Lorraine, France Main Towns: Abreschviller, Armneville-les-Thermes, Augny, Baccarat, Bar-le-Duc, Bitche, Blenod, Chaligny, Charmes, Contrexeville, Eloyes, Epinal, Failly-Vremy, Faulquemont, Flavigny-sur-Moselle, Florange, Gerardmer, Gondreville, Gorcy, Hayange, Joeuf, Laudrefang, Longwy, Ludres, Luneville, Macheren, Marly, Mereville, Metz, Nancy, Neufchateau, Pont-a Mousson, Raon-aux-Bois, Remiremont, Rombas, Saint-Avold, Saint-Die-des-Vosges, Saint-Nabort, Sarrebourg, Seichamps, Thiaville-sur-Meurthe, Thionville, Toul, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, Ventron, Verdun, Vittel, Volstroff.

Lorraine, with its gently rolling landscape on the side of the mountains, is very French in character. Nancy, is Lorraine's historic capital, with elegant 18th-century architecture and town planning.

Much of the attraction of this region lies in its cuisine. Lorraine is known for its beer and Quiche Lorraine.

Lorraine has a long, colourful and often turbulent history, which has endowed its two major cities with a diverse artistic wealth: Metz, once a Gallo-Roman stronghold and Nancy where artworks are made out of urban architecture.

Metz, is a university city with outstanding churches and museums, vast landscaped gardens, miles of footpaths, and mirabelle plum wine served at lively cafes. Nancy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is half-way between Champagne and Alsace. The provincial capital is worth a detour to see its wonderful architecture, best enjoyed in the Place Stanislas. Visit the Musee du Cristal at Baccarat, with its displays of 230 years of crystal works by famous craftsmen, and Luneville, whose factories produce some of France's best-known porcelain. Nancy is also the gateway to Vittel, a name more familiar perhaps to those fancying bottled waters, but one that will be well-known to the growing ranks of health spa fans.

The best hotels are in nearby Contrexeville, a good base not only for taking the waters but for relaxing excursions into the wooded countryside.

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