Lorraine Holiday Guide

Lorraine Holiday Guide

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A fascinating region offering much to the holiday maker

Lorraine is a land of contrasts, with parts of the region being heavily industrialised, yet it is also richly agricultural and possesses some stunning mountain scenery. As a holiday destination Lorraine has much to offer, although it has not yet been given the recognition it deserves. The region is historically fascinating and equally good for city breaks or countryside retreats.

Top 5 things to see and do in Lorraine

1. Camp in the countryside

Camping holidays are finally regaining popularity in these modern times of economic difficulty, with families in particular rediscovering the joys of peaceful nights under canvas in idyllic countryside. Huge swathes of unspoilt countryside, lush green fields, nature parks, rivers, mountains and forests with a wealth of flora and fauna, make Lorraine a delightful destination for spending time in the great outdoors and rediscovering a more peaceful way of life. Indeed, rural Lorraine could have been tailor-made for family camping holidays.

2. Enjoy the lakes

The plentiful lakes of Lorraine make it a perfect location for anyone who enjoys being in or around water. There are wild, natural lakes, stunning (if icy!) glacial lakes, man-made leisure lakes and state of the art designed fishing lakes where fishermen can find access to some of France's very best carp fishing. Indeed, the lakes and waterways of the region are an open secret among keen fishermen. There are better known fishing destinations in France, but few which can offer as much as Lorraine in terms of variety and beauty. Lorraine is an angler's heaven.

Meanwhile, those who prefer sailing, swimming, canoeing or windsurfing can also indulge their passions for water sports here in a region which is quietly building up a reputation as a top water sports destination.

3. Cruise the rivers and canals

Lorraine has an extensive network of rivers and canals running through the region which suggest wonderfully relaxing holidays on board a cruising boat. Gliding down the canals, negotiating the locks and watching the varied countryside and historic towns slipping by are some of the great pleasures to be found in Lorraine.

4. Discover the cities

History comes alive in towns like Metz, Nancy and Verdun, and there is a great cultural life to discover in these towns too, with festivals and other events taking place throughout the year.

5. Visit spas

Some of the most famous spas in France are found in the Lorraine region, and spa breaks are a wonderful way to refresh body and soul. Try the renowned Vittel water, which is bottled and sent all over the world, or take a slimming holiday at Contrexéville, where the water is said to have amazing qualities to help you shed the pounds. The ultimate spa break at the Amnéville Thermal Spa complex offers a fantastic range of treatments along with a zoo, a golf course, cinema, museum and a casino.

Top 5 towns and cities in Lorraine

1. Metz

The region's capital city is Metz, and is classified as a "Town of Art and History". The city lives up to its billing, and has enough architecture, art and history to easily fill a three-day city break. More than this, Metz is also a "City of the Arts", and has the oldest active opera house in France and a wealth of other cultural venues dedicated to music, art and performance.

2. Nancy

The second most important city in the region, Nancy is the proud possessor of the Place Stanislas, arguably the most beautiful square in the world. The square was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1983, and the city boasts a number of other UNESCO listed sites. Nancy is also notable for its glassware, works of art nouveau, and a cuisine offering delicacies such as macaroons and Rum Babas.

3. Verdun

Once the scene of a devastating battle, Verdun is now known as the World Capital of Peace. Verdun is a name that resonates in French history, and the events of the past can never be forgotten here. Guided tours of the battlefields, sound and light spectaculars in the summer months and a number of excellent museums provide an invaluable slice of history.

4. Épinal

The principal town of the Vosges region, Épinal is colourful and attractive and set in glorious surroundings of forests and waterways. The town's claim to fame lies in art, with the famous Épinal Prints, brightly coloured woodcut prints showcased today in a very good museum.

5. Remiremont

Not as well known as the foregoing towns, Remiremont is interesting to visit, on several counts. The town is quite delightful, with arcaded streets and enjoyable shopping, interesting museums and an acclaimed gastronomy. Its setting, in the peaceful forests of the Vosges, makes it a great base for walking or outdoor activity holidays.

Food and drink in Lorraine

Lorraine's gastronomic traditions gave the world one of its favourite dishes, the classic Quiche Lorraine. Much abused, especially on the dinner party tables of the sixties and seventies in the UK, this dish, as prepared in its home region, is worlds away from the tasteless quiches sold in its name in high street bakeries in the UK, and actually represents a true gastronomic delight.

The region is also notable for sweet treats such as macaroons and orange blossom scented Madeleine cakes, for Mirabelle plum brandy and excellent beers.

How to get to Lorraine

Lorraine doesn't currently have direct flights from the UK, but the airports of Strasbourg, Paris, Basel Mulhouse and Luxembourg all make the region accessible without too much difficulty. The TGV runs from Paris to the region, offering fast, reliable rail travel, while Lorraine can also easily be reached by road, taking the A26 from Calais to Reims, then following the A4 into the region. The nearest ferry ports are Dunkirk, Dieppe and Calais.

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