Architectural highlights in Grand Est

This collection spans centuries of design across the Grand Est region and the Upper Rhine. It features world-renowned Gothic cathedrals in Strasbourg, Reims, and Metz, known for their intricate spires and monumental stained glass. The list highlights Nancy’s Art Nouveau heritage through the Villa Majorelle alongside defensive medieval structures like Strasbourg's Ponts Couverts and Basel’s Spalentor. Modern landmarks are represented by the innovative roof of Centre Pompidou-Metz and the functionalist European Court of Human Rights, showcasing the evolution from historic fortifications to contemporary cultural hubs.

Architectural Highlights — Map

Justus Blümer / CC BY 2.0

A

Cathedral of Our Lady

Historic Gothic cathedral known for its impressive architecture, towering height, and astronomical clock. It is a national monument and a significant religious and cultural landmark.

Photo Claude TRUONG-NGOC / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Grande île

The Grande Île is an island that lies at the historic centre of the city of Strasbourg in France.

bodoklecksel / CC-BY-SA-3.0

C

Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral

Notre-Dame de Reims, known in English as Reims Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in the French city of the same name, the…

Alexandre Prévot / CC BY-SA 2.0

D

Rohan Palace

Come and see this excellent example of the Baroque architecture. This place looks especially picturesque when seen from the river.

Martin Kucera / CC-BY-SA

E

Metz Cathedral

Metz Cathedral is the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Metz, the seat of the bishops of Metz. It is dedicated to Saint Stephen.

Christian Ries / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Centre Pompidou-Metz

One of the branches of the famous Parisian art centre. There's plenty of interest to see here.

Martin Kucera / CC-BY-SA

G

Villa Majorelle

Louis-Jean-Sylvestre Majorelle, usually known simply as Louis Majorelle, was a French decorator and furniture designer who manufactured his…

Wladyslaw / CC-BY-SA-3.0

H

City Hall

The Basel Town Hall is a 500-year-old building dominating the Marktplatz in Basel, Switzerland.

Jonathan Martz / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Covered Bridges

The Ponts Couverts are a set of three bridges and four towers that make up a defensive work erected in the 13th century on the River Ill in…

juanca1492 / Public domain

J

Craffe Gate

Built in the 14th century as a part of the city's fortification, the gate's towers served as a prison for decades.

Martin Kucera / CC-BY-SA

K

Musée de l'École de Nancy

The Musée de l'École de Nancy is a museum devoted to the École de Nancy, an Art Nouveau movement founded in 1901 by Émile Gallé, Victor…

François BERNARDIN / CC BY 3.0

L

Church of Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours, Nancy

The Church of Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours is a historic church located in Nancy, France.

CherryX / CC-BY-SA-3.0

M

European Court of Human Rights

The building of the European Court of Human Rights is located in the European Quarter of Strasbourg, France.

Taxiarchos228 / FAL

N

Gate of Spalen

The Basel city walls are a complex of walls surrounding the central part of the Swiss city of Basel, only partially preserved today.

juanca1492 / Public domain

O

Nancy Cathedral

Nancy Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in the town of Nancy, Lorraine, France. It was erected in the 18th century.

Zelmira Rodriguez / CC-BY-SA

P

Ancienne douane (Koïffhus)

This 15th-century former custom house in Colmar features a combination of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Topped with a colorful Burgundian tiled roof, it once served as the city's economic center for tax collection and goods storage.

Kuruma33 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Q

Statue of Liberty

A 12-meter-high replica of the iconic monument, erected in 2004 to commemorate the centenary of the death of its creator, sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, who was born in Colmar.

ignis / CC-BY-SA-3.0

R

Barrage Vauban

The Barrage Vauban, or Vauban Dam, is a bridge, weir and defensive work erected in the 17th century on the River Ill in the city of…

Roland zh / CC BY-SA 3.0

S

Central Bridge

The oldest bridge crossing the Rhine was standing there until it was replaced in the 20th century.

Other Lists

Grand Est Essentials Editor's Choice Hidden Gems of Alsace Architectural Heritage Sites Museums & Art Galleries Castles and Fortresses Historic Religious Sites Parks and Scenic Spots