This weekend gave us the chance to recharge our batteries, slow down and discover places that are sometimes a little forgotten in favour of the great tourist classics, but which are nonetheless full of natural and cultural nuggets that are a must-see.

With soothing natural surroundings, inventive gastronomy, charming accommodation and unforgettable encounters, wehad everything we needed to have a great time.

It's a getaway we can wholeheartedly recommend, whether as a couple, a family or a group of friends.
The Grand Est has clearly earned its place among our favourite destinations for a short break in France.
Read all about our adventures on our travel blog.