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Lorraine : Between war and art: memories Lorraine

Regions and cities Lorraine

Between the Lorraine plateau and the mountainous Vosges region, Lorraine offers a wide range of landscapes. A region populated by famous thermal spa resorts, it is also one of the most wooded regions in France. In the heart of Europe, it shares a border with Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany.

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  • Verdun. © Hemis.fr

    Verdun

    © Hemis.fr

  • Cathedral of Saint-Étienne de Metz. © Only France

    Cathedral of Saint-Étienne de Metz

    © Only France

  • Crystal museum. © Hemis.fr

    Crystal museum

    © Hemis.fr

  • Fountain of Amphitrite in Nancy. © Hemis.fr

    Fountain of Amphitrite in Nancy

    © Hemis.fr

History and Geography

History of art

The Duke of Lorraine made Nancy the capital of these lands, coveted in turn by the French and the Germans. A highly industrialised region in certain sectors, it has still preserved its culture of decorative arts and its traditions. Today, it is focused towards new technology.

Cultural heritage

Cathedral of Saint-Étienne de Metz

Built from Jaumont stone from 1220, its nickname is “Lantern of God” because of its 6,500m2 windows, including some exceptional work by Marc Chagall. It is the Cathedral with the biggest area of glass in France, and has one of the biggest Gothic lantern towers in Europe.

Exceptional sites

Verdun

An elegant city with a rich medieval past, Verdun became the first stronghold in France in the XIXth century when it was encircled by a series of 38 forts. This site would be the stage for major battles in 1916. Verdun and its surroundings are now home to fifteen or so historic and military sites and museums.

Lifestyle

Crystal museum

Blown crystal, cut and engraved crystal, crystal decorated with gold and multi-coloured enamels, the Baccarat museum has a collection of some 700 of the most exceptional examples. All bear witness to the expertise developed over more than two centuries and handed down to the manufacturing workshops.

Gastronomy

Quiche and much more besides

Famous for its quiche, the symbol of Lorraine is in fact the Mirabelle plum. Stew with potatoes, smoked bacon and veal's head are just some of the typical dishes. Nancy bergamotes, Verdun dragées, Munster and Cancoillotte cheeses are all equally delicious in their own way. And what about a vin gris de Toul to wash it down with?

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