About Lorraine
Lorraine (population 2.31 million), or Lorraine-Vosges as it's also called, is situated in the north-eastern corner of France bordering Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg, and contains the departments of Meuse (55), Meurthe-et-Moselle (54), Moselle (57) and Vosges (88). Like Alsace, Lorraine has been fought over for centuries by France and Germany, between whom it has frequently swapped ownership (the region retains a strong Germanic influence). Although mainly an industrial area, Lorraine is largely unspoiled and is popular with nature lovers and hikers. It's noted for its meandering rivers, rolling hills, wooded valleys, and delightful medieval towns and villages. Lorraine is famous for its Moselle wines and quiche, but regional cuisine also includes mouth-watering tarts, clafoutis, soufflés and gratins, and the local beer is highly regarded. Glass and crystal making are ancient traditions. Lorraine's main towns include Nancy (54), the regional capital, and Metz, and there's a wealth of picturesque villages, including Bussang, Ferrette, Le Hohwald, Saint-Amerin and Schirmeck, plus resort towns such as Masevaux and Plimbières-les-Bains. Lorraine has few foreign residents and is largely ignored by tourists and second homebuyers despite the relatively low cost of living and reasonable property prices. The region has good road access via the A4 and A31 motorways.
©Text by David Hampshire, from Survival Books' Buying a Home in France