A diverse and fascinating region, Lorraine, in the north-east of France, will appeal to anyone, no matter if you are interested in history, art or the great outdoors. Many of the defensive fortresses that made up the Maginot Line are within Lorraine and the area has a particularly interesting military history, while the picturesque town of Nancy was the home of the Art Nouveau movement. The main town of Metz is well worth a visit, particularly to see the Gothic cathedral and its spectacular stained glass windows.
Built in the 1930s to prevent a German invasion of France, the Maginot Line was a string of defensive fortresses, many of which are still standing and can be visited in Lorraine today. There were originally nearly 60 fortresses, and though many have been allowed to go to ruin, the Hackenberg fort, near the border town of Veckring, is one of the largest still standing. Further north is the Fermont Fort, a fascinating underground development, almost the size of a small town, that was built to keep the Maginot Line supplied using a train system. The underground fort can be visited today, though only with a guided tour. The trains that were once used to ferry soldiers, weapons and food the length of the defences are now used to transport tourists through the tunnels.
Once you have visited these fortifications and seen the preparations for war, you should visit Verdun to see the aftermath. The town is now known as the World Capital of Peace and is home to an important human rights centre – all because of the events that took place in this part of France during World War I. Outside the town itself there are dozens of cemeteries, burial grounds and memorials to the dead of both World Wars. The Douaumont Ossuary was built to house the remains of 130,000 unknown soldiers while an entire regiment was buried in the Bayonet Trench. These places may not be fun, but they are important historical attractions and people travel from all over the world to visit them.
You will probably need some cheering up after visiting the thought-provoking town of Verdun, and there is nowhere better than the pretty, colourful town of Nancy. While there are many examples of medieval and 18th century buildings in the town, the most famous are those that date from the early 1900s, when the movement known as Art Nouveau first emerged in the town. Many of the modern buildings are constructed in this style and there are several museums and galleries dedicated to some of the biggest names in the school and their work in Nancy and beyond.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Lorraine? Then below is a selection of gites in Lorraine and villas in Lorraine that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
