Lorraine is a former region in northeastern France.
Imagine: along the valley of the majestic river Meuse, near Monterme, riders are jumping. The morning mist melting over the river will forever hide these pious knights - the sons of Emon *, about whom an immortal folk legend, born in Vosges- bluish-gray mountains gleaming with mirror lakes.
The mountains rise up to the clouds and drop steeply down from the Alsace side. You can cross them only along the gorges, for example, along the Shlusht, drowned in a gloomy spruce forest.
But before leaving the Vosges, it is worth admiring this rustic Lorraine - "Lorraine in a clog": mountain slopes, a fertile valley, sandwiched between two massifs corroded by time, friendly villages drowned in gardens; local wine preserves the taste of grapes that have ripened in sunny valley Moselle.
Lorraine, which lies between the Ardennes and the Vosges - a "border" zone, as geographers or historians would say, a close relative of Alsace - is open to all trends, since it is crossed by a highway connecting the Benelux countries and West Germany with the Mediterranean; and yet it is completely special world. In order to get to Lorraine from Paris, you need to cross Champagne, an ancient province rich in medieval masterpieces. It is in Champagne, Reims, was baptized Clovis and here, in Reims Cathedral, many french kings. In Reims is the abbey church of Saint-Remy with a magnificent Romanesque nave. Wooden houses crowding the streets also tell about deep antiquity. Troyes. Champagne has some of the most famous vineyards in France. However, despite its "sparkling" name, the province did not always enjoy the idyll. There were also wars here. Will tell about it Valmy, Sedan and Marne.
From Champagne you can get to ancient Lorraine, a former duchy created between the 10th and 13th centuries, and already so French that the emblem of the duchy - a cross with two bars - despite wars, storms and changes in borders, became the national emblem of France. This peculiar province, located three hundred and fifty kilometers from Paris, is the western outpost Central Europe. Its climate is continental: cold winters and hot summers. The landscapes here are sometimes harsh, sometimes gentle. Even the rivers here are capricious, they avoid the west - the Seine, the English Channel and the very close Parisian basin - and flow into the Moselle, Rhine and Meuse, striving for North Sea. And yet, in Lorraine, the influence of Mediterranean culture is felt. Houses in the valleys and on the slopes of the mountains are covered with the same tiles as in Provence, although the roofs here are not steep, as in the east, but almost flat. The local dialect - more French than German - is very expressive, especially in the Metz region.
This old and harsh land created people in their own image and likeness: the “round-headed Gauls” have firmly grown into it and hold on to their traditions, their autonomy and freedom, although geographical position this area has always doomed it to invasions and divisions.
The most famous daughter of Lorraine, a girl called the shepherdess Jeanne, later Jeanne of France, forever remained in the people's memory as Joan of Arc. The Meuse River, which often saw bloody battles, flows through her native village of Domremy. Here you can see the hut in which Jeanne was born. clearing, in the middle of a dense forest, where Jeanne grazed sheep, under the magical "tree of fairies" she heard "voices" calling on her to expel the English from France.
Domremy - famous place However, this village was not destined to become a city. In the fifteenth century, she lived modestly in the shadow of the capital of Lorraine - Nancy. In modern Nancy, the quarters of the Classical era intertwined with the medieval ones. The exceptionally beautiful Stanislav Square is the most famous architectural monument cities. This area is associated with the name of the Polish king Stanislav Leshchinsky. Trying to please their master, the architect Eray de Corney and the master Lamour surrounded the ancient Royal Square high forged fence, decorated with gilding. On the square itself they built a palace, between triumphal arch and the town hall laid an alley with pools and fountains and took care of the appropriate decor for gallant festivities. This is one of the most magnificent architectural ensembles XVIII century. On the territory of Lorraine and Alsace are Vosges- old low mountain range, in which the retreating glacier left numerous depressions with deep dark lakes. This harsh land, rugged deep gorges where the worst winter winds blow in France. But at the same time, this is a region covered with dense forests; the land of the sacred ancient traditions, mysterious and alluring.
