A land of history, culture, know-how and flavors, Lorraine invites you to make many discoveries. Between large cities with a rich heritage, small villages in the countryside or in the mountains, renowned spa towns and vast natural areas, your capacity to marvel will be increased tenfold.
As you travel the roads of Lorraine, you will inevitably have the impression of plunging into the heart of history. In Nancy, you will appreciate the splendor of the 18th century, when King Stanislas I decided to create the famous royal square. Enjoy also the monuments of the old city that date back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance: the Commanderie tower, the Craffe gate, the ducal palace, the Cordeliers church... In Metz, admire the oldest church in France, the Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains abbey (5th century), but also the gothic Saint-Etienne cathedral and the recent Pompidou-Metz center But also discover Bar-le-Duc for its Renaissance district of the upper town and Épinal for its castle, its Saint-Maurice basilica and its Maison Romaine.
Extend your exploration of Lorraine by following thematic paths. Follow, for example, the abbeys' route frequented by pilgrims in the past. Admire the Prémontés abbey in Pont-à-Mousson with its superb cloister and its magnificent stairways. Discover the abbeys of the Rabodeau valley, built in pink Vosges sandstone (Étival-Clairefontaine, Moyenmoutier, Senones), the abbey of Saint-Mihiel in Meuse and the one in Remiremont. Then walk through the places affected by the tragedies of the 19th and 20th centuries: Verdun and its memorial, the Maginot line, the citadels of Bitche, Phalsbourg...
Finally, take advantage of the wide open spaces of Lorraine to recharge your batteries and to practice many activities. Go to Vittel, Langatte or another spa town to enjoy long moments of well-being. Go paddling or do other water sports on the lakes of Gérardmer or Madine. On foot, follow the famous route des Crêtes or the health trail at the Roche du Sphinx, near Anould. By bike, take the Véloroute du canal de la Sarre or the loop of the Moselle river and, in winter, ride down the slopes of the ski area of La Bresse. At the end of the day, treat yourself to another moment of relaxation by savoring local specialties and products: quiche and potée lorraines, wagotine, macaroons, bergamots, madeleines de Commercy, mirabelle plum pie...