What to do for the May bank holiday weekends?

We've put together 5 ways for you to explore the infinite riches of the Grand Est region, the ideal destination for lovers, singles or families. You'll have an unforgettable holiday combining city and nature, art and heritage, not to mention plenty of adventure and unusual accommodation!

Take advantage of spring to organise your city-trip

Spring is finally the time to take a stroll! Take advantage of the milder temperatures in May to discover the charms of the city. From culture and heritage to shopping and gastronomy, there's something for everyone in the Grand Est for an ultra-expansive city trip.

In Alsace, head for multicultural Strasbourg, the European capital, or Mulhouse, with its charming little streets and its passion for cars, not forgetting Colmar and its Little Venice district. Old stones, waterways and greenery, half-timbered houses, cathedrals with spires reaching for the sky... Not forgetting the famous Alsace wine route!

Lorraine, for its part, has no need to prove itself when it comes to creativity: a veritable land of art, discover Nancy, the French capital of Art Nouveau, or Metz, which combines Jugendstil and modern art at the Centre Pompidou-Metz.

The Champagne region promises a sparkling city trip for lovers of both wine tourism and slow tourism. Amid the rolling hillsides, the greatest Domaines from Reims to Épernay await your visit. Whether on foot, by bike or along the water as you hike between hillsides, lakes and forests, you'll discover the thousand-year-old history of these fascinating lands in the heart of the chalk pits. The Coteaux, Maisons et Caves de Champagne are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Finally, those curious about the Middle Ages and the Renaissance will be delighted in the Ardennes! The town of Charleville-Mézières takes you back in time. Don't miss the splendid Place Ducale, the remains of the Maginot Line and, of course, the not-to-be-missed Sedan and its fortified castle, the largest in Europe and a listed historic monument. The more curious can discover a superb heritage of military architecture that bears witness to a fascinating history. Don't miss the chance to visit this impressive fortified castle, a real jewel in the crown of French history and culture.

Gastronomic tradition and varied specialities

With six destinations - Alsace, Ardenne, Champagne, Lorraine, Moselle and Vosges - the region is bursting with local treasures. Sauerkraut or Flammekueche from Alsace, quiche and mirabelle plum from Lorraine, charcuterie in the Ardennes, the finest champagnes from the region of the same name, pink biscuits from Reims... There are plenty of specialities to discover, and there's no end to the delights on offer. If you're a gourmet, prepare to be amazed! There are plenty of culinary specialities and gourmet restaurants to discover in the region. A veritable explosion of flavours and gustatory pleasures awaits you.

The little extra: take a look at the menu! In this age of "closer to the plate" awareness and widespread desire for sustainable development, you'll be delighted to see certified organic vineyards, microbreweries and eco-responsible farms, to explore the region in search of small local producers and to chat with chefs who are very concerned about eco-responsibility at the table.

If you're really passionate about what you do, your stay can even take on a gastronomic dimension. There are plenty of gourmet walks and activities to choose from! First and foremost, the Grand Est is France's leading wine tourism region, renowned for its Alsace wine route and famous Champagne vineyards... There are plenty of cellar visits, wine tastings and wine-related experiences to choose from, not to mention great walks along beautiful roads and through vineyards and hillsides...

See life in green: nature at the heart of your holiday

The May bank holidays are often an opportunity to take a breather, reconnect with nature and take the time to meet new people, exchange ideas and make new discoveries - time that has become an absolute luxury in our busy lives. At last, a little green and light after those long winter months! Ecotourism in the region is the ideal way to enjoy a few days out in the great outdoors... with activities that vary from sporty to outdoor!

A few reminders. The Grand Est has 3,200 km of long-distance footpaths, 6 regional nature parks and no fewer than 3 exceptional forests. Not to mention lush green hillsides, mountain ridges and peaks, and water everywhere. Take a deep breath and observe the local flora and fauna, as in the Vosges du Nord Regional Nature Park, classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. You won't want to miss this fascinating area, packed with breathtaking natural treasures. From the breathtaking natural environment to the historical, architectural and cultural heritage, every corner of this region never ceases to surprise and inspire.

