Grand Est is a French region created on January 1, 2016 from the
territory of the previous regions Alsace (Alsace), Lorraine (Lorraine)
and Champagne-Ardenne. Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine was initially
used as a provisional name. This was replaced by the current name by the
Council of State (Conseil d'État) on October 1, 2016.
Grand Est
is the fourth largest region (excluding overseas regions) at 57,433
square kilometers and has a population of 5,562,651 (as of 2020), making
it the sixth largest region by population. The administrative seat and
most populous city is Strasbourg. The Grand Est region is divided into
ten departments: Ardennes (08), Aube (10), Bas-Rhin (67), Haute-Marne
(52), Haut-Rhin (68), Marne (51), Meurthe-et- Moselle (54), Meuse (55),
Moselle (57) and Vosges (88). It borders (clockwise) with Belgium,
Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and the regions of
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Île-de-France and Hauts-de-France.
In
Alsace in particular, there were protests against the formation of this
new region. In 2019 it was decided that the two départements of Alsace,
Haut-Rhin (68) and Bas-Rhin (67), from 1 January 2021 would be reunited
as the European Territorial Authority of Alsace (Collectivité européenne
d'Alsace) with a special status that is unique in France become.
The Grand Est area of France, encompassing historic regions like
Alsace, Lorraine, and Champagne-Ardenne, boasts several vibrant cities
worth exploring for their rich history, architecture, and cultural
offerings.
Strasbourg: As
the capital of the Alsace region and seat of the European Parliament,
this city features a stunning Gothic cathedral, picturesque canals in
the Petite France district, and a blend of French and German influences
in its cuisine and half-timbered buildings.
Colmar:
Often called the "Little Venice" of Alsace, it's renowned for its
well-preserved medieval old town, colorful timber-framed houses along
canals, and as the birthplace of the Statue of Liberty designer Frédéric
Auguste Bartholdi, with museums dedicated to his work.
Metz: A key city in Lorraine, famous for its
impressive Saint-Étienne Cathedral with vast stained-glass windows, the
modern Centre Pompidou-Metz art museum, and its role as a historic
military stronghold near the German border.
Mulhouse:
Located in southern Alsace, this industrial hub is home to world-class
museums like the Cité de l'Automobile (the largest car museum in the
world) and the Cité du Train, showcasing France's railway history,
alongside a charming old town square.
Nancy:
The cultural heart of Lorraine, celebrated for its UNESCO-listed Place
Stanislas, an elegant 18th-century square surrounded by gilded gates and
fountains, as well as Art Nouveau architecture and vibrant university
life.
Reims: Known as the coronation
city of French kings, it features the magnificent Notre-Dame de Reims
Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, and is the epicenter of Champagne
production with famous cellars like Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot for
tastings.
Troyes: In the Champagne region, this
medieval city boasts half-timbered houses, the stunning Troyes
Cathedral, and outlet shopping, with a history tied to the Knights
Templar and textile trade.
Rocroi: A
small fortified town in the Ardennes, notable for its star-shaped
citadel designed by Vauban, offering insights into 17th-century military
architecture and scenic walking paths.
Eguisheim:
A fairy-tale village in Alsace, encircled by vineyards, with concentric
streets of colorful half-timbered homes; it's often voted one of
France's most beautiful villages and is ideal for wine tours.
Épernay: Dubbed the "Capital of Champagne," it's
lined with prestigious houses like Moët & Chandon, featuring underground
cellars stretching for miles and avenues dedicated to bubbly production.
Épinal: In the Vosges department, famous for its
colorful "images d'Épinal" prints, a castle ruin overlooking the Moselle
River, and as a gateway to hiking in the Vosges Mountains.
Beyond the cities, the region is dotted with charming villages and
historic sites that highlight its medieval heritage, wine culture, and
natural beauty.
Husseren-les-Châteaux: A quaint Alsatian village
near the ruins of three medieval castles (Dagsbourg, Wahlenbourg, and
Weckmund), perfect for hiking trails offering panoramic views of the
Rhine Valley.
Kaysersberg: A postcard-perfect Alsace village with a
ruined castle, cobblestone streets, and half-timbered houses; birthplace
of Nobel Peace Prize winner Albert Schweitzer, and surrounded by
vineyards.
