France - Lorraine
|
The Lorraine region in north east France is famous for its prestigious crystal industry, St. Louis, Baccarat, Daum, Sèvres. Those of you looking for bargains will have no problem finding factory outlet shops offering discounts of anything up to 40%. Nancy, Lorraine's capital is a city full of delights and hidden surprises. Its sumptuous Place Stanislas, in the old town, fountains and iron gates are just a few of the numerous attractions of this lively and friendly city. The birthplace of Art Nouveau, Nancy remains a firm European cultural centre with a very large student population. Before the revolution of 1789, France was divided into separate provinces. One of these provinces, Lorraine, was located on the North-East side of the country, along the German border. Lorraine was formed in 843 when King Charlemagne's empire was divided among his three grandsons. King Lothaire, heir to this land, gave it his name, which eventually evolved into " Lorraine." Over the years, the kingdom lost territories and became an independent Duchy. It wasn't until 1766 that Lorraine officially became a part of France. It is now divided into four departments Moselle, Meuse, Meurthe-et-Moselle and Vosges, with the main cities Metz, Nancy and Verdun. |
Because of its geographical position, Lorraine has always been the scene of wars and invasions. After France lost the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, Germany annexed Lorraine. It remained German until the end of World War I in 1918.
In 1940, during World War II, it was occupied again by Germany and many of its population were expelled. This war-torn area was finally liberated and returned to France in November 1944 by General Patton.
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, Lorraine 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. |