It's also an opportunity to opt for gentle means of transport. On the water, kayaks or canoes are the perfect way to explore the beautiful lakes of the Vosges, winding their way through the forests of Alsace, or to the great lakes of Champagne, which you can also fly over in a microlight!

The Champagne cycle routes are the ideal playground for discovering nature, Yves Montand style! Less nostalgic visitors can opt for an electric bike or scooter. The more sporty will be climbing the peaks by mountain bike or hiking: the breathtaking viewpoints and the remains of fortified castles at the turn of a spectacular panorama, or the steep paths dotted with waterfalls and beautiful lakes of the Hohneck loop with its icon of the Vosges massif, will open the way to breathtaking moments.

In Alsace, forests and plains shape a rich and mysterious landscape. If you're in need of a deep break, try sylvotherapy, a sensory experience of well-being through the forest and its trees... Energy boost and positive energy guaranteed, that's all you need to know!

Take advantage of the mild weather in May for a 100% cycling weekend! Get on your two-wheeler and criss-cross the Grand Est from north to south along legendary routes such as the Voie Bleue, Raid Bulles and the Meuse à Vélo. The kilometres will fly by, and with them the discoveries of heritage, landscapes... and gastronomy!

Adventure and animals for all the family

What about our little ones? Plan an adventure-packed holiday in the Grand Est region, sure to win over any teenager looking for a bit of adventure!

There's no shortage of outdoor activities and adrenalin rushes in the region. Try bungee jumping to lose control of yourself for a moment, soar from the dizzy peaks in a paraglider, discover nature from the mountaintops on an accrobranche course, strap on your helmet and try your hand at downhill mountain biking with its uneven terrain and thrills... The forests, mountains and valleys of the region are a life-size playground!

Looking for a supervised experience for all the family? Explore one of the amusement parks and attractions in the Grand Est region, packed with loops and rollercoasters, water adventures, Ferris wheels and fabulous shows! Thrills and laughter guaranteed for children and adults alike.

With such a rich biodiversity, the Grand Est region is also the ideal observatory for animal lovers... Discover a secretive and shy nature. We follow the image hunters as they learn to be discreet in the midst of this immense nature, crossing the different natural environments. From donkey rides to the observation of sandhill cranes, all sorts of discoveries await you!

Has your nature walk left you wanting to see more? Spend a day or an afternoon in one of the wildlife parks in the Grand Est region. Aboard a safari train, you'll wander among hundreds of animals in semi-liberty.

Zoos and animal parks offer a real experience: feed the wolves, wander among the playful macaques and birds of prey, touch the giraffes and raccoons! Those with a passion for animals can even learn how to care for them...

Extend your stay by sleeping as close as possible to the animals. Wake up to the deer plains, listen for the howling of the wolves, admire the animals in their natural environment, from a privileged vantage point: from your tree house or lodge, on the farm in a gypsy caravan, yurt or bubble house, you're in for an unusual and unforgettable night!

Sleep in unusual accommodation

Plan an unforgettable stay for your other half, your family or on your own. Set off on an adventure and get back to basics, without skimping on comfort. All over the Grand Est, unusual accommodation lets you sleep with your head in the stars in the treetops, in tents or in characterful homes! Whether you're looking for comfort and refinement or authenticity and simplicity, you're bound to find the perfect accommodation.

Push open the doors of a historic residence, step back in time and treat yourself to a princess's night in a prestigious château or majestic abbey. Do you have a bohemian spirit? Choose a gypsy caravan or tent in safari mode, or a yurt or tipi. If you're looking for adventure and a change of scenery, why not spend a night in a western atmosphere? Imagine an unusual night in a cabin, a covered wagon or even a sheriff's jail... It's a totally immersive experience that awaits you, for unforgettable memories!

Relax for a weekend in a tiny house. Guaranteed privacy in the heart of nature. And what about sleeping in a transparent bubble? Enjoy this magical moment, watching the stars from your bed...