The best forests in the Vosges - rich, dense, fragrant - are located fifteen kilometers north of Falzburg, they are visible from the fortifications petite-pierre; rows of firs go beyond the horizon, as if going to storm a sloping, intricately indented slope.
The forest is the main wealth of the area, which has become the center of our time skiing. Tourist complexes are located in Schlust, Bres, Saint-Maurice and Markstein. Comfortable hotels with restaurants have been built at the foot of the mountains. In the south of the region there are several youth sports centers with cheaper hotel complexes. The most intrepid skiers are waiting for ski jumps and difficult slopes: Ventron, Bruce, descent from the rounded peak of Alsace (1248 m), one of the most beautiful natural gazebos in the Vosges, located above spruce forest. In the forest, as in the good old days, lumberjacks work, they cut down the forest (now much more expensive) and build somewhere on the slopes, as their ancestors did, huts made of spruce branches and clay, covering them with roofing paper. Felled trees are lowered down into the valley on special sledges called shlits, a primitive but very convenient device. To cope with them on steep slopes, great skill is required.
in the gorge Shlyusht, in the place where the border that separated France from Alsace after the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 passed, was laid during the First World War Cretan road essential in this remote area.
It winds like a serpentine among the majestic landscapes.
Down in the valleys, traditional linen fabrics are still woven, which are very famous, but this craft is dying because it cannot compete with machines that make cheap cloth. In the villages, women are engaged in fine embroidery and cheese making. The local juicy cheeses keep the smell of highland pastures. To the west, in the valley Moselle, there are resorts with thermal waters. Tired of modern life in gas-poisoned cities, people improve their poor health in resorts Plombières, Bains-les-Bains, Contrexeville and Vittel. In this area is the center of folk crafts - city of Epinal. It is here in last years Revolution * wood engraver Pellerin made illustrations for fairy tales, folk songs, and also captured the events of contemporary history. The success of his works was so great that a special museum was opened for them in this town.
History has been harsh on Lorraine: as you know, European wars did not spare her. IN Verdun on the river Meuse everything reminds of that terrible eight-month battle of the First World War, which turned hundreds of thousands of French and Germans into a bloody mess. Here everywhere you meet names that remind of this: Fort Vaud, Mort-Om, Forests of Cor, Corbo, Cayet. Now they, like Duamon have become legendary. But, as the poet said, "monstrous glory, obtained at the cost of shed blood." These beautiful valleys, created by nature, fertile fields cultivated by people have become a giant mass grave because the wars didn't stop there. This tragic and at the same time good land has always been an unhealed wound for France: already in 843 Treaty of Verdun, which fragmented the empire of Charlemagne, marked the beginning of endless armed clashes.
Saint-Etienne Cathedral in Metz, erected over the river, is worthy of comparison with the cathedrals in Beauvais or Amiens; he is just as tall, powerful and surprisingly harmonious. Some extraordinary light penetrates through the wide windows and magnificent stained-glass windows, illuminating the walls, columns and the Gothic vault. Stained glass windows of the 16th century are located in the choir. Despite their venerable age, they wonderfully harmonize with the stained-glass windows created in our century by Jacques Villon*.
In Metz you can see the German Gate, built in the 13th century; they are part of the ensemble of buildings built by the Teutonic Knights, in which the hospital was arranged. For its time, this fortified city was an example of the high art of urban planning, as evidenced by the Armory Square, the Serpenoise Gate, the esplanade. Here and there there are monuments of the era of the Gallo-Roman wars. Rival to Nancy, Metz has long been the region's first city. And although already in the 16th century the walls of the fortress began to collapse, Metz retained its significance and has now become major city in the center of industrial Lorraine.
Between the coal basin on the West German border (Saarland) and the iron deposits in the north, in the valleys of the Moselle and Orne rivers, there are beautiful forests, extensive pastures and agricultural land in the region in which oil is produced. Local roads stretch along orchards where mirabelle, plums, pears, and apple trees grow.
