Lorraine

Lorraine is a historic region in northeastern France. Since 2016 it forms part of the Grand Est administrative region, together with Alsace and Champagne-Ardenne. The historic region comprises three departments: Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, and Moselle. It is bordered by Belgium and Luxembourg to the north, Germany to the east, and by the French regions of Alsace to the southeast and Champagne-Ardenne to the west.

Geography and economy: The western edge is defined by the Vosges mountains; two major rivers, the Meuse and the Moselle, flow through the region. Lorraine has a long industrial heritage, notably coal mining and steel in the Moselle valley, but its economy today emphasizes manufacturing, logistics, and services. The Mirabelle plum and the quiche Lorraine are among regional culinary symbols.

History: Lorraine has been a border region between France and Germanic powers for centuries. The Duchy of Lorraine existed from the Middle Ages until it was incorporated into the French crown in 1766. After the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71) much of Lorraine was annexed by the German Empire as part of Alsace-Lorraine; it returned to France after World War I in 1919. During World War II, parts of Lorraine were annexed by Nazi Germany (1940–44) and returned after the war. In 2016 Lorraine ceased to exist as an administrative region and became part of the Grand Est.

Cultural notes: The region is known for Nancy and Metz, historic centers with significant architecture and universities; Verdun is a major World War I battlefield site. Lorraine is associated with quiche Lorraine in French cuisine and the Mirabelle plum of the Nancy area. The region also has a notable tradition of Art Nouveau in Nancy (the École de Nancy).