Portrait of a smiling land. For centuries, Lorraine has been a
major European crossroads, resulting in a rich mixture of
cultural influences. Today, it is a idyllic setting for
holidays where the art of good living includes friendliness and
good cheer in its open hearted towns and villages.
The Vosges blue mountains rise in the distance, a backdrop
against the green fields and open countryside. It is a land of
vivid colors, culture and culinary traditions, enjoying its
vistas of ageless beauty. The majority of its numerous streams
and rivers rise in the Vosges. Salts and minerals from their
mountains have given the springs of Lorraine a reputation of
curative powers since ancient times.
Celtic temples and Roman baths were the forerunners of the
well-known spas and health resorts of Vittel and its Club
Mediterranée, Contrexéville, Plombières,
Bains-Les-Bains and Amneville, close to Metz. These rich natural
resources play important roles, both as plant and wildlife
reserves and as watersport centers. There are many varieties of
lakes, varying from the deep cold glacier lakes of the Vosges to
the shallower lakes and pools of the Sarrebourg and the Saulnois
regions, plus the river lakes of the Meuse valley, which provide
perfect habitats for trout and coarse fish in their crystalline
purity. Many lakes are fishing reserves full of carp and perch.
The Lindre is a fine example of an unique bird sanctuary on one
of the major migration routes for many species of aquatic birds.
Sailing, windsurfing and motor boats are all unrestricted on
vast expanses of water such as Madine, Gondrexange, Stock and
Gérardmer. With 700 kms of navigable waterways,
including the Marne-Rhine Canal and the Moselle, enthusiasts
come from all over the world to enjoy cruising from lock to
lock. Perhaps resting overnight in the heart of Metz at the foot
of the Cathedral or taking the impressive boat-lift au
Saint-Louis-Arzviller that joins Lorraine with Alsace.
Regional Portrait
Regional tourism board
Department tourism board
