What can you expect during your holidays in Lorraine?
You probably know Lorraine from the ‘quiche Lorraine,’ or perhaps by the name of Lorraine. Nancy, the historic city of the Dukes of Lorraine, contains a wealth of architectural and cultural heritage.
Discover Metz's historic past
Metz is beautifully located on the banks of the Moselle in the north-east of France. It is the largest city and capital of the Lorraine region. Metz is overflowing with sights and quaint little squares. Visit one of the city's many historic buildings, or stroll through the city's beautiful gardens. Metz's impressive Saint-Etienne cathedral is among the largest in the world, with a nave more than 40 metres high and 123 metres long. Its special feature is that two churches were converted in 1240 to form the current cathedral. The huge stained-glass windows from the 14th to 16th centuries are the showpiece of this structure. Some of the most beautiful stained glass windows were created by the famous artist Marc Chagall. The Pompidou-Metz is the most important museum in Metz and perhaps even in the Lorraine region. This brand new art temple opened in 2010 and gave the city a huge tourist boost. Designed in the style of the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Centre Pompidou-Metz has fascinating modern and contemporary art galore.
Dive into the history of Verdun
Verdun is marked by a heavy historical past, closely linked to the First World War. Of the settlements that this city on the Meuse has had, only three city gates remain. Verdun is home to a cathedral, a beautiful bishop's palace and many cosy and picturesque streets along the banks of the Meuse. The Ossuarium of Douaumont, located near Verdun, is an impressive memorial honouring the 130,000 unidentified French and German soldiers who died during the Battle of Verdun in World War I.
Did you know that Rodemack was voted one of the most beautiful French villages?
Rodemack is a picturesque medieval village in the Moselle region and one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’. The charming village enjoys a strategic location in the ‘Three Frontiers Region’, close to Germany and Luxembourg. The place, often referred to as the ‘little Carcassonne of Lorraine’, is surrounded by impressive 15th-century city walls 700 metres long.
The authentic town centre of Rocroi
Rocroi is a very special town: built in a star shape with a double rampart. Here you walk from one excellent defensive point to another to finally end up in the heart of the town. Rocroi has made history not only because of its architecture. An important victory was won over the Spaniards here in 1643. It was not until 1888 that it was demilitarised and the soldiers left. Yet today, a lot remains of its original form.
