French region Lorraine (Lorraine). Open left menu

The French region of Lorraine (Lorraine) is a province located in northeastern France. official administrative center 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. Numerous rivers flow through it, 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 development of 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 the local authorities strongly prevented 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 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 (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 sightseeing places in Lorraine, 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.

The city of Nancy is one of the two main cities French region Lorraine, former capital Duchy of Lorraine. Place Stanislas - Cultural Center city, a world heritage site under the protection of UNESCO. The Triumphal Arch separates the square from the old city.

The arch was erected in honor of the ardent victories of Louis XV. Elegant columns on a pedestal frame three arches, bas-reliefs and the upper tier crown the building. The decor follows the theme of war and peace - referring to the military victories of Louis XV and successful peace agreements - various military battles and diplomatic discussions are depicted.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Metz was one of the main religious centers France since ancient times. Bishop Gregory of Tours mentions that after the devastation of Metz by the Huns on April 7, 451, only the chapel of St. Stephen, built on the site of an ancient sanctuary, survived.

The history of the cathedral goes back far into the past. From the sources of the 8th century it is known that Bishop Hrodegang organized the construction of an ancient sanctuary on the territory - it was during this period that several parts of the temple were erected. In 869 the church hosted the coronation of Charles II. In 965-984, the cathedral was reconstructed at the expense of Kings Otto I and Otto II.

During archaeological sites conducted in the twentieth century, it was found that the modern cathedral stands almost exactly on the site of the ancient basilica. And in 1220, it was decided to build a large Cathedral in honor of Saint Stephen. Since then, six construction periods have passed, and the duration of the work was almost 300 years. The consecration of the new cathedral took place on April 11, 1552.

St. Stephen's Cathedral is a magnificent example gothic architecture. Its facades are decorated with sculptures and carvings. Due to its size, the cathedral is one of the largest in France. However, its main attraction is the luxurious stained-glass windows of the 14th and 16th centuries - it is here that the largest collection of stained-glass windows in France is located. Among them are 19 stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall.

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Esplanade

Esplanade (Esplanade de Metz) is a city garden located in Metz to the west of the Metz Center quarter on the site where there were ancient defensive ditches, filled in in 1816 during urban development. Near the Esplanade are the Palace of Justice, the Templar Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, the School of Fine Arts.

Beautiful alleys of lindens and chestnuts surround the picturesque central part garden with flower beds and a fountain. The esplanade is decorated with sculptures by artists representing the Metz school: Naiad and the statue of Marshal Ney, the bronze horse of the famous Christophe Fratin. Here you can also see the sculpture of Paul Verlaine and the Soldier-Liberator, the hero of the First World War.

Esplanade is not just a beautiful garden for walking, but a historically important place in the city, as well as a platform where active cultural life. In February-March, the Foire de Carnaval fair takes place here, in the summer - the literary festival É t du Livre. At the end of summer, the Esplanade celebrates the feast of the mirabelle plum, a true symbol of Metz. In winter, a Christmas market is set up here and a skating rink is flooded.

The Moselle River flows through Luxembourg, Germany and France. Its length reaches five hundred and forty-four kilometers. The area of ​​the Moselle river basin is 28,286 square kilometers. This reservoir originates on the slopes of the Ballon de Alsace hill. Below it passes through a narrow, deep and winding valley. Near the city of Koblenz, the river flows into the Rhine. The main tributaries of the river are the Aviera, the Ruwer and the Saar.

Usually from November to March, floods often occur on the Moselle.

On the river are the following major settlements: Trier, Koblenz, Metz and Nancy.

The Mosel River is almost entirely navigable.

Several locks and hydroelectric power plants have been built on the river. The reservoir is crossed by the Rhine-Marne canal, and also has a connection with the eastern canal to the Sonne River.

The valley of the Moselle River is considered a place of winemaking. This is the oldest wine region in France. Most of products made here are exported.

german gate

The Gate of the Germans is the only fragment of the city fortifications of Metz that has survived to this day. December 3, 1966 they were included in the list of historical monuments. Once upon a time, gates equipped with towers and battlements were part of stone bridge across the river Sel. The gate got its name in honor of the knights of the Teutonic Order, whose hospital was located nearby.

