Our guide to...
Lorraine
The region of Lorraine shares borders with Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg. It’s a wonderful rural retreat with peaceful river valleys, and with enough vineyards and breweries to keep even the most discerning connoisseur happy. Lorraine is a particularly religious region, with churches or cathedrals in almost every town and village. During a self catering stay in a gîte in Lorraine, you’ll get an unparalleled insight into a rich and turbulent history, with museums and monuments telling stories of the rich elite and the region’s less wealthy residents.
Meurthe-et-Mosselle is the central department of the region of Lorraine, and the place to stay for gîte holidays amongst wonderful parks and gardens. The city of Nancy features a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Place Stanislas, and the Muséum-Aquarium des Nancy with its varied and extensive collections and its tanks full of tropical fish. Le Petit Train is a little road train that offers a wonderful tour of the city, and if Nancy doesn’t have enough to keep you occupied then you’ll be able to explore the rest of Meurthe-et-Moselle by hot air balloon, on foot, or on a river boat tour to see the farms, vineyards and spectacular country parks.
In Meuse, you’ll walk in the footsteps of World War I soldiers that fought at the Battle of Verdun. Historical re-enactments take place on the battlefield, and you’ll see reminders of the department’s military past in museums and at the Douaumont Ossuary. Verdun’s national cemetery is a thought-provoking memorial, and well worth a visit during your stay in Lorraine.
Though Meuse’s attractions are mostly historic, including architecturally significant buildings and military museums, you’ll find that there are plenty of other worthwhile things to do during your visit. Meuse’s rural areas are popular for walking, fishing, horse-riding and water sports, and there are idyllic golf courses where you can while away the hours. No matter how busy you are enjoying active pursuits or touring Meuse’s battlefields, take time to stop and savour regional foods including wines, truffles and an authentic quiche Lorraine.
The department of Mosselle is where you’ll find Metz; Lorraine’s capital city and the home of the Saint-Etienne Cathedral. You’ll find hundreds of restaurants to choose from, and can enjoy other attractions including the impressive Temple Neuf and the oldest church in France. Outside of the city, Mosselle’s attractions range from the Parc Zoologique d’Amneville and Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix, both with diverse collections of animals, to the intricately detailed Lourdes Grotte – a sanctuary and area of religious interest in the picturesque and peaceful town of Lixing-les-Rouhling.
Vosges, the department named after the Vosges Mountains, is most easily recognised as a top ski resort. During the winter months, you can spend your holiday racing down the mountains and making your way back up to the top. Trekking, ice climbing and snowboarding are other activities to enjoy, as you join the thousands of tourists who deliberately schedule their holidays for Lorraine’s snowy season.
During the warmer months, the whole family will find plenty of things to do. Mine tours and museums make for an educational day out, and you won’t want to miss the Fraispertuis City theme park with its Wild West rides and attractions. If you’re looking for the most thrilling department in Lorraine, then you’ll want to book your holiday at a gîte in Vosges.
Areas of Lorraine
Vosges
Vosges, the department named after the Vosges Mountains, is most easily recognised as a top ski resort. During the winter months, you can spend your holiday racing down the mountains and making your way back up to the top.
Meurthe et Moselle
Meurthe-et-Mosselle is the central department of the region of Lorraine, and the place to stay for gîte holidays amongst wonderful parks and gardens. The city of Nancy features a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Meuse
In Meuse, you'll walk in the footsteps of World War I soldiers that fought at the Battle of Verdun. Historical re-enactments take place on the battlefield, and you'll see reminders of the department's military past in museums and at the Douaumont Ossuary.
Moselle
The department of Mosselle is where you'll find Metz; Lorraine's capital city and the home of the Saint-Etienne Cathedral. You'll find hundreds of restaurants to choose from, and can enjoy other attractions including the impressive Temple Neuf and the oldest church in France.
