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Lorraine the
only region of France that shares a border with three countries
- Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany and as a result has been a flashpoint
for centuries of conflict most notably the terrible battle of Verdun.
This was the most costly of World War One and almost bled France
dry. Reminders of World War Two are everywhere in Lorraine too.
The region is studded with Maginot
Line forts. For all its tragic history and recent industrialisation
the Lorraine Region is still a very attractive one. It contains
the famous Moselle wine region and many beautiful historic towns
notably Nancy which includes no less than three World Heritage Listed
sites.
Metz | Moselle | Lorraine | 57000
Metz is capital of the Lorraine Region of northeastern France. It
is close to the borders of Luxembourg and Germany and was at one
stage part of Germany. It is an industrial centre but retains some
historic charm. It is located on the Moselle River home to the white
wine of that name. Metz has embarked upon an ambitious urban renewal
program and trying to change its economic direction to high tech.
Metz is 360 km east of Paris via the Autoroute and is a useful base
for exploring the Champagne region and the Maginot Line. A new TGV
line linking Paris to Metz is soon to be completed.
Nancy
| Meurthe-et-Moselle | Lorraine | 54000
Nancy (pronounced Noncee)is capital of the Lorraine region in northeastern
France. It is an elegant city of many beautiful historic buildings
including the magnificent squares of Place Stanislas, Place de la
Carriere and Place d’Alliance. The area has changed hands
between France and Germany over the centuries and was once known
as Nanzig. Its cuisine is excellent, being the birthplace for such
famous dishes as Quiche Lorraine, rum babas and Macaroons. Nancy
is well served by train and road, but has no major airport although
is 170km from a major hub in Basel-Mulhouse. AS Nancy competes in
French soccer’s first division.
Thionville | Moselle | Lorraine | 57100
Thionville (pronounced tea-on-vil) is an attractive city on the
picturesque Moselle River which is at the heart of the Moselle wine
region. Thionville sits near the border with Germany so has suffered
through the various Franco-German conflicts over the centuries.
Between the two world wars massive underground fortifications that
were part of the Maginot Line were constructed near Thionville.
Several of the forts of the ‘Great Wall of France’ have
been restored and visitors can take tours through them.
Getting
there
By road with Viamichelin.com
routeplanner
By air via Paris or
Basel Mulhouse
By rail from Paris
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