Our articles : Spotlight

10 articles
Clos Vauban
Spotlight : Campagne, Gastronomy

Le Clos Vauban, a house of exception
serving the terroir

In a unique setting on the ramparts of Langres - Europe's largest fortified town - this charming restaurant now celebrates the local produce of the Haute-Marne region with boldness and refinement. The brainchild of chef Laurent Petit, the restaurant is now run by a passionate young duo: Anaïs Bercegeay, an inspired sommelier, and Valentin Loison, a talented chef who has won the acclaim of the Michelin-starred chefs he has worked alongside. In the heart of the thousand-year-old city of Diderot, in this historic 19th-century residence, every moment is a pleasure to savour. At the Bulle d'Osier gourmet restaurant, Valentin's cooking sublimates local flavours, while the Mirabelle restaurant offers a more authentic and committed style, and is also more accessible with moderate prices. The seasonal dishes are reminiscent of the indulgent flavours of family lunches: our grandmothers' tarts are something we'll never tire of. You can extend your trip by making a reservation at the hotel: climb the red-carmine stone steps quarried in the Langroise quarry, push open the period wooden and wrought-iron door and you'll find yourself at the foot of the monumental staircase! In this majestic yet gentle setting, you'll feel as if you're being welcomed into a friend's home, an impression reinforced by the collection of antique furniture that adorns the premises. In the Haussmann-style bedrooms, every detail is the start of new memories: a pair of bathtubs head to foot at the foot of the bed for an intimate interlude, a walk in the vegetable garden to reconnect with nature...

Clos des Cadoles
Spotlight : Around wine, Campagne, Gastronomy

Le Clos des Cadoles in Les Riceys,
a gourmet renaissance

At Les Riceys, in the heart of the Côte des Bar region of Champagne, a discreet but dazzling renaissance has taken place behind the immaculate facade of a building steeped in history. Once a hospice and then a wine-growing school, it has now been transformed into a charming hotel and restaurant, where light wood, plants and warm colours invite you to relax. In the kitchen, the chef, a craftsman of local flavours, orchestrates a daring score: a Champagne emulsion that sparkles in the mouth, a melting andouillette from Troyes sublimated by a creamy Chaource and that subtle touch of Aube chilli that awakens the taste buds. An address where terroir and gourmet delights come together, for a suspended gourmet moment.

Temple Saint Etienne
Spotlight : Culture & Heritage, Events, In town

Mulhouse celebrates 800 years of history

This year, from January to September, Mulhouse celebrates its 800th anniversary with an artistic effervescence that in places transforms the city into an open-air museum. Exhibitions, lectures, art walks and immersive experiences plunge visitors into the heart of its vibrant history. Once an industrial city, the town has reinvented itself as a hotbed of creativity. Renowned as the "street art capital of Alsace", its walls tell the story of its past and its aspirations through monumental frescoes that we never tire of admiring. A downloadable circuit and guided tours allow you to explore the different facets of this urban metamorphosis. 800 years old and Mulhouse has never been so lively... Ready to (re)discover it?

Potière Peggy Wehrling
Spotlight : Knowhow

Poteries d'Alsace: the must-have for preparing tasty winter dishes!

The Grand Est region is famous for its potters, who perpetuate time-honoured skills in the service of a cuisine that may be gourmet, but is above all comforting. Today, the potters of Alsace can obtain the "Poteries d'Alsace" designation, by respecting specific and traditional manufacturing techniques. When the cold weather sets in, what better way to warm up than with a typical Alsatian dish! Baeckeoffe, sauerkraut, kougelhopf - these tasty regional dishes are simmered in containers that are themselves made in the region. Often decorated with hand-painted floral or geometric motifs, their deep shape allows the ingredients to be evenly distributed for perfect cooking. There's still plenty of tradition to enjoy!

