11 Iconic Buildings to Explore in Grand Est

Checkout places to visit in Grand Est

Grand Est

Grand Est is a vast new region in Eastern France, the unification of the former historical regions of Champagne-Ardenne, Alsace, and Lorraine. Its geographical location – bordering Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and Switzerland – makes of the Grand Est an interesting cultural melting pot which can be clearly seen in its architecture and tasted in its gastronomy.

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Iconic Buildings to Explore in Grand Est

Castle of Fleckenstein

A ruined castle in the commune of Lembach. This fortress, built in the shape of a 52 m long boat, has a long history. The castle was built on a sandstone summit in the Middle Ages. An ingenious system for collecting rainwater fed a cistern and a hoist allowed water and other loads to be moved to the upper floors. It was built in the first half or mid-12th century by the Fleckenstein family, who were ministerials of the Hohenstaufen dynasty. Now it is one of the main attractions in this area.

Castle of Sedan

A majestic castle which was located in Sedan, France. It is a grand fortress of medieval European stock, covering an area of 35,000 m2 in its seven floors. The castle was given by the French Army to the city of Sedan in 1962 and was subjected to a number of restorations. There is also a beautiful museum inside this castle which was dedicated to the Franco-Prussian War and It has rich collections of things that have been used at that time.

Château de Saint-Ulrich

The castle of Grand-Ribeaupierre, known under the name of the castle of Saint-Ulrich, is one of the three castles which dominate the commune of Ribeauvillé, in the Haut -Rhin. It is located at an altitude of 528 m. It has been classified as a historical monument since October 1841and February 1930. The currently visible remains date from several eras. The castle is a very fine example of the military architecture of Alsace in the Middle Ages. It is the largest and best-preserved of the three cas

Château du Haut-Barr

The Haut-Barr Castle is a medieval castle in ruins located in the French town of Saverne, in the department of Bas-Rhin. It has been classified as a historical monument since October 1874. The castle is built on an imposing sandstone bar made up of three rocks; it has the characteristics of a castle bar. One of the ancient locations which shows light to the history of France.

Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

The Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg is a medieval castle located in the Orschwiller commune. Built-in the 12th century, the castle bore witness to eight centuries of European conflicts and rivalries between feudal lords, kings, and emperors. From 1900 to 1908 it was rebuilt at the behest of the German Kaiser Wilhelm II. Today it is a major tourist site, attracting more than 500,000 visitors a year. It’s the only medieval castle in Alsace that has been fully restored.

Hohlandsbourg Castle

The Hohlandsbourg castle is located in Wintzenheim, near Colmar in the Haut-Rhin. Capital of the Habsburg lordship, the castle was built in 1279 by Siegfried de Gundolsheim, acquired in 1563 and modernized by Lazare de Schwendi. It was dismantled during the Thirty Years' War. One of the main attractions that were interested by tourists. It has been listed since 1840 as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture and It is open to the public between Easter and 11 November.

Malbrouck Castle

A beautiful and majestic castle which was listed as a historical monument. It stands atop the wooded hill of Meinberg and was constructed between 1419 and 1434. , it was occupied by the Duke of Marlborough during the War of Spanish Succession. Now it was a tourist attraction and invites visitors to enjoy several historical and architectonical highlights. You can visit this castle for free and can enjoy this beautifully restored site.

Palais du Tau

The Tau Palace was one of the residences of the archbishops of Reims . It owes its name to its plan which, in the Middle Ages , was shaped like the letter T ( Tau in Greek ). A building adjoining the Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral , it was also a royal residence during the coronations of the kings of France in Reims.

Palais Rohan

The Palais Rohan de Strasbourg was built between 1732 and1742 to plans by Robert de Cotte, Principal Architect to the King, for Cardinal Armand-Gaston de Rohan-Soubise, Prince-Bishop of Strasbourg. It is a major architectural, historical, and cultural landmark in the city which was Reflecting the history of Strasbourg and of France.

Place Stanislas

The Place Stanislas is a large pedestrianized square in the French city of Nancy. the square was inaugurated in 1755 with a bronze statue of Louis XV at its center. This square was built in memory of Louis XV by his father in law. Place Stanislas is known as the oldest example of a modern capital where an enlightened monarch proved to be sensitive to the needs of the public. It was one of the historic places which has a lot to say.

The Three Castles of Eguisheim

The three castles of Husseren-Les-Châteaux were a group of castles that were built in close proximity to one another, but not at the same time, on a low hill ridge and it is variously named after the nearby town of Eguisheim. It has a rich history to say and it is one of the prime attractions in this area. You can understand the rich history of these castles by wandering in this place and it will be a worth visit.

Map of Iconic Buildings to explore in Grand Est