Outdoor activities The great outdoors

Savour autumn with 3 trips to discover nature and its explosive colours

The undergrowth exudes scents of humus, moss and fungi. The trees and vines are slowly putting on their bright coats. There’s no two ways about it: autumn is here! By bike, water or on foot, make the most of our ideas for spending autumn in Grand Est in the great outdoors.

  • On foot with a camera
  • 1 day, an afternoon
Eguisheim et le vignoble

Awaken your senses by cycling through flamboyant vineyards

In autumn, the Grand Est vineyards turn gorgeous colours reminiscent of a nice glass of local wine.

The air, still infused with the scent of the harvest, encourages you to discover the Alsace Vineyard Cycle Route: this enchanting itinerary winds along the mountainside, taking in a series of picturesque villages, castles and wine cellars. For an unforgettable autumn in Alsace with family or friends, we recommend following the Alsace Wine Route at harvesttime, when the vineyards are abuzz with activity and laughter!

Park your bike in front of one of the wine cellars on the 60 km Champagne Route and share the winegrowers’ passion for the grape of kings over a glass of bubbly. Discover the incredible riches of the Champagne vineyards !

 

Head this way to explore the vineyards!

Our special vineyard deals

The autumnal colours of Grand Est can also be admired from the water

Aboard a boat on a canal or a lake, admire the bucolic banks and shores with their bright orange tinge.

Take the time to admire the autumnal colours reflected in the Meuse or Sarre as you canoe along the river. Climb aboard a traditional flat-bottomed boat for a guided tour of the natural riches of the Grand Ried region. At Lac de Madine and Lac du Der, be soothed by the gentle lapping of the water and the birdsong. Enjoy the perfect opportunity to discover or rediscover the exceptional flora and fauna in Grand Est.

And why not sail through cities and locks on a cruise? Make the most of an original boat trip through the vibrant medieval heart of Strasbourg or small towns of character such as Givet. Enjoy an unbelievably romantic getaway enhanced by bright seasonal colours!

Autumnal activities on the water

Everything is better under the golden canopy of our forests

Autumnal walks in the Massif des Vosges promise wild nature, woody scents and shimmering colours! Its 20,000 km of carefully signposted hiking paths are perfect for walks with young children and experienced hikers alike. Explore ridges on the mythical Route des Crêtes and be charmed by the soft play of light on the typical hilly landscapes of the Ballons des Vosges.

gazon-du-faing

In Champagne, marvel at the famous Faux de Verzy trees and explore the Regional Nature Park of La Forêt d'Orient, the kingdom of the oak where you can hear bellowing stags. Further north, Ardennes puts on its finest colours to pay homage to the Celtic goddess Arduinna, the protector of the forests.

Just recently, Pays de Sarrebourg, a forest with many ponds, became a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The area is full of surprises to discover as you explore up hill and down dale!

Another UNESCO biosphere reserve, the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park, invites you to recharge your batteries in an ocean of forest, hiding charming half-timbered villages and picturesque castles.

 

Are mountains more your thing? Head this way!

 

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Drink responsibly.

Long live holidays in the forest!

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