Neuf-Brisach: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this
17th-century fortified town built by Vauban features an octagonal layout
with star-shaped ramparts, exemplifying military engineering.
Ribeauvillé: Nestled in the Vosges foothills, known for its three castle
ruins, annual medieval festivals, and as a stop on the Alsace Wine Route
with tasting cellars.
Riquewihr: One of France's most beautiful
villages, with 16th-century architecture, fortified walls, and
vineyards; it inspired scenes in Disney's Beauty and the Beast and is
famed for Riesling wines.
Sélestat: An Alsatian town with a humanist
library housing rare manuscripts, Gothic churches, and as the origin of
the Christmas tree tradition, hosting festive markets.
Saint-Dié-des-Vosges: In the Vosges Mountains, it's the "godmother" of
America (named it in 1507 maps), with a modern cathedral rebuilt after
WWII and outdoor activities like skiing.
Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines: A
historic mining town in the Vosges, now hosting mineral and gem fairs,
with hiking paths through old silver mines and a mix of Protestant and
Catholic heritage.
Saint-Louis (Haut-Rhin): Near the Swiss and German
borders, this town features a lively market, the Fernet-Branca
contemporary art foundation in a former distillery, and easy access to
Basel.
Verdun: Site of the infamous WWI battle, with memorials,
ossuaries, and forts like Douaumont, offering poignant history lessons
amid rolling hills.
Vittel: A spa town in the Vosges famous for its
mineral water, thermal baths, and golf courses, with Art Deco
architecture and parks for relaxation.
Husseren-les-Châteaux
Kaysersberg
Neuf-Brisach
Ribeauvillé
Riquewihr
Sélestat
Saint-Dié-des-Vosges
Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines
Saint-Louis (Haut-Rhin)
Verdun
Vittel
The region is a treasure trove of medieval and Renaissance châteaux,
many perched on hillsides or in forests, providing glimpses into feudal
history and stunning vistas.
Château de Sedan: Europe's largest
medieval fortress in the Ardennes, with massive walls, a museum on
princely life, and events like knight tournaments.
Château d'Andlau:
A 13th-century Alsatian ruin on a granite spur, surrounded by vineyards,
offering hikes and views over the Andlau Valley.
Château du
Bernstein: Perched at 560 meters in the Vosges, this 12th-century
granite castle ruin features remnants of a keep and is accessible via
forest trails.
Château du Birkenfels: A small 13th-century Alsatian
ruin hidden in woods, known for its polygonal tower and as a peaceful
hiking spot.
Château du Fleckenstein: A dramatic rock-carved castle
in the Northern Vosges, with interactive exhibits on medieval life and
adventure trails for families.
Château du Frankenbourg: An
11th-century ruin in Alsace, atop a sandstone cliff, linked to legends
and offering archaeological interest.
Château de Froensbourg: A
13th-century semi-troglodyte castle in the Vosges, built into rock with
caves, ideal for adventurous explorers.
Château du Grand-Geroldseck:
A 12th-century Lorraine ruin with a large keep, set in a forested area
for scenic walks.
Château du Grand Ringelstein: A modest Vosges ruin
from the 13th century, featuring a circular tower and panoramic mountain
views.
Château de Greifenstein: Twin ruins in Alsace from the 13th
century, with towers and walls, accessible by hike for history
enthusiasts.
Château de Guirbaden: The largest castle ruin in Alsace,
spanning 2 hectares with 10th-century origins, including a chapel and
extensive walls.
Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg: A fully restored
12th-century mountaintop fortress in Alsace, offering medieval
reenactments, drawbridges, and sweeping Rhine Plain views.
Château de
Haut-Barr or Hohbarr: Known as the "Eye of Alsace," this 12th-century
clifftop castle features a devil's bridge and overlooks the Zorn Valley.
Château de Hohenfels: A 13th-century Vosges ruin integrated into rock
formations, with remnants of living quarters for archaeological appeal.
Château du Ramstein (Lorraine): A 13th-century hilltop ruin in Lorraine,
with a keep and walls, tied to local feudal history.
Château de
l'Ortenbourg: An imposing 13th-century Alsatian ruin with a pentagonal
keep, visible from afar and popular for hikes.
