Lorraine region

Lorraine is a region steeped in artistic tradition. Glass has been hand blown for over 200 years at Baccarat and still continues today. Saint Louis crystal is the oldest in France, having been producing wonderful engraved crystal for 400 years. Embroidery, china and earthenware are all produced in this region and, at Mirecourt, there is a long tradition of stringed instrument making, exporting violins all over the world, as well as making organs. The region also has many beautiful churches, abbeys and cathedral dating from Roman times onwards. Also of interest are the fortifications of the Maginot Line and the World Peace Centre at Verdun. Moselle wine is world-renowned and the vineyards offer guided tours and tasting sessions and, of course, the opportunity to buy a case of two. The landscape in Lorraine is very varied with mountains, rolling hills and many rivers and canals, where you can hire a boat and take life at a steady pace.

Accommodation in Lorraine is both plentiful and varied. There are chic hotels, country auberges, farmhouses and gites and, of course, many "chambre d'hote" bed and breakfast establishments. There is something for everyone is this charming region.

The Departments

The department of Meurthe-et-Moselle is in the centre of the region of Lorraine. The main industry here is wine producing and the "Route des Grands Cru" reads like an expensive wine list. This expedition should be a must on every wine-lovers agenda. There are many well known gastromic delights from this region including Quiche Lorraine, sugared almonds and rum baba orginates from here.

Nevers in theMeuse department has a rock and international jazz festival every year, with bands from all over Europe. There are many activities on offer in the Morvan country park, a huge unspoilt area, where you can walk or cycle for miles without meeting a soul. Wildlife abounds. Or take the wine trail in Pouilly sur Loire for more great tasting wines.

The department of Moselle is famous for its wine. Like all wine producing areas in France, there are guided tours, tastings and tempting offers to buy. There are also many interesting buildings and remains to visit in Moselle. The city of Macon has a lovely cathedral as well as excellent shopping, hotels, restaurants and cafes. The Roman ruins in Autun as impressive and well worth a visit.

The Vosges department is the highest of the Lorraine departments with seven ski resorts in the Vosges mountains and miles of walking and cycling trails of all levels of difficulty. The Par de Haut-Chitelet is the biggest alpine garden in France. The city of Nancy has an opera house, cathedral, shops, hotels, bars, cafes and a lively atmosphere.