Regions of France : Lorraine 

The Leuci and Mediomatrici tribes settled in Lorraine long before it came under Roman rule in the 1st century B.C. For the next several centuries Lorraine was a part of the Belgium Province of the Roman Empire. Lorraine, like Alsace, has passed between French and German rule numerous times over the centuries.

Following the demise of the Roman Empire, Alsace and Lorraine both fell under the rule of Merovingien King Clovis, who held these regions until his death in 511. Upon his death, his son Theodoric (Thierry) became King of Austrasia, increasing his territory from the left bank of the Rhine River to the North Sea (engulfing Lorraine) with Metz becoming its main city.

Charlemagne died in 814. The Treaty of Verdun, in 843, divided his empire among his three grandsons; Charles the Bald was given the western part (France), Lothar received the Midlands (the North Sea to Rome) and Louis obtained the eastern part (Germany). Territorial unity was finally restored, in what used to be Charlemagne’s Holy Roman Empire, through this troika rule.

Notwithstanding the Treaty of Verdun, a series of wars ravaged the area and decimated the population. Lorraine went from French rule to German rule a number of times. In the early 18th century Lorraine became a French Province. In 1790, Lorraine was divided into the four départements that exist today: Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Moselle and Vosges.

In 1871, France lost the departement of Moselle, and the region of Alsace, to the Prussians. The area remained under German control until 1918, the end of WWI, at which time it was returned to France. Once again, In 1940, Lorraine was conquered by the Germans. It was returned to France, after the war, in 1945.

The Cuisine

The region’s best known dish is, of course, Quiche Lorraine. Originally, it was exclusive to Lorraine; made from ham, cheese, cream and eggs. Today, it is an international favorite.

The Economy of Lorraine

Today, the region of Lorraine is poised as a major European crossroads, replete with a wonderful blend of French and German cultures, friendly people, and a beautiful countryside. It is a prominent industrial and agricultural area located where green fields abound with the blue backdrop of the Vosges mountains. This is also the area that gave France Joan of Arc (Joan of Arc was born in Donrémy).

The Vosges mountains is the origin of the streams and rivers that provide the minerals and salts that give the springs of Lorraine their famous healing powers. Some of the most famous thermal spas in the world, such as Vittel, Club Mediterranea, Bains-les-Bains, are found here. These natural springs are ecologically important to the plants and wildlife of the area. Clear, cold lakes make it a fishing and camping paradise. Fish for breakfast anyone?

Water sports, including motor boating and sailing, abound in the region, so why not try a cruise through the Marne-Rhine Canal and it’s locks…its really fantastic!