The construction of city fortifications began here in 1230, and in 1445, gates were erected to control traffic on the bridge, consisting of two round towers, architectural appearance which was quite strict, devoid of a large number of decorative elements, excluding a small number of zoomorphic images. Only this part of the fortress wall has survived to this day, the total length of which reached seven kilometers, and its thickness was 3.5 meters. An inscription of the 16th century has been preserved on the arch, mentioning the initiators of the construction and the architect.

House of Joan of Arc

In the east of France, in the small village of Domremy, now belonging to the Vosges department, on January 6, 1412, a world-famous French heroine and Saint Joan of Arc was born. There is no doubt about where she comes from. Firstly, during the interrogation in her case, she clearly answered that she was born in the northern part of the village of Domremi, which belonged to the city of Greu. Secondly, there are documents from various times and testimonies of people indicating that Joan of Arc spent her childhood in the village of Domremy. The house of the D'Arc family, where the future heroine of France lived, has miraculously survived to this day.

A small house that used to be on Moulin Street, and now on Basil Street, has only 4 rooms, above which there is a large attic with a window. On the first floor, in the place where Jeanne was born, there is a bronze statue of Jeanne - a gift from Princess Marie of Orleans. The house has been restored several times. After the death of Jeanne, her relatives lived in it. In 1829, her last descendant died, leaving the house to the municipality to turn it into a museum.

In the front part of the house, in the one where Jeanne herself was born, there were wall paintings of the little Maid of Orleans back in the 16th century. Unfortunately, they have not survived to this day.

Sainte-Cirq-Lapopie

Sainte-Cirq-Lapopie is one of the most picturesque settlements in France, which even won a television competition as the most beautiful village in the country. It is built on a sheer cliff at a height of 100 meters above the river. This is actually a museum open sky, which preserved the original architecture of the late Middle Ages. Life here is very unusual.

The mayor of the village, Gilles Hardeveld, has a policy of preserving the original way of life. The influx of tourists leaves a certain imprint on everyday life local residents, but despite this, the old atmosphere takes its toll. Sainte-Cirq-Lapopie is built on a rock and each narrow street consists of many steps. You will not find a single store here, because all products are brought in on special vehicles. But there are enough restaurants here. One of the most popular is called La Tonnelle.

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Cheese house in the Münster valley

The Cheese House in the Münster Valley, located near the French town of Münster, is a popular agro-tourist complex. It was created on the initiative of local farmers who were interested in continuing the traditions of cheese making, which were established in this area in the 10th century by Italian monks. The name of the famous Munster cheese, which is produced in this region of France, is translated from Latin as "monastery".

In the Cheese House, visitors will be introduced to the technology of Münster cheese production and, of course, they will be treated to the finished product. It will also be interesting to know at what time of the year the most delicious cheese is produced. The complex has a restaurant open at lunchtime. From its outdoor terrace opens beautiful view to the area. You can buy Munster cheese for yourself and as a gift in a shop located here, on the territory of the agro-complex.

The most popular attractions in Lorraine with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit the famous places of Lorraine on our website.

Each city has a large selection of hotels of different price categories. For example, in Moluse, accommodation in the city center at the Kyriad Hotel Mulhouse will cost from 70 euros per night. If you want a cheaper option, you should pay attention to hotels away from the central part of the city. For example, the Relais de Rixheim hotel, where a night stay costs from 25 euros.
In Strasbourg, Metz, Colmar, hotels are mostly expensive. The price, even in hotels on the outskirts of the city, will start from 50 euros.
Campsites are very popular in Alsace and Lorraine, they are here near every town.
Also, in some villages there is an opportunity to spend a few days on a real peasant farm. In such mini-hotels, you can fully enjoy rural life in the province. Some farmers offer to participate in agricultural work and even in the grape harvest.

Climate

Alsace has a continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Heavy rains mostly come in late autumn.
Lorraine has an oceanic climate. It determines humid air, changeable temperature throughout the day and frequent rains (the largest amount of rain falls in November-December). The region occupies a flat territory, because of this there are strong winds.

Kitchen

The cuisine of these two regions is much different from the traditional french cuisine, the German influence is noticeable here. Almost all dishes are very rich and fatty.
The most famous dish of the region is shukrut (sauerkraut in a variety of variations).
Popular dishes:
- Strasbourg sausages;
- goose liver in dough;
- carp frit;
- goose pate with truffles;
- baked pheasant;
- smoked pork with cumin;
- Pie with pork and onions;
- fruit pies.
Alsace is famous for producing delicious beer.