In addition to Nancy and Metz, three more Lorraine cities deserve mention: Toul, a former episcopal and military residence, surrounded by fortified walls, the creation of Vauban *; Baccarat, the capital of crystal since the Middle Ages, and, finally, Luneville, where in the 18th century Duke Leopold, jealous of the glory of the Sun King, ordered to erect his own, "Lorraine Versailles".
Lorraine is not only an industrial area. Worth going outside the cities Rhomba, Aiange or capitals of the steel industry Thionville, illuminated at night by blast furnaces, as soon as you get into a fertile valley with arable land and water meadows. IN Vevrey on the steep banks of rivers, among the forests, villages consisting of one street are hiding, surrounded by orchards and vineyards. Once upon a time, vineyards were everywhere in Lorraine. Now they can only be found on the banks of the Meuse and Moselle rivers, they survived, despite the phylloxera epidemic that broke out at the beginning of the century. Vineyards with difficulty came out, carefully and lovingly cured. And they bear fruit again in abundance.
In the vicinity of Gerardmer, in the mountains overgrown with spruce, there are dark, deep, frozen, bewitching lakes, the names of which are associated with legends: Longmere, Blanchmere and Returnmere. Looking towards the gloomy but beautiful Ardennes, you remember the poems of a native of these places P Olya Verlena:
In the father's distant land, forests stand as a wall,
In their darkness, sometimes the eyes of a fierce wolf will sparkle,
A green oak has sheltered a blueberry bush at its feet..
The French region of Lorraine (Lorraine) is a province located in northeastern France. The official administrative center of the region is city of Metz which houses the regional parliament.
The total population of the region is 2,350,657 people. The coat of arms of the province depicts a shield, in the golden field of which there is a scarlet baldric, burdened with three alerions.
The area of Lorraine is 23,547 square kilometers. They flow through it numerous rivers, among which the most famous Meuse (Meuse) and Moselle. Lorraine is the only french region, bordering on three foreign countries - Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany.
The French region of Lorraine (Lorraine) has long been the subject of contention and territorial dispute between France and Germany, which greatly influenced the culture and history of the entire region. Modern Lorraine combines everything best features French and German presence, which she acquired in the process centuries of history, including during the German occupation.
The German trace is especially noticeable in the architectural orderliness of the building. settlements, as well as in the linguistic features of the disputed land. Directly in Lorraine there is a language border: in the east they speak mainly German, and in the west they use, as a rule, French.
History of the Lorraine region
The current region of Lorraine is significantly inferior in area to the medieval Duchy of Lorraine, but surpasses the later one. historical province. In addition to this province, it includes areas of the former provinces of Barrois and Trois-Evesche.
Throughout the long history of the borders of modern Lorraine have changed repeatedly. So in 843, according to the Treaty of Verdun, the united Frankish state was divided among the three grandsons of Charlemagne. One of them, Lothair, became the owner of the territory stretching from Frisia to Rome, which included Lorraine. In 870, the area received the status of a duchy, confirmed in 962 by Otto I, according to which it remained part of the Holy Roman Empire until 1766.
During the 12th and 13th centuries, the duchy prospered under the Hohenstaufen emperors, but this development ended in the 14th century due to cold winters, poor harvests, and the Black Death. IN renaissance the region gradually began to recover under Habsburg rule, which lasted until the Thirty Years' War.
Between 1766 and 1871, Lorraine remained part of France, becoming a cause for revisionism. The population of the province was mixed, but mostly German-speaking. In 1871, part of the region went under the jurisdiction of Germany, which parted with it only after the end of the First World War; nevertheless, the Lorraine did not want to be part of it, remaining loyal to France.
With the exception of the period of the Second World War (1940-1944), the region remained French, and local authority strongly impeded the spread of the German language and culture. French became the only language in schools. After the wars, most of the Germans left the region, but even those who remain do not want an alliance with Germany, even on the terms of autonomy.
Culture of the Lorraine region
Most of the inhabitants of the Lorraine region associate and relate themselves to France. Otto von Bismarck, following the results of the Franco-Prussian war, annexed to Germany one third of the territory of today's Lorraine.
The disputed third, also known as the Moselle, had a culture that was difficult to classify, with both Romance and Germanic dialects present. The latter are preserved in the northern part of the region.