Château de Kintzheim:
Home to the Volerie des Aigles eagle show, this 12th-century castle
offers falconry demonstrations amid ruins.
Château de Ramstein
(Alsace): A 13th-century ruin near Haut-Kœnigsbourg, with a history of
destruction during the Peasants' War.
Château de Wangenbourg: A
13th-century Vosges castle with a large keep and moat, surrounded by
forests for nature lovers.
Château d'Andlau
Château du Bernstein
Château du Birkenfels
Château du
Fleckenstein
Château du Frankenbourg
Chateau de Froensbourg
Château du
Grand-Geroldseck
Château de Greifenstein
Château de Guirbaden
Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg
Château de
Haut-Barr or Hohbarr
Château de Hohenfels
Château du Ramstein
(Lorraine)
Château de
l'Ortenbourg
Château de
Kintzheim
Château de Ramstein (Alsace)
Château de
Wangenbourg
Most of the Grand Est region has always been French-speaking, although there are significant German-speaking minorities in Alsace and in the north-east half of the Moselle department (north of the Thionville-Saarbourg line). Due to a rigid language policy and sometimes language bans, the proportion of German speakers has fallen there, but knowledge of German is widespread among the local population in both regions, especially among older people. However, their mother tongue is not High German, but the respective dialect. However, knowledge of French is clearly an advantage. Especially in Alsace and in the immediate border area to Germany, however, efforts are now being made to preserve the local language and High German and to pass it on to young people. In Alsace and in the Moselle department, more than/about 50% of all pupils receive German lessons.
The provisional name Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine was formed from the alphabetical order of the merged regions and was replaced by the final name on July 1, 2016. In a joint poll by television channels France 3 Champagne-Ardenne and France 3 Lorraine, a majority favored Grand Est as the new name. From March 14 to April 1, 2016, a new name could be voted on in an online poll. Grand Est was subsequently added to the three original proposals of Rhin-Champagne, Acalie and Nouvelle-Austrasie. On April 4, it was announced that 75 percent of voters had opted for Grand Est.
The region borders Belgium and Luxembourg to the north, Germany to
the northeast and east, Switzerland to the southeast,
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté to the south, and Ile -de-France and
Hauts-de-France to the west. The central point of the region is located
in Void-Vacon, at the corner of rue Jeanne-d'Arc and rue de Strasbourg.
To the east, it is bordered by the Rhine, a major axis of communication
and economic exchanges in Europe, which has had the status of
international waters since the Congress of Vienna (1815). The use of the
river is managed by the Central Commission for the Navigation of the
Rhine (CCNR) based in Strasbourg.
The region straddles the Paris
Basin to the west and Rhineland Europe to the east, these two areas
being separated by the diagonal of the void or diagonal of low densities
which crosses it.
Longeville-en-Barrois and Grandfontaine
constitute one of the twenty-three points of the French Reference
Network.
The Grand Est extends over the catchment areas of the Seine, the
Meuse and the Rhine. Management of the Seine is entrusted to the
Seine-Normandy Water Agency, while that of the Rhine and the Meuse is
the responsibility of the Rhine-Meuse Water Agency, based in Metz.
The Marne and the Aube are the main tributaries of the Seine, while
the Moselle and the Ill are the main tributaries of the Rhine in the
region.
The Meuse has its source in Champagne-Ardenne, at
Châtelet-sur-Meuse.
The great lakes of the Seine, partly located
in Champagne-Ardenne, contribute to the regulation of the Seine, before
it joins Paris.
The Rhine water table in the plain of Alsace, and
more generally in the Rhine ditch constitutes the largest reserve of
fresh water in Europe. The Saulnois has remarkable salt ponds, unique in
mainland France, where salt-tolerant plants such as glasswort grow.
