MeurtheetMoselle

Meurthe-et-Moselle is a department in the Grand Est region of northeastern France. Named after the Meurthe and Moselle rivers, it has Nancy as its prefecture and largest city. The department covers about 5,200 square kilometers and is home to roughly 750,000 inhabitants.

Geography: It is bordered by the departments of Vosges to the south, Meuse to the west, and Moselle to the east. The Meurthe and Moselle rivers run through the territory, shaping its landscape and history. The main urban centers include Nancy, Lunéville, Toul, and Briey.

History: Meurthe-et-Moselle was created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790, from parts of the former duchy of Lorraine. Nancy developed as the administrative and cultural center. After the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71, the region remained French, while parts of nearby Lorraine were ceded to Germany.

Administration and municipalities: The department is divided into four arrondissements: Briey, Lunéville, Nancy, and Toul. It belongs to the Grand Est region and is further subdivided into cantons and communes.

Culture and notable sites: Nancy’s Place Stanislas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a centerpiece of the capital. The Château de Lunéville is another historic landmark. The University of Lorraine has campuses in Nancy, and the area hosts cultural events such as music and arts festivals.

Economy and transport: The economy combines services, administration, education, and manufacturing. The region is served by major routes including the A31 and A33 motorways, and by the high-speed Paris-Strasbourg line via Nancy. The Lorraine metropolitan area around Nancy is a hub for rail and road transport.