Like most other regional languages of France (Breton, West Flemish, Provençal and Alsatian), local dialects have been largely replaced French, starting with the emergence of compulsory general education in the XIX-XX centuries.
However, there are a number of projects to preserve them (the use of a bilingual designation in the case of the German dialect and the creation of language classes for young children), and many older people continue to speak them.
Sights of Lorraine
In fact, Lorraine is located on the territory of a busy transport crossroads, bordering on Germany, Belgium and the Duchy of Luxembourg. It is worth noting that in this French province the metallurgical industry is very developed, but this does not greatly affect environmental situation in the region.
The historical center of Lorraine is the city of Metz, where you can see the world famous attractions such as Malbrook Castle and St Stephen's Cathedral, as well as many monastic complexes that have survived to this day.
As for other popular tourist and excursion places Lorraine, then among them it is worth highlighting Stanislav Square (city of Nancy), Gorze Abbey(15 kilometers southwest of Metz) and the Abbey of St. Vincent (Island of Chambiere).
It should also be noted that the heyday of most of the cities and settlements of Lorraine fell on the century before last, however, many monuments of the cultural and architectural heritage of the region failed to survive the difficult milestones of European history.
Lorraine was affected by both world wars, in which more than half of all civilizational heritage was lost. Many buildings were rebuilt from scratch after the war and are carefully guarded by the government and citizens. The main cities of the region are Verdun, Nancy and Epinal.
France, Lorraine is one of many places on the world map, but which certainly has its own zest. Alsace and Lorraine are two French regions whose names are often used together, as they are located next to each other in the east of France. It even goes so far that these areas are mentioned with a hyphen, as if they are one and the same place. This area has a very controversial history, since the Germans and the French almost lived together here, and the lands themselves passed under the control of one side or the other. It is because of these movements that these places have received their unique character, which is not found anywhere else in France. Literally everywhere culture is mixed here. The center of Lorraine is the city of Metz, which was founded in antiquity, back in the days of the Gallo-Roman period. In addition to this place, there is another historical center of Lorraine - a town in which tourists can admire the elegant works of architecture of the eighteenth century, which are an integral part of cultural heritage France. If you think that Lorraine suits you, then your trip should definitely start from Nancy, amazing beautiful town located between Alsace and Champagne. This town is cultural monument, which was included in the list of cultural heritage compiled by UNESCO. If you went to Nancy, you should definitely visit Stanislas Square there. This amazing place- a square that is surrounded by examples of eighteenth century architecture, it serves as a separator between the old and new parts cities. If you go to the old part of the city, then you can look at the ducal palace, which was built back in the nineteenth century, as well as the Cathedral, in which all the dukes who ever ruled Lorraine are buried.
Sights of Lorraine
In the event that you like crystal, then from Nancy you need to go to Baccarat. The famous Crystal Museum is located in this place, which is dedicated to the history of this wonderful material, which has been going on for 230 years. If you wish, you can even watch a video there, in which you will be shown in detail how the crystal is made. Maybe someone does not know the name of this city - but it is a symbol of great skill all over the world, while Baccarat crystal is one of the most valuable in the world in general. If you are interested, in Lorraine there is also a factory in Luneville, which produces faience, which, although less known, is also in significant demand on the market.
If you didn’t go to Baccarat, then next to Nancy is Vittel, a city near which excellent mineral water is mined. There are springs that are known all over the world. If you want to go to the resort - there is just one such nearby - Contrexville. Next to it, by the way, there are also springs that serve as a source mineral water. A huge number of tourists go to these places who want to take a course of improvement offered by local beauty centers. Here, for sure, anyone can lose weight, and cosmetic procedures will make your appearance just wonderful.
Historic center of Lorraine
If you go north of Nancy, then there you will find the historical center of Lorraine - Metz. The city is a university city, it is widely known for its museums, as well as for the liqueur, which is made here from mirabelle plums. If you come here, be sure to pay attention to the local cathedral, after which you can proceed to the complex of buildings where the Carmelite monastery once was - these buildings were built a long time ago, back in the days of the Gallo-Roman period.
