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Privileged access to the European market

At the crossroads of the main European markets with 700km of borders shared with Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium, Eastern France also benefits from the traditional French access to the Middle East and French-speaking African countries

At the heart of Europe

Three international airports and a dense network of motorways on the north-south and east-west axes give the region direct access to major European cities: Paris, Lyon, Brussels, Frankfurt, Zurich, Milan, among others.  

Avec l’Allemagne et la France comme marchés principaux en Europe de l’Ouest, la situation du Grand Est à la frontière franco-allemande en fait le tremplin idéal pour conquérir le potentiel commercial de l’Europe. Traversé par l’axe Londres-Milan, colonne vertébrale européenne de l’industrie, de la recherche, de l’enseignement supérieur et de l’investissement et offrant un accès facile aux clients, partenaires, financeurs et talents, le Grand Est est toujours à portée de voyage. 

With Germany and France as the No. 1 and No. 2 markets in Western Europe, the location of Eastern France on the Franco-German border makes it the ideal starting point for conquering the commercial potential of Europe. With the London-Milan axis, the European backbone of industry, research, higher education and investment, running through the region, offering easy access to customers, partners, financiers and talent, Eastern France is always within easy travelling distance. As a highly externally connected region, it is home to the European institutions in Strasbourg, two European universities, and no less than 19,000 cross-border workers, making it an international hub of multiculturalism and intellectual exchange.

The best of France

With a leading position in aeronautics, aerospace, nuclear power, chemicals, agri-food and a plethora of other sectors, France is an industrial heavyweight and the world’s sixth largest exporter. 1/3 of French exports are generated by 20,000 foreign companies established locally and employing 2 million people, making France the leading destination for foreign investment in Europe.

Quality higher education and research, paired with the most efficient R&D tax credit in Europe, fuel innovation in 71 innovation clusters and generate the 2nd highest level of new patent applications in Europe – and the 4th highest in the world. Low operating costs – including the best in Europe for electricity and water, reduced red tape and extensive use of the internet to handle most procedures from setting up a business to paying taxes – contribute to an efficient business environment. Historical and cultural links with the Middle East and French-speaking African countries open up further opportunities for companies operating from their French base.

Comprehensive infrastructure

Avec 3 aéroports européens, et plusieurs hubs intercontinentaux à portée de train ou de voiture, le Grand Est offre un accès privilégié à l’Europe et au monde. Ses connexions ferroviaires à grande vitesse le positionnent à portée immédiate du sud de la France ainsi que de l’Angleterre, du Benelux, de l’Allemagne et de l’Europe centrale 

With 3 European airports, and several intercontinental hubs within reach by train or car, Eastern France offers privileged access to Europe and the world. Its high-speed rail connections put the region within easy reach of southern France as well as England, Benelux, Germany and central Europe. Eastern France has also multimodal ports on the Rhine, Moselle, Meuse and Seine, creating a direct connection with Rotterdam, Antwerp and Le Havre.