The region has 5,559,051 inhabitants (municipal population on January 1, 2015) according to the official journal. The population is essentially concentrated in the east, in the Rhine part, along the Rhine, its tributaries (the Moselle in Lorraine and the Ill in Alsace) and its sub-tributaries. The part located in the Paris basin to the west is less populated and more rural. The diagonal of the void (or diagonal of low densities), which crosses France from the Ardennes to the Pyrenees, reaches its lowest population densities in the region in the Meuse (31 inhab./km2), in the Aube (51 inhab./km2) and in Haute-Marne (29 inhab./km2). The department of the Ardennes is also covered by the diagonal of the void but its population resides mainly in the west in the Paris basin. The department of the Vosges is in a similar situation, the western part being occupied by the diagonal of the void but the east belongs to the Moselle furrow, the Lorraine part of Rhine Europe. Conversely, Alsace (229 inhab./km2), located on the banks of the Rhine, is one of the most densely populated territories in France. This population density is even higher in the plain, Alsace being covered by mountain ranges to the west and south.
From 1948 to 1964, the ten departments making up the current Grand
Est region were grouped together within the Igamie of Metz.
Act
III of decentralization
The region is the result of the merger of the
three regions Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, and Lorraine, following Act III
of decentralization (2013). According to France Strategy, an institution
attached to the Prime Minister, the merger of these three regions is
economically coherent for all the departments and apart from this
merger, only the integration of the Territoire de Belfort but also of
the Aisne would further strengthen this coherence. The CESERs of the
Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne and Lorraine regions in 2015 provided a report
including contrasts in the economic situation (GDP, specialization,
foreign trade, education, research and innovation), social (training,
demography, income distribution and poverty , employment, unemployment,
cross-border employment, quality of life), and environmental (waste
management, energy, transport and mobility, land use, air and water
quality, biodiversity). None of these reports analyze the cost of
running the new region or the risk of diseconomies of scale.
This
merger was the subject of debate, particularly in Alsace, where it came
up against fierce opposition, both from elected officials and the
population. It gave rise to several demonstrations, each time bringing
together several thousand people. On the political level, the Alsatian
PS deputies Armand Jung and Philippe Bies were in favor of the
administrative merger with Lorraine alone, but did not comment on the
merger with Champagne-Ardenne. Two UMP deputies from the Ardennes vote
for the merger, while Jean-Paul Bachy, president of the
Champagne-Ardenne region, is against a merger with Alsace. The deputies
from Lorraine are very divided: the eleven deputies of the PS voted for
the merger, and the ten deputies of the UMP voted against it. With
regard to the project of an Alsace-Lorraine merger, the Lorraine
regional councilors on the left were rather for while those on the right
(UMP and FN) were rather against.
Act III of decentralization is
divided into two parts:
a component called “NORe”, instituted by the
law on the new territorial organization of the Republic, which focuses
on the distribution of powers;
a section called “MAPTAM”, instituted
by the law on the modernization of territorial public action and the
affirmation of metropolises, which affects the organization of the major
intermunicipalities in the region, whose role it reinforces.
Strasbourg is designated as the seat of a region by law (paragraph I.4°
of article 2 of the law of 16 January 2015). It is the only one among
the capitals of the new regions to be designated in this way. Several
elected officials from Lorraine and Champagne have criticized this
choice made without local consultation.
The introduction of a
right of option in the law relating to the delimitation of the regions
will also allow the Territoire de Belfort to decide, after January 1,
2016, for integration into the new region, mentioned by certain elected
officials.
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the
Council of Europe criticized this territorial reform, the rapporteurs
being "concerned by the lack of real consultation of local authorities
before the vote on the law which entered into force on 1 January 2016,
as well as than by the financial imbalance between local authorities due
to an unsuitable system of equalization and a recentralisation at the
national level of local tax decisions”.
Creation of the region
The regional council is elected on December 13, 2015. The region is
officially created on January 1, 2016 and Philippe Richert becomes
president on January 4, 2016. The organization of a consultation on the
new name is voted by the regional council on January 25, 2016 .
Four names are submitted to the internet vote from March 14 to April 1:
Rhin-Champagne, Acalie, Nouvelle-Austrasie and Grand Est.
The
results are as follows:
Great East: 75%;
New Austrasia: 10.4%;
Rhine-Champagne: 9.8%;
Acalia: 4.8%.
Philippe Richert
announces his resignation on September 30, 2017. Jean-Luc Bohl is acting
until new elections are organised. Jean Rottner is elected new president
of the region on October 20, 2017. Franck Leroy (DVD) succeeds him on
January 13, 2023.