Of course, there are tourists among those who are interested in military history. If you are one of them, then you should immediately go to Verdun. In these places it will be possible to see exactly where one of the battles of the Second World War took place and consider the very line of defense called the Maginot.
As for the castles, here you should take a look at Malbrook, which will surely appeal to all fans. French culture. A variety of festivals and exhibitions are now held there, where you can see various medieval things.
Lorraine is a good choice for a person who is interested in the culture of both Germans and French.
Lorraine(fr. Lorraine, German Lothringen listen)) is a region in northeastern France. Official administrative center- the city of Metz, it houses the regional parliament. In administrative terms, Metz is equal to Nancy.
Population 2,350,657 people (11th place among regions).
The coat of arms of the province is a shield, in the golden field of which there is a scarlet baldric, burdened with three silver alerions.
Geography
The area of the territory is 23,547 km². The rivers Meuse (Meuse) and Moselle flow through it. Lorraine is the only French region bordering on three foreign countries - Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany.
Story
The modern region of Lorraine is far inferior in area to the medieval Duchy of Lorraine, but surpasses the later historical province. In addition to this province, it includes areas of the former provinces of Barrois and Trois-Evesche.
The borders of Lorraine have changed a lot over its long history. In 843, according to the Treaty of Verdun, the united Frankish state was divided among the three grandsons of Charlemagne. One of them, Lothair, became the owner of a territory stretching from Frisia to Rome, which included Lorraine. In 870, the area was granted the status of a duchy, confirmed in 962 by Otto I, according to which it remained part of the Holy Roman Empire until 1766.
During the 12th and 13th centuries, the duchy flourished under the Hohenstaufen emperors, but this came to an end in the 14th century due to harsh winters, poor harvests, and the Black Death. During the Renaissance, the region began to recover under Habsburg rule, which lasted until the Thirty Years' War. From 1766 to 1871, Lorraine remained part of France, causing a revision of the borders. The population of the province was mixed, but remained largely German-speaking. Since 1871, part of the region was ceded to Germany, which parted with it only at the end of the First World War; nevertheless, the Lorraine did not want to be part of it, remaining loyal to France.
With the exception of the period of the Second World War from 1940 to 1944, the region remained French, and the local administration strongly discouraged German and culture. French became the administrative language and the only language in schools. After the wars, most of the Germans left the region, but even those who remain do not want an alliance with Germany, even on the terms of autonomy.
Culture of the region
Most of the population of Lorraine considers themselves to be French. Otto von Bismarck, following the results of the Franco-Prussian war, annexed 1/3 of today's Lorraine to Germany. The disputed third, also known as the Moselle, had a culture that is difficult to classify, as both Romance and Germanic dialects were present. The latter are preserved in the northern part of the region.
Like most other regional languages of France (Breton, West Flemish, Provençal and Alsatian), local dialects have been largely replaced by French since the advent of compulsory general education in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, there are a number of projects to preserve them (using a bilingual designation in the case of the German dialect and creating language classes for young children), and many older people continue to speak them.
Untouched natural beauty and picturesque historic towns make Lorraine an ideal area to explore.
Its former capital, Nancy, is in eastern France, surrounded by the Meuse and Moselle valleys, sandwiched between Champagne and the Vosges mountains. The steep foothills of the Vosges are covered with forested hills, and the quiet alpine lakes dotted with attractive resorts such as Gerardmer.
There are also traditional resorts, including the cities of Vittel and Bain-les-Bains. Created in the 18th and 19th centuries, these resorts are visited by high society Europe to plunge into healing waters. Today, tourists can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and classic beauty of the resorts of Lorraine, its natural monuments, culture and rich cities.
Former capital Lorraine is historical city, which is famous for its magnificent 18th-century Baroque architecture. elegant main square Stanislas is surrounded by impressive palaces, including the Hotel de Ville (town hall with balconies and balustrades). The most characteristic feature of the square is the magnificent gilded wrought-iron railings at the ends of the streets and at the fountains of Neptune and Amphitrite.