Attractions

A large number of military fortresses and cemeteries reminds of the difficult military past of the regions.
For several centuries, the land was divided between France and Germany. Because of such wars, the inhabitants of these regions are true patriots.

Alsace and Lorraine is a very colorful part of the country. In many families it is customary to speak German and French, from this often new dialects appear. Also, residents observe the traditions of the two countries.

Alsace- most small region in France, but despite this it is very diverse. There are mountains, flat valleys, vast forest areas, large pastures.

Its capital is the city (Strasbourg). In it, like nowhere better, you can see the manifestation of the German atmosphere in everything: wooden houses in half-timbered style, the names of streets and squares in the German way, even in cooking, dishes of German cuisine mainly prevail.
Today the city is the capital of the European Union.
The central part is located on the island, a large number of monuments are concentrated here ancient architecture (gothic cathedral Notre Dame is the tallest church in Europe).
It is also worth visiting the Petite France quarter with fortress towers.
Covered bridges are the hallmark of Strasbourg. Most best view on them opens from the Vauban dam.

Since the 14th century, Christmas markets (Christkindlesmarkt) have been held in the city. Every year, tourists from all over Europe come to these festivities. Fairs are held on several squares and streets, but the main one is located on the central Broglie square. Each fair offers buyers beautiful Christmas decorations, candles, local crafts and other Christmas gifts and souvenirs. Every evening, different performances are held on the squares, and in order to refresh themselves, they offer delicious snacks and strong drinks.

Selestat is located between Strasbourg and Colmar.
The city is famous Latin school XV century with a huge library.
Even in the city, the Romanesque church of Sainte-Foy of the 13th century has been preserved, and the church in gothic style Saint-Georges, 16th century.
In the suburbs, you can visit the medieval castles of Bernstein, Kinzheim, Odenbur, Berheim.

The city of Mulhouse belonged to Switzerland for a long time, now it is an important industrial centre region. He has rich history and to this day has retained most of its ancient monuments.
There are more than a hundred museums in the city (Museum of Printing on Fabrics, Historical Museum, Automobile Museum, Wallpaper Museum, Railway Museum, etc.)
The city botanical park contains a large collection of rare plants.
In the neighboring village of Soluz there is a castle that belonged to Count Dantes, who killed Pushkin in a duel.

Lorraine borders with three countries - Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg.
In winter, lovers of calm flat slopes come to the region. Popular ski centers in the region: La Bresse, Le Brabant, Champ du Feu, Dolleren, Schlumpf, Le Lispach, Lac Blanc La Planche des Belles Filles, La Bouloie, Gerardmer, Larcenaire, Col des Bagenelles, Gaschne, Le Valtin, Rouge Gazon, Le Tanet, Ventron, Schnepfenried, Xonrupt Longemer.

Lorraine hosts world famous festival balloons Lorraine Mondial. Every odd year, in July and August for 10 days, teams from all over the world come to participate in this exciting event. The festival takes place at a former NATO airfield. Last year, over 400 balloons took part in the event. Hundreds of colorful balloons fill the blue sky - it's just an incredible sight.

The main architectural pride of the city is the Cathedral of St. Stephen. majestic temple impresses with its rich decoration.
The Pompidou Exhibition Center is also worth a visit. Huge exhibition areas, an original roof and rare collections will impress all visitors.
In Metz, for the first time in Europe, a pedestrian zone appeared.

Opera theatre the city was built back in 1753, it is located on place de la Comedie.
Another famous landmark of the city is the Bridge of the Dead. In medieval times, after the death of a person, all his savings went to the construction of bridges.
Metz often called the city of gardens. Large collections of fruit trees are grown in its vicinity.
There are many souvenir shops and cafes on Place Saint-Louis.

Nancy

The main attraction of the city is the 13th century Saint-Etienne Cathedral. At night, it is illuminated from all sides.
Buildings in the German quarter of Viel-Alleman are very reminiscent of small fortresses. Narrow old streets just immersed in greenery and flowers. Be sure to take a stroll through the Esplanade gardens and La Pepinier park.
On small island The Comedy is a theatre, Place XVIII, a Germanic-style church and the Cours-d'Or Art Museum.
Also, in the city it is worth visiting the Palace of Justice and the Old Arsenal.

