The ‘Petites Cités de Caractère®’ of the Grand Est region

Petites Cités de Caractère®: treasures to explore throughout the Grand Est region

The Petites Cités de Caractère® designation highlights charming destinations committed to the preservation, restoration andupkeep of their local heritage. These small, intimate towns cultivate a strong identity and an authentic way of life. Each destination reveals its own treasures and invites you to take the time to discover the Grand Est in a different light, through guided tours, events and tastings of local specialities.

In Champagne

In Champagne, the Petites Cités de Caractère ® combine historical heritage, a relaxed way of life and wine-growing traditions. From the villages of the Côte des Bar to the iconic towns of the Champagne wine region, the landscapes alternate between vineyards, medieval market halls, Renaissance houses and narrow streets steeped in history. An invitation to discover the sparkling soul of Champagne.

- Aÿ (Marne): at the heart of the Champagne wine-growing region, this iconic wine-growing town upholds exceptional expertise in the art of Champagne-making*.
- Cormicy (Marne): rebuilt after the First World War, it charms visitors with its distinctive red and white brick architecture.
- Sainte-Ménehould (Marne): the historic capital of the Argonne… and of pig’s trotters. A blend of deep-rooted traditions and gastronomic discoveries.
- Sézanne (Marne): with its Renaissance façades and medieval alleyways, this town boasts a particularly rich heritage.
- Vertus (Marne) (pending official recognition): at the gateway to the Côte des Blancs, this town lives to the rhythm of the vineyards and Champagne traditions.

- Bar-sur-Aube (Aube): a former Champagne fair town, ideal for strolling amongst medieval heritage and the good life.
- Bar-sur-Seine (Aube): nestled in the heart of the Côte des Bar, this wine-growing town charms visitors with its landscapes and history.
- Mussy-sur-Seine (Aube): a village with a rich medieval past, also marked by the history of the Resistance.
- Essoyes (Aube): the famous village of the Renoir family, combining art, nature and the gentle charm of Champagne.
- Ervy-le-Châtel (Aube): known for its Porte Saint-Nicolas, its exceptional church and its expertise in stained-glass craftsmanship.
- Les Riceys (Aube): the largest wine-growing region in Champagne, with its three AOCs (Champagne, Rosé des Riceys and Coteaux Champenois).
- Nogent-sur-Seine (Aube): combining historical heritage with contemporary creativity, this town on the banks of the Seine offers a surprise at every turn.

- Bourmont (Haute-Marne): a hilltop village with bucolic charm, set amidst ancient heritage and lush green landscapes.
- Châteauvillain (Haute-Marne): in the heart of the National Forest Park, this medieval town invites visitors to combine culture and nature.
- Joinville (Haute-Marne): an iconic Renaissance town in Haute-Marne, known for its Château du Grand Jardin.
- Montsaugeon (Haute-Marne): a charming little medieval village, surrounded by vineyards and rolling countryside.
- Vignory (Haute-Marne): a medieval gem dominated by its feudal castle and its remarkable Romanesque church.

In Lorraine

With its Renaissance towns, medieval villages and remarkable religious heritage, Lorraine is brimming with small towns each with their own distinct character. Criss-crossed by the Meuse and Moselle rivers and ancient trade routes, this destination elegantly combines history, culture and the art of living.

- Marville (Meuse): this Renaissance town boasts an exceptional heritage and a timeless atmosphere, with its cellars and hotels.
- Saint-Mihiel (Meuse): nicknamed the “little Florence of Lorraine”, it combines heritage, culture and nature on the banks of the Meuse.
- Vaucouleurs (Meuse) (pending accreditation): an iconic town linked to the epic story of Joan of Arc, blending historical heritage with the landscapes of Lorraine.

- Fénétrange (Moselle): a superb medieval town through which the River Saar flows, renowned for its fortifications and historic houses.
- Hombourg-Haut(Moselle): dominated by its Gothic collegiate church, this medieval market town, perched on a hill, boasts a rich heritage.
- Bitche (Moselle): known for its imposing citadel and its location in the heart of the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park.
- Vic-sur-Seille (Moselle): the birthplace of the painter Georges de La Tour, set amongst medieval gates, beautiful mansions and Moselle vineyards.

In the Vosges

The Vosges Mountains reveal charming villages nestled amongst forests, valleys and mountains. From spa towns to former principalities and Renaissance market towns, these destinations offer the perfect setting for slow tourism and rejuvenating getaways, come summer or winter.

- Châtillon-sur-Saône (Vosges): a magnificent Renaissance village on the borders of Lorraine, Champagne and Burgundy.
- Neufchâteau (Vosges): an elegant town where Renaissance architecture unfolds through its squares and narrow streets.
- Plombières-les-Bains (Vosges): a former imperial spa town with unrivalled Belle Époque charm.
- Senones (Vosges): the former capital of the Principality of Salm-Salm, characterised by its abbey and its unique history.

In the Ardennes

A land of deep forests, fortifications and military history, the Ardennes reveal charming towns with a remarkable heritage. Set amongst ramparts, ancient abbeys and unspoilt natural landscapes, these small towns invite you to take a break from the hustle and bustle, immersing yourself in history and nature.

- Mouzon (Ardennes): a former monastic town with a rich industrial past, renowned in particular for its historical link with felt.
- Rocroi (Ardennes): you simply cannot miss its incredible star-shaped town plan and its impressive fortified ramparts.