Another tourist attraction is the museum fine arts which has a noteworthy collection of European paintings from the 16th-20th centuries along with contemporary art.
The Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine is the most important secular building of the late Gothic period in Lorraine and now houses historical Museum with a collection of archeology, medieval sculpture and traditional folk crafts. The Museum of the School of Nancy occupies an Art Nouveau villa and is a collection of glass, furniture and jewelry.
Mets has ancient history since Roman times. In the 6th century it was the seat of the Merovingian kings and later became a free imperial city. picturesque city characterized by its cobbled and narrow streets and charming old houses. The Place d'Armes is home to the Hôtel de Ville (18th century town hall) and Saint-Étienne Cathedral. This impressive yellow sandstone cathedral was built between 1250 and 1380, formerly the church of Notre-Dame-la-Ronde.
Huge, 42 meters tall with a pole, the cathedral has magnificent stained glass windows, an interior and the overwhelming influence of a majestic Gothic temple. Also worth a visit is the Museum of Art and History, which contains Gallo-Roman archaeological finds and examples of medieval religious art and architecture. The Esplanade City Garden has a wonderful terrace that offers beautiful view to the Moselle Valley and Mont Saint-Quentin.
Located at the top of the Moselle valley, Toul was important city in the Middle Ages and until 1648 it was a free imperial city. The city itself is still surrounded by 17th-century walls with four gates. Its cathedral Saint-Étienne was built in the 13th and 14th centuries. It has a late Gothic façade and a Renaissance doorway. To the southwest of the cathedral is the church of Saint-Genoult, built from the 13th to the 16th century.
This church is a smaller and simplified version of the cathedral. Its features are exquisite 13th century stained glass windows and a 16th century cloister having an elegant flamboyant style. On the General-Gengoult street there is a row historical buildings dating back to the 14th century. Another notable landmark of the city is the Hotel de Ville, the city hall, which occupies former palace bishop.
Surrounded by a fortress mountain, the ancient walls of the city of Verdun are at an important crossroads in and were one of the strongest fortresses during the First World War. The city was the site of a horrific battle and a bronze sculpture by Rodin in front of the port of Saint-Paul commemorates the event.
There is also a military museum and a memorial on the Quai de la République. Both sides of the river Meuse are the battlefields of the First World War. Other notable monuments in Verdun are the cathedral, the city gates, the port-highway and the port of Châtel, which was part of the city's defenses.
The picturesque lake district in the Vosges and the popular resort of Gerardmer is located at an altitude of about 1000 meters. With its pristine alpine terrain and excellent tourism infrastructure Gerardmer attracts nature lovers and active species recreation throughout the year.
In summer, the expansive Lake Gérardmer comes alive with various water sports sports, including sailing and canoeing. The area also has hiking, mountain biking and cycling trails of various abilities, from beginners to advanced.
Station de trail contains detailed maps hiking trails. There are also GPS walks for high-tech slopes. For equestrians, there is an opportunity to go horseback riding. In winter, Gerardmer is a place for downhill and cross-country skiing.
Small town Vittel was one of the most popular resorts Lorraine since the middle of the 19th century, and its reputation resort town dates back to Roman times. Water in the city with four cold mineral springs which are used in the treatment of various health disorders.
Local water is also sold as drinking water in France. The city of Vittel itself has a resort atmosphere and satisfies the leisure needs of visitors. There are luxurious parks, golf courses and a hippodrome. An architectural landmark is the church of Saint-Remy of the late Gothic period.
Vittel is also a good base to start exploring other natural sites in the area. There is another one about 45 minutes drive from the city. famous resort Bain Le Bain. He has 11 natural sources that have been in use since Roman times.
Saint Miyel
The city of Saint-Miyel (or Saint-Michel) is located around the Benedictine abbey founded in 709. It was one of the main cities of the Barrois district. The sculptor Ligier Richier (1500-1567) was born here and some of his works can be seen in the local church. One of the best works Richier is located in one of the chapels of the Saint-Michel church, which was founded in the 12th century.