Museums of Nancy:
- Museum of Fine Arts;
- Aquarium Museum;
- Cordelier Museum;
- Museum of Lorraine;
- Ecole Museum.
In the suburbs of Nancy, you can visit the Motorcycle Museum and the balneological center Thermopolis.

In the city of Verdun (Verdun) are the Notre Dame Cathedral of the XIV century with underground galleries and memorial museum in honor of two world wars.

The town of Domremy is the birthplace of the town of the Maid of Orleans, Joan of Arc. Now in the city there is a monument to the national heroine of France.

shopping

The small towns and villages of the regions retained the French adoration for delicacies and the German satiety in food. Therefore, the main purchases of these regions have always been and will be gastronomic goods.

From the famous wine road, it is simply impossible to return without a delicious white wine. Also, schnapps, which is made on the basis of fruits, is famous for its special popularity.

In the city of Gertwiller, it is worth buying the famous Alsatian gingerbread in the form of little men.

Also pay attention to local products made of crystal, porcelain and ceramics (vases, napkin holders, beer mugs, pots, toys).

Large shopping centers and supermarkets are concentrated only in the main cities of the region (Strasbourg, Colmar, Metz, Nancy). IN small towns trade is mainly concentrated in open markets, in central squares. IN tourist season, due to the influx of travelers, prices often rise.

You should definitely visit these parts, and there is more than one reason for this. Wooded mountains, spacious meadows, mirror rivers and lakes, orchards, vineyards, ancient streets, amazing architecture- all this attracts tourists from all over the world.

Lorraine is located in the northeast of France, next to Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg. that is why it is often called the land of three frontiers (“Pays de Trois Frontières”). This region includes 4 departments: Meuse, Meurthe and Moselle, Moselle and Vosges. These departments were formed during the French Revolution in the territories of the province of Barrois, the three bishoprics (Metz, Verdun and Toul) and the historic Duchy of Lorraine. The capital of Lorraine is the city of Nancy. Majority local population speaks French, unlike Alsace, where German, although the culinary preferences are strongly influenced by Germany. The climate is reminiscent of the south of England, with warm summer months and cool winters. The temperate climate of the region attracts tourists and potential property buyers.

The agricultural output of Lorraine accounts for only 2.8% of France's annual gross income. However, this does not mean that the locals do not like to engage in agriculture. They grow oats and wheat on the clay and limestone soil of western Lorraine. Numerous limestone ridges in the departments of Meuse and Moselle served as natural barriers to frequent raids on Lorraine, while in other areas, fortresses and walls were built to secure the lowlands between the ridges.

There are many sloping pastures in Lorraine and therefore the production of dairy products is well established in the region. The famous local Gamay varieties are used, among other things, for the production of Beaujolais wine. To the delight of connoisseurs, the local pale red wine "Cote de Toul" has a strong fruity or floral aroma. The region has a rich tradition of wine and beer production, although many local breweries have ceased operations. Local kitchen gained worldwide recognition thanks to traditional dishes, as "quiche lorraine" (smoked bacon, popular all over the world, is an invariable ingredient in the cuisine of Lorraine).

Due to the recession in the mining, textile and metallurgical industries, the unemployment rate has risen. Economic stability in the region is supported by high rates of development of the service sector.

With a population of approximately 2.5 million, Lorraine boasts a cultural wealth that goes far beyond military history. Despite the French government's "single language" policy, the region is still a mixture of various dialects and nationalities, which often cannot be attributed to either the French or the Germans.

The two main cities of Lorraine, Metz and Nancy, are characterized by a rich cultural heritage and beauty. However, the rest of this region, consisting of windswept farmland and industrial areas, does not contribute to the popularity of Lorraine among homeowners. This means that property prices and the cost of living are quite low. Anyone wishing to buy a property in a picturesque countryside can choose what they like for a very affordable price. Just a few hours drive from the Moselle, a property for sale in an ecologically clean area. This perfect place both for buying a family hearth and for investing abroad. The new high-speed electric train "Te-Zhe-Ve" with the Paris-Strasbourg service makes this area even more accessible.

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 is for you, then your trip should certainly begin with Nancy, an amazingly 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- the area, which is surrounded by examples of architecture of the eighteenth century, it serves as a separator between the old and new parts of the city. 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, then you should take a look at Malbrook, which will surely appeal to all fans of 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 the Germans and the French.