Spotlight : Nature

250 km of pleasure on the Voie Bleue

The Voie Bleue owes its name to the Moselle, which accompanies it from start to finish: the blue of the river follows us like our shadow! In the Grand Est region, the Voie Bleue follows the river for almost 250km via the towpaths and the Canal des Vosges. It's a completely flat stretch, but above all it's reserved exclusively for bikes: ideal for a first cycling experience. The gentle setting sets the tone: you pedal at your own pace, with the sole aim of enjoying the scenery, its colours and the animals that thrive there, as evidenced by the concert of chirping birds! At once historic, heritage, cultural and gastronomic, the Voie Bleue en Grand Est is the route for every kind of initiation!

Spotlight : Culture & Heritage, In town

One of the most beautiful murals in the world is in Mulhouse!

As you stroll through Mulhouse, one thing strikes you: art has taken over the town! The city's first painted wall dates back to 1552, and the tradition has continued ever since. Today, you can discover art in all its forms in the city: from mural frescoes to iron sculptures and the hijacking of road signs, art is everywhere! In the various districts, the walls are rarely bare, and the artists have left their mark for us to enjoy. At the junction of Rue de l'Arsenal and Grand Rue in Mulhouse, you'll find one of the most beautiful murals in the world by Vinie Graffiti: it was awarded the title in 2021 by the Street Art Cities application. What makes it special? The building's shutters are part of the decor - it's simply fascinating! Shall we take a look?

Spotlight : Adventure, As a couple, Nature, Responsible travel

Unique encounters on the Raid Bulles route

The Raid Bulles route is a 370km Gravel cycle loop, punctuated by stages that allow us to discover some of the nuggets of the Aube region. This unique route takes you through the Champagne region: from the plains of Troyes to the forests and valleys of the Pays d'Othe and Armance, via the vineyards of the Côte des Bar, the Raid Bulles is the ultimate nature trail! Throughout this adventure, you'll discover a region and, above all, the people who live there and shape it: you'll meet the cheese-makers who make Chaource cheese, the emblematic cheese of Aube, every day; you'll learn more about wine from the Côte des Bar winemakers who passionately produce Champagne, the nectar of the gods; you'll discover the beehives with the beekeepers who present their meticulous and fascinating work. All in all, a great bunch of people to meet on the Raid Bulles!

Verdun à vélo
Spotlight : Nature

The Meuse by bike: pedal your way through history!

La Meuse à Vélo is the French section of Eurovélo 19, stretching 443 kilometres from Langres to Givet. As you cycle along the Meuse river, you're in for a journey to the heart of French history in the Grand Est region! You'll first pass through the town of Verdun, witness to and memory of the First World War, then on to Sedan, home to the largest fortified castle in Europe and witness to 6 centuries of history where lords, kings, princes and the French army followed one another. Finally, we continue to Charleville-Mézières, birthplace of the poet Arthur Rimbaud, where his life is retraced in frescoes highlighting the poet's sublime texts. Let's swap our history textbooks for a cycling trip along the Meuse - there's (almost) as much to learn!

Spotlight : Adventure, Mountains

Heading for the Grande Traversée des Vosges!

The Grande Traversée des Vosges has been awarded many distinctions: it is one of the longest stretches of walking in Europe, and has also been awarded the title of Leading Quality Trails - Best of Europe, no less! The 430-kilometre route takes you on a wonderful adventure, taking in beautiful Vosges forests, lakes, the remains of castles and fortresses, picturesque Alsatian villages, breathtaking views and some surprising red houses. The trail, precisely signposted by the Club Vosgien, an association of enthusiasts committed to preserving this heritage, allows you to find your bearings straight away. Why not spend the night? Bivouacking is permitted in the Vosges mountains! You don't disturb the fauna and flora, and of course you make sure you leave no trace of your passage when you pack up your tent. Adventure is ours!

Spotlight : Adventure, Mountains

The GR5® takes you on the trail of Europe!

With its sumptuous countryside and authentic landscapes, the Grand Est is the perfect destination for a hike. The GR5®, for example, runs from the North Sea to the Mediterranean, linking Nice on the Côte d'Azur to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, via Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland, giving it its name: the Europe Trail. The GR5® winds its way through the Vosges mountains, giving hikers a chance to reconnect with nature, particularly in one of France's largest Regional Nature Parks, the Ballons des Vosges: its high peaks offer breathtaking views. Embark on the most European of the GR ® !