In Alsace

With its half-timbered villages, folk traditions and Renaissance heritage, Alsace exudes a timeless charm. Here, the ‘Petites Cités de Caractère®’ (Small Towns of Character) immerse visitors in a warm and welcoming atmosphere where gastronomy, craftsmanship and regional history come together. From flower-lined alleyways to bustling squares, every turn reveals an authentic facet of Alsace.

- Bouxwiller (Bas-Rhin): the birthplace of the pretzel and the Alsatian headdress, this charming town captivates visitors with its half-timbered houses and authentic atmosphere.

Les Dimanches de Caractère®: unique tours at the heart of our heritage

Imagine Sundays that feel like a step back in time, when the doors of places that are usually closed open especially for you. Les Dimanches de Caractère® offers friendly and immersive guided walks in the heart of the Petites Cités de Caractère du Grand Est®.

As you wander through narrow streets, secret gardens, historic monuments and vineyards, passionate locals, guides and craftspeople share anecdotes, their expertise and fascinating stories. Each tour concludes with a tasting of local specialities, in a warm and authentic atmosphere.

The programme for Dimanches de Caractère® 2026:

12 April — Les Riceys (Aube)
Limestone landscapes
Amidst medieval alleyways, Champagne cellars and classified vineyards, discover Les Riceys in a whole new light. The tour takes you through the vineyard-dotted landscapes of the Côte des Bar before a tasting of local specialities.

3 May — Hombourg-Haut (Moselle)
The treasures of the collegiate church
Step inside Saint-Étienne Collegiate Church and discover this Gothic gem with its astonishing acoustics. The tour concludes with a tasting of local produce.

10 May — Vaucouleurs (Meuse)
Joan of Arc, an eternal figure from yesterday… to tomorrow
Follow in the footsteps of Joan of Arc as you explore sites associated with her, the castle chapel and the secret crypt. A journey punctuated by culinary encounters with local producers.

31 May — Vic-sur-Seille (Moselle)
Between nature and vineyards
Explore the AOC Moselle vineyards on a guided walk through the heart of the Moselle hillsides. The experience continues with a wine tasting amongst the vines during the Moselle Wine Festival.

7 June — Vertus Blancs-Coteaux (Marne)
When the past is reinvented
Amidst Champagne’s heritage, revitalised buildings and local atmosphere, discover Vertus in a whole new light. A walk punctuated by culinary and musical stops.

21 June — Joinville (Haute-Marne)
Shops in the Belle Époque
Immerse yourself in the bustling shopping scene of Joinville during the Belle Époque. Vintage shops, heritage and anecdotes punctuate this stroll with retro charm.

28 June — Bourmont (Haute-Marne)
Remarkable men and women of Bourmont
Discover the personalities who have left their mark on Bourmont, from writers to little-known local figures. An unusual tour featuring a tasting of local specialities.

5 July — Châteauvillain (Haute-Marne)
Châteauvillain under the Empire
Relive the Napoleonic era through a historical immersion in the streets and buildings of Châteauvillain. The tour concludes with a tasting of hypocras.

12 July — Ervy-le-Châtel (Aube)
The Saint-Aubin Chapel
Discover this stunning half-timbered chapel and its new stained-glass windows, crafted by the Vincent-Petit workshop. A tour combining heritage and glassmaking expertise.

19 July — Bar-sur-Seine (Aube)
Amongst vineyards and history
Set off to explore the Bar-sur-Seine vineyards, amongst the hillsides, hidden wash houses and landscapes of the Côte des Bar. A wine tasting round offs this heritage walk.

26 July — Bouxwiller (Bas-Rhin)
Nobility in Bouxwiller
Explore the history of the Lords of Lichtenberg and the Alsatian gentry. Manor houses, fortified houses and medieval anecdotes punctuate this gourmet tour.

30 August — Montsaugeon (Haute-Marne)
A Sunday with a bit of a rough edge!
Let yourself be guided through the medieval streets of Montsaugeon on a friendly and offbeat tour. The experience continues with a tasting of local wine.

6 September — Fénétrange (Moselle)
Time to take flight…
Amidst natural heritage, local legends and shaded paths, discover Fénétrange in a whole new light. A tasting of local specialities rounds off this poetic stroll.

27 September — Cormicy (Marne)
Between bricks and clogs
Climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage to discover the history of Cormicy’s reconstruction. Amidst vineyards, woodland and rural heritage, this outing ends with a tasting of local specialities.

27 September — Mussy-sur-Seine (Aube)
In search of the lost park
Enjoy a rare opportunity to explore part of the former park of the Château des Évêques de Mussy. This walk, combining heritage and nature, concludes with a gourmet afternoon tea.

4 October — Aÿ (Marne)
Hidden art
Discover Aÿ’s artistic treasures and secret courtyards on a charming tour. Immerse yourself in the region’s wine-growing heritage, architecture and culinary delights.

11 October — Plombières-les-Bains (Vosges)
Light & Stained Glass
Step into the fascinating world of stained glass with a tour of a workshop and the spa town’s most beautiful stained-glass windows. A surprise tasting round offs the experience.

18 October — Essoyes (Aube)
Flavours & an autumn stroll
Stroll through the Renoir village, bathed in autumnal colours, amongst historic sites, charming narrow streets and local delicacies. A gourmet stroll in the heart of Champagne.

*Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health